Troubleshoot the AC in your Dodge Durango before summer hits.
Troubleshoot the air conditioning course in your Dodge Durango before the dog-days of summer hit. Problems with your Durango's AC manner are quite light to diagnose, if it be an subject with low levels of refrigerant or a defective compressor. Before beguiling your vehicle to a mechanic for what could be an expensive servicing, there are a meagre no problem troubleshooting steps you can flow concluded on your own.
Instructions
1. Proof the fuse box to the left of the brake pedal for any blown fuses. Peruse the schematic on the inside insert of the fuse box for directions on establish the fuse connected to the air conditioning system. If the thin metal strip inside the glass fuse-tube is broken or damaged, replace it with another of the exact same amperage rating.
2. The firewall is the metal partition between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment and extends from beneath the windscreen to under the engine.5. Inspect the AC hoses for any leaks. If you notice oily residue on the hoses, they may need to be replaced.
3. Start the engine and set the AC to the coldest setting. Check under the hood to see if the magnetic clutch connected to the AC compressor engages. You will be able to see and hear the clutch turn over. If it does not, the system may be low on refrigerant, Check that the drive belt is securely connected to the compressor. A compressor that is excessively noisy may need to be replaced. This could also point to cross-contaminated coolant, air trapped in the system or the wrong type of compressor lubricant. If the clutch is receiving voltage but is not engaging the compressor, the clutch could be defective and may need to be replaced. If you notice a leak around the compressor shaft seal, the seal may need to be replaced.
4. Check to see that the two heater hoses near the firewall are warm. One of the hoses should be a little cooler than the other. If they are both the same temperature, the valve control could be faulty and may need to be replaced. The heater hoses are roughly the thickness of a regular garden hose. Start the engine and turn on the AC and electric blower fan to check for any damage to the controls. If the switches are loose or hard to move, have them replaced. If the fan does not turn on, a fuse may have blown, or the fan itself may be faulty.
6. Test the air conditioning system for sufficient pressure. Turn off the engine and connect the AC compression test gauge. Remove the black caps from the low and high-side ports. Attach the blue hose to the low-side service port, and the red hose to the high-side service port. The reading should be between Fifty and Eighty PSI. If the reading is below this, have a qualified mechanic investigate it for you.
