Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: 2000 Dakota compressor, dodge dakota, refrigerant pressure

Question
The AC on my 2000 Dodge Dakota works fine for about 20 minutes or so, then the compressor will quit running.  I checked the refrigerant pressure on the low pressure side (with the engine and compressor running) and it was low, so I charged it up to where it should be.  The A/C worked great for a bit, then there was a loud noise as it belched out refrigerant and oil out of the back side of the compressor, spraying all over the firewall.  The pressure is now low again, and I'm back where I started.  Does this mean the compressor is shot?

Answer
You stated: Does this mean the compressor is shot?

NOT likely, there is a safety device on the backside of the compressor so when the refrigerant (freon) pressure gets to HIGH this devise opens and dumps the excess pressure.

This is usually caused by adding to much refrigerant to the A/C system.

Dodge has a history of faulty EVAPORATORS  in late 1990's up to 2003 model vehicles.

Your most likely and very common problem is most likely goin to be the infamous faulty EVAPORATOR.

Cost of a new evap and labor runs about $850.00.


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