[Anthony Haga]

Anyone experienced multiple failed AC clutches? I had the first one replaced because the clutch coil died (it was the factory unit), but the truck has been back in the shop 4 times for replacement AC compressors in the last 3 weeks. They survive anywhere from a few miles to a couple hundred, and then just suddenly die (slipping, grinding and eventually melting down). The dealership replacing it finally got the green light to put in a new compressor vs. the re-man units they were using. But I am just wondering, is this a common problem with these? Should I expect the new AC compressor to fail after a year or two as well?

2008 4x4 w/ 3.7L and 4sp Auto

 

[rick klette]

I almost have a 150000 on mine and it's a 2008 and I have had to refill it once other than that I have had no problems out of mine

 

[Scar0]

No clutch issues with mine either. Only problem I have is I wish it would get colder.

 

[rick klette]

Every since I got mine recharged .now it's colder then when I bought it put it this way it will freeze you out

 

[rick klette]

You should try recharging yours

 

[Scar0]

The charge is set exactly as it should be. That is the problem.
I think it may be an expansion valve and or the blend door is not closing all the way.

 

[rick klette]

Mine was reading right also but I thought it was a little warm so I empty the old Refrigeration and put new in and now as cold as ice not sure why but it did work

 

[rick klette]

When I first started someone told me it might be the evaporator I'm sure glad it wasn't that would be expensive I guess you will just have to roll the windows down and go as fast as you can lol!!!!

 

[bluer101]

We had our 2011 RT AC compressor and evap replace a few months ago. The compressor was leaking and they noticed the evap leaking to. They replaced both but put in a reman factory compressor. Within a day that compressor was leaking bad. So they put in a new Valero compressor and now it's fine.

The bill was around $2500 at the dealer but my cost was $250.

 

[rick klette]

I think that's expensive I don't have a warranty

 

[Anthony Haga]

@bluer101 That makes me feel better. The dealership tried 4 different Mopar re-man units. (I have a Mopar Extended Warranty on it for 3 years with no mileage limit.) The first one, the front seal just utterly failed, and sprayed refrigerant all over under the hood, but the subsequent 3 have all had failed clutches. This week they installed a brand new unit (unsure of the brand, as they still have it), and have been driving it almost constantly since that time. I should get it back Monday. I hope they got it this time; I'm headed for the hills to go camping with it this coming Thursday. Will be the first trip we've taken in it, I'm hoping it will be a cool drive. First time towing with too. I've only had "Nora" for 3 weeks, but she's spent more time with the dealership than she has with me. We bought the Nitro because it can tow more than today's compact (and even midsize) crossovers, and has traditional 4X4, not AWD. (Had a '94 Ford Explorer Sport before, the driving dynamics are almost identical.) We live in the middle of nowhere, and the snow drifts in winter can be fierce.

 

[Anthony Haga]

The charge is set exactly as it should be. That is the problem.
I think it may be an expansion valve and or the blend door is not closing all the way.

I remember seeing something about that in a post somewhere else online. (Sorry can't remember where I stumbled on that.) Can't recall if there was a TSB on it or not. But certainly couldn't hurt to check.

 

[bluer101]

Here is my original thread. I have Geico mechanical breakdown. They cover way more than normal extended warranties. I have a $250 deductible, plus you can take it to any shop you want.

http://www.nitroforumz.com/threads/a-c-compressor-leaking-oil.42400/

 

[Scar0]

@bluer101 That makes me feel better. The dealership tried 4 different Mopar re-man units. (I have a Mopar Extended Warranty on it for 3 years with no mileage limit.) The first one, the front seal just utterly failed, and sprayed refrigerant all over under the hood, but the subsequent 3 have all had failed clutches. This week they installed a brand new unit (unsure of the brand, as they still have it), and have been driving it almost constantly since that time. I should get it back Monday. I hope they got it this time; I'm headed for the hills to go camping with it this coming Thursday. Will be the first trip we've taken in it, I'm hoping it will be a cool drive. First time towing with too. I've only had "Nora" for 3 weeks, but she's spent more time with the dealership than she has with me. We bought the Nitro because it can tow more than today's compact (and even midsize) crossovers, and has traditional 4X4, not AWD. (Had a '94 Ford Explorer Sport before, the driving dynamics are almost identical.) We live in the middle of nowhere, and the snow drifts in winter can be fierce.

Hope this does the trick for you. Be sure to post some Pics of the trip!

I remember seeing something about that in a post somewhere else online. (Sorry can't remember where I stumbled on that.) Can't recall if there was a TSB on it or not. But certainly couldn't hurt to check.

There is a TSB here on the forum. There was to much refrigerant in the 07 year Nitro. Another one here also calls for replacing the HVAC controls. Both have been done to my rig.

 

[Anthony Haga]

@Scar0 Just a side note. I noticed your profile lists SW WA state. I have loads of family up there, Toledo, Castle Rock, and Tenino. Beautiful area. Glorious camping.

 

[Anthony Haga]

Hope this does the trick for you. Be sure to post some Pics of the trip!

There is a TSB here on the forum. There was to much refrigerant in the 07 year Nitro. Another one here also calls for replacing the HVAC controls. Both have been done to my rig.

Thanks for the support, I'm looking forward to the trip, planning to get some great photos. Only better time of year to visit appalachia (other than now) is in the fall.

 

[Scar0]

Its a small world after all. I know all those towns. Been to the CR fair in the past. Cute little home town fair. Did several touch and goes at the Toledo airport on my way to Tacoma back when I was a kid. It is the worst cross-wind airport in SW WA, because thy built the runway 90 out from the normal wind direction. But makes for a great place to practice cross wind landings and takeoffs.
There are some great places to camp around here, if you come prepared for rain! LOL
Furthest East I have been was Colorado Springs on vacation one summer.
One day I would like to see the central and eastern US. But I will never live anywhere but where I am. I'll take 1 volcano and some rain over; major flooding, earthquakes(Cali), and tornadoes & hurricanes every day of the week!

 

[MainelyMann]

Anyone experienced multiple failed AC clutches? I had the first one replaced because the clutch coil died (it was the factory unit), but the truck has been back in the shop 4 times for replacement AC compressors in the last 3 weeks. They survive anywhere from a few miles to a couple hundred, and then just suddenly die (slipping, grinding and eventually melting down). The dealership replacing it finally got the green light to put in a new compressor vs. the re-man units they were using. But I am just wondering, is this a common problem with these? Should I expect the new AC compressor to fail after a year or two as well?

2008 4x4 w/ 3.7L and 4sp Auto

2007 Nitro SLT had a failed A/C compressor clutch at 93,000 miles. Purchased a new compressor online and took the car to the Dodge dealer to have it put in. Now at 96,000 miles July, 03 2016 and so far, no problems.

 

[KansasNitro]

I just had my compressor replaced on my 07 Nitro as well.