The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler. Since its introduction in 1981, the Dodge Ram has been awarded Truck of the Year by "Motor Trend" magazine three times. Despite this recognition, the Dodge Ram is still capable of mechanical problems. The compressor is a component of the air conditioning system that helps regulate the flow of refrigerant. Without a functioning compressor, your air conditioning (A/C) system won't blow cool air. Diagnosing and replacing the A/C compressor on a 2002 Dodge Ram may take quite a lot of effort, but doing it yourself can save you some money.
Park your 2002 Dodge Ram in a safe location. Engage the parking brake to prevent the truck from rolling. Open your hood and locate the A/C compressor. The compressor on a 2002 Dodge Ram is located on the driver's side of the vehicle near the front of the engine. Identify the compressor as a silver cylinder with a fan attached to the front of it.Notice two refrigerant hoses connected to the compressor.
Visually inspect the compressor for obvious damage or wear and tear. If you notice corrosion or holes in your compressor, it needs to be replaced immediately.
Mix water and dish detergent together in a spray bottle. Spray the soap water on the area where the compressor connects to the refrigerant hoses. Look for bubbles to form, which is an indication that there is a leak in your refrigerant hoses.
Turn on your vehicle and then turn on your A/C system. Turn your A/C setting to the maximum level. Go to the hood area adn listen for a clinking noise underneath the compressor, which could be an indication that the compressor mounts are loose.
Turn off your engine. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery unit. Locate the low-side service port on the refrigerant hose that connects the accumulator to the compressor. Identify the low-side service port as a 13-millimeter quick-disconnect valve covered by a plastic cap.
Attach a refrigerant vacuum pump to the low-side service port. Turn on the vacuum pump and allow the vacuum pump to purge the refrigerant from your A/C system.
Remove the two refrigerant hoses attached to the compressor with an adjustable wrench. The inlet and outlet hoses are secured to the compressor by a bolt. Simply loosen the bolt and the refrigerant hoses disengage. Apply tape or plugs to the refrigerant line holes.
Locate the compressor mounting bracket underneath the compressor. Access the mounting bracket by reaching around the drive belt attached to the compressor. Remove the four bolts securing the compressor to the mounting bracket. Lift the compressor away from the mounting bracket. Repair or replace the compressor.
Install the new compressor into the mounting bracket. Secure the compressor to the mounting bracket by tightening the four mounting bolts. Remove the tape or plugs covering the refrigerant line holes. Align the inlet and outlet hoses with the refrigerant line holes. Secure the refrigerant hoses to the compressor using an adjustable wrench.
