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A/C issues 98 Dodge Stratus

Tiny
MISSYH423
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
I have a 1998 Dodge Stratus 2.0 Liter DOHC engine, non SE model (4 door sedan). My A/C only works when I am on the freeway driving at a high rate of speed. It will not work if I am just puttering around town, it blows hot, hot air. What could be causing this. I had the freon recharged & it did not change the way the A/C operated in any way.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 6:20 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Sounds like the fan may not be turning on and you need the air flow from highway speeds to cool the AC condenser in front of the radiator. If it gets too hot, pressures will rise and a cutout switch will turn the AC compressor off.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
MISSYH423
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The blower fan correct? I mean when it works on the freeway it gets pretty cold.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Radiator fan under the hood. You should be able to hear it turn on if you listen carefully with the window open. They typically run continuously when the AC is turned on.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
MISSYH423
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Oh okay, that makes sense I appreciate the input. I hope that is all it is. That sounds like it might not be too expensive to fix either.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Depends on the cause. If the fan doesn't turn on, I can give you some steps to bypass the relay to see if it runs. From there we can figure out where to go next. The engine should be overheating too in city driving.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
MISSYH423
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My engine never overheats when I try to use my A/C. It is within a normal range. It just doesn't get cold when doing city driving.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Peek under the hood and watch the AC compressor pulley to see if it's spinning. On some cars they cycle on and off every few seconds. Some models run continuously when the AC is turned on. If you have a helper switch the AC on and off, you should hear and see the compressor kick on and off. The radiator fan should be running too and blowing a lot of air over the engine.
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Friday, August 12th, 2011 AT 8:14 PM

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