Anyone heard of this AC problem?

[Medical_Bartender]

Wife's 2023 Gladiator was bought brand new about 4 months ago and has 6k miles now. All stock Sport S that we haven't had any issues with until a few days ago. While she was on a ~2k mile road trip she called and told me that the AC "seemed to stop working". The fan will blow air consistent with the ambient temperature outside. My first thought was maybe a small leak in the AC system that's caused a gradual decline in function over the past few months, but that would be the first I've heard of it on these trucks. She's got an appointment with the dealer in a couple weeks, but in the meantime has anyone heard of something similar?

FWIW I did have her cycle all of the AC systems (recirc, max AC, different fan speeds, etc).

Thanks for any input, will update the thread once we hear back from the dealer.

Sponsored

 

[Almost]

Cancel your appointment. There is no issue. That’s part of the normal operation. During extended trips or periods of running the AC every so often it will temporarily blow warm air. This is done to thaw the coil in the AC unit preventing it from icing over and bring fresh air into the cabin.

 

[Medical_Bartender]

Cancel your appointment. There is no issue. That’s part of the normal operation. During extended trips or periods of running the AC every so often it will temporarily blow warm air. This is done to thaw the coil in the AC unit preventing it from icing over and bring fresh air into the cabin.

Thanks for the info. I’ll let her know and ask her to check if it’s an ongoing issue. I remember her saying that it “went out” around the time she left Texas and to my knowledge hasn’t worked since she got back home. Will verify.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Thanks for the info. I’ll let her know and ask her to check if it’s an ongoing issue. I remember her saying that it “went out” around the time she left Texas and to my knowledge hasn’t worked since she got back home. Will verify.

Yeah I say keep the appointment. What Almost is describing happens over the course of maybe a couple minutes, not an extended period. If it does go for longer then the system is low on charge or there are other issues as the system, inside the engine bay, on a hot day, should just produce condensation and not actually freeze up.

 

[Mr._Bill]

My 2020 Overland would open the outside air vent for about two minutes every 45 minutes during extended travel with the Recirc on. I have not done any similar travel, yet, in the 2023 High Altitude to see if it behaves the same way. I always run it in Manual mode with the AC and Recirc on and air coming out the dash vents, except for the rare days I need the defroster on.

If it has stopped working correctly, it will need a dealer visit to repair. If it is just periodic cut-outs during long travel, that is somewhat expected behavior.

 

[Medical_Bartender]

Thank yall. Just spoke with her and she said it hasn’t cooled at all since it started acting up 3 days ago. She did say she heard a strange “whirr” sound from behind the dash just before it stopped cooling. No clue what it would be based off of that so we’ll see what the dealer says for her on the 6th. ??

 

[Hootbro]

She did say she heard a strange “whirr” sound from behind the dash just before it stopped cooling.

Kind of sounds like the AC/Heater Blend Door Actuator might have took a shit and stripped some gears and is stuck on the heat side.

 

[jav_eee]

If it is just periodic cut-outs during long travel, that is somewhat expected behavior.

I unplugged my blend door because i don't like this expected behavior.

 

[Medical_Bartender]

Kind of sounds like the AC/Heater Blend Door Actuator might have took a shit and stripped some gears and is stuck on the heat side.

?? I’m hoping it’s as simple as that. I’d rather they go through the gove box to replace that than start dicking around in the engine bay to replace parts.

 

[Reo Cook]

If I remember correctly there's been instances that the return got plugged up coming out of the cab with whatever it sucked up from the glovebox, and that caused it to blow ambient air. I used to always keep a stack of napkins for the messy gremlins that ride with me, and I've since relocated them after reading that. I'll keep searching to see if I can find the thread I read on it and post it up if I do

 

[Gvsukids]

I always run it in Manual mode with the AC and Recirc on and air coming out the dash vents, except for the rare days I need the defroster on.

Why not auto? Control?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Why not auto? Control?

Yeah, mostly for control. Auto will change things some and move where the air comes out. I keep the Recirc on all the time to reduce odors from the outside. Most of my driving is in warmer weather, and I like to keep the cab comfortable. Temperature is set at 68 and the two sides are synced. I don't carry any passengers, so I only have to worry about me.

 

[Idlethunder]

Wife's 2023 Gladiator was bought brand new about 4 months ago and has 6k miles now. All stock Sport S that we haven't had any issues with until a few days ago. While she was on a ~2k mile road trip she called and told me that the AC "seemed to stop working". The fan will blow air consistent with the ambient temperature outside. My first thought was maybe a small leak in the AC system that's caused a gradual decline in function over the past few months, but that would be the first I've heard of it on these trucks. She's got an appointment with the dealer in a couple weeks, but in the meantime has anyone heard of something similar?

FWIW I did have her cycle all of the AC systems (recirc, max AC, different fan speeds, etc).

Thanks for any input, will update the thread once we hear back from the dealer.

Hopefully your wife's problem turns out to be something simple but mine went out in a similar way a couple of months ago. In my case it ended up being a hole in the condenser. When it was replaced they dug out a small piece of metal from someone's blowout. My dealer originally quoted a little over $900 for the condenser replacement and system recharge but they ended up only charging me $800.

 

[Medical_Bartender]

Hopefully your wife's problem turns out to be something simple but mine went out in a similar way a couple of months ago. In my case it ended up being a hole in the condenser. When it was replaced they dug out a small piece of metal from someone's blowout. My dealer originally quoted a little over $900 for the condenser replacement and system recharge but they ended up only charging me $800.

Hoping it's just the blender actuator for sure. Whatever it is should be covered under the warranty...hopefully. Unless they try to pull some BS about it not being their fault that the system is leaking due to "x" reason. Her appointment is on the 6th so we shall see...

Sponsored