Air conditioner gets lukewarm

2015 RAM 1500
97,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BKIS1969
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In the morning or night the A/C is consistently cold. Enough to make you uncomfortable. However, once the sun hits the dash and the outside temperature is 75 degrees or higher, the air becomes lukewarm at best. The A/C was recently checked as a part of a service and emptied/recharged. There are no leaks, the system components seem to be functioning normally, it only happens when it is hot outside. I replaced the blend door actuator under the glove box as it was creaking but the problem remains. With summer here again I cannot go through an Alabama summer with no A/C nor can I afford endless diagnostics from a car shop. Has anyone ever heard of this before?
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:40 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good morning,

Can you give me the high and low side readings of the AC system while it is running? I need those readings to further help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

You can rent a set of gauges if you do not have a set from a parts store.

Roy
Apr 22, 2019 at 5:48 AM
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HARRY P
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Not to take over here, but out of curiosity, does it get significantly colder when you're driving, with your foot on the gas? If so, then you're probably looking at a bad compressor. Check those high and low side readings to confirm.
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:05 AM
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BKIS1969
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No, there is no change whether at idle or driving. The only factor I can see is when the dash gets hot.
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:09 AM
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HARRY P
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 2,292 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Okay. I'll step back and let Roy continue on. He's on a good diagnostic track and he knows what he's doing.
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:46 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Thanks, let me know the readings when you can.

Roy
Apr 22, 2019 at 7:53 AM
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