AC colder on passenger side

[Poe]

The AC on my 03 Rendezvous has started blowing cold air on the passenger side and warm (ambient) on the driver side. I'm wondering if it's the temperature actuator so, where can I find it in this vehicle? Also, it has dual zone controls. I haven't checked the refrigerant but, being dual zone, would it blow colder on one side if it was low?

[brcidd]

Put the factory recommended refrigerant charge in it and all issues will be gone. Very common problem when refrigerant charge diminishes due to a leak. Verify by extracting refrigerant and weighing it, then find and fix leak and evacuate and recharge to under hood label spec.

[Tech II]

You can check actuator operation, by just using the vent mode(this will not turn the A/C on), and use the dual system....with the car at normal operating temp, using the dual system, command both sides hot....should get 140-150F temp from both sides....now command the passenger side cold, and you should get slightly warmer than ambient air......now do the same to the driver's side....if temps are the same, there is nothing wrong with the actuators....

So if one side is cold, and the other isn't, as previously mentioned, it looks like you are low on refrigerant, usually caused by a leak....it could be anywhere......I am not sure of the year, but the U vans were known to leak at a weld, on the condenser......facing the vehicle, that weld is in the lower left hand corner....you will have to get down on the ground to see it....I believe the system already comes with a dye in it.....a blacklight should show oil residue from the weld.....

[brcidd]

Yes, the condensers on Rendevous, Aztec, Montana, Silhouette, and Uplander- all had leaks at lower passenger side bracket- but in my records all were '01 and '02 model years-- It evidently was fixed in '03- never seen this rule broken and I've repaired about 75 of them....over the last 13 years..

Does this ring true with anyone else?

[Tech II]

Brcidd, you may be right, I wasn't sure of the years involved......

[Poe]

Ok, thanks guys. I will check refrigerant.