98 Grand Caravan A/C

[Gumby256]

Hi All! I've got a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.8l V6 and the A/C stoped working. The blower fan works, the A/C button lights up when depressed but no cold air. Typically I'd hear the compressor clutch engaging but that is not happening. The fuse and relay in the fuse box are fine, swaped them with another and no help. I also checked for diagnostic codes and there are none (999). Any help on my next steps would be much appreciated! Thanks.

[RIP]

You are most likely low on refrigerant. The compressor won't turn on if it's low. When you have it serviced have them install a die with the refigerant so they can find the leak.

[brcidd]

Gotta love thos carvans and voyagers-- last 2 or 3 a/c analysis I did on them- showed leaky evaporator-- a dash pull.

[Gumby256]

Are the parts store do-it-yourself refrigerants worth doing or should I just take it somewhere?

[Gumby256]

Originally Posted by brcidd

Gotta love thos carvans and voyagers-- last 2 or 3 a/c analysis I did on them- showed leaky evaporator-- a dash pull.

Ouch, bet that's a tough job! Don't think I'm ready to do that! What's the average cost of that?

[brcidd]

Usually worth more than the van- most owners drive them hot...

[Bear]

At dodgeforums.com and under minivans/caravan there is a complete how to (picture and text) of replacing the evaporator.

[4breezes]

Originally Posted by Bear

At dodgeforums.com and under minivans/caravan there is a complete how to (picture and text) of replacing the evaporator.

Could you post an actual link for this? Maybe I missed it, but when I looked I wasn't able to find anything close.

[RIP]

The link spoken about is in the first post in this link: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php?t=12393

Using the DIY cans of refrigerant is an option but, adding cans of refrigerant without knowing the system pressures and not understanding the risks involved can be a risky proposition. If you use them, buy the high/low pressure gauge set kit along with the cans. Get familiar with service port locations and get at least a basic understanding of how the system works. Follow directions to the letter. Keep in mind the A/C system can kill you if you make the wrong move.

[Bear]

http://www.gearheadgospel.com/vanfix/

[Gumby256]

Thanks for the responses. I'd like to do some diagnostics, I don't want to just randomly put a can of refrigerant in if I don't know if it needs it. I also don't know the proper diagnostic steps and my Haynes manual is useless, just basically says how to replace parts. It will come in handy if I first can figure out what is wrong! Anyone know of any step by step diagnostic documentation I can find online?

[jpb53]

This will tell you how the transducer works.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=909708

[autotech234]

You are just low. You will need to get it serviced.