Dodge Stratus A/C - AC Auto Repair Help Forum


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Dodge Stratus A/C

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> AC Auto Repair Help Forum

nikon_hamie
New User

Jun 6, 2006, 6:07 PM

Post #1 of 6 (5452 views)

Dodge Stratus A/C	Sign In

I just replaced the AC compressor and receiver/dryer on my 2.4L dodge stratus. when I went to recharge, the AC compressor doesn't come on when I depress the AC button in the car. the outside pulley just keeps spinning. fan works fine, it's just blowing hot air like the compressor is not there.

what should I check out?? my fuse is fine and all my connections are ok.. but I never checked for voltages anywhere. I don't exactly know where to start or how to trouble shoot this from here.

I recently did a top-end rebuild including some performance stuff and decided to change the compressor while at it since it has 100000 miles.
did I miss a couple steps before instalation or maybe the clutch is bad? any help is greatly appreciated.

thank you

(This post was edited by nikon_hamie on Jun 6, 2006, 6:53 PM)

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 6, 2006, 10:47 PM

Post #2 of 6 (5442 views)

Re: Dodge Stratus A/C	Sign In

It's time for a 12V test light. Fuse should light up on both sides with A/C request.

Because you replaced the compressor check for power again there. If it has power (12V) at the plug reverse and check for ground. If that checks out go back to low side pressure switch and check for power. Check for wiring and a relay that should have power too and any wiring that might be chafed but that should blow the fuse.

Hit back with any findings that you observe and we can probably find this, T

DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Jun 8, 2006, 3:38 AM

Post #3 of 6 (5435 views)

Re: Dodge Stratus A/C	Sign In

I don’t do much with air so this is just a guess but don’t you have to jumper the low limit switch to fool the controls, so the compressor clutch will kick on? That’s until you have enough of a charge in the system for the low limit switch to trip; allowing the clutch to engage normally?
Like I said I haven’t done much with air conditioning for a long time but I remember something like this had to be done on the older stuff that I use to work on.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 8, 2006, 10:14 AM

Post #4 of 6 (5432 views)

Re: Dodge Stratus A/C	Sign In

As Dan said you can fool the system with a jumper wire at low side switch. Only do that with two wire switches. If not sure which switch don't do that. It is fused even with that trick and then will give you your pressures which really only count with the compressor running.

Was this system evacuated/vacuum held for a decent while - 1/2 hour or more? If not the charge has to be tried after you do. If you have power where it belongs it could be a defective repacement compressor especially if it came with the clutch which I do suggest. Clutch air gap could be to large for clutch coil to engage.

If power is all right you can tap on the outer plate of clutch and it should engage but you said stuff was new so you shouldn't be having that problem.

Don't use refrigerant with sealers or conditioners with new compressor as it will probably void any warranty.

Oh - that low switch should work at about 41 or so PSI in the system and pressures are best taken at 75 to 85F. It's just an on/off switch to protect system. T

nikon_hamie
New User

Jun 11, 2006, 1:43 PM

Post #5 of 6 (5420 views)

Re: Dodge Stratus A/C	Sign In

thanks for the replies and info guys.. I'll be giving this a shot tmro afternoon hopefully. I need to find my volt meter.. lol

one thing though.. this is dumb.. but I did not check the clutch air gap prior to installation.

Where exactly is it measured? How would I go about adjusting it if need be.. thanks much for your help

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 11, 2006, 5:08 PM

Post #6 of 6 (5418 views)

Re: Dodge Stratus A/C	Sign In

If the compressor came with the clutch it's probably ok. Look for the area where the head of the clutch should pull in to engage. It's a small gap about .20 (about a folded business card) and if way to big won't even with power to it. The adjustment of it almost always requires a special tool. If there's power to it just with engine in run position by key but off and request A/C and tap on the outer head. If it snaps snug the gap is too big.

If it does nothing it still could be the clutch coil if you have power to it but no engagement of the clutch. T

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