SureTrack Community Fix: Uncool Caliber

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Once again summer is coming and driver’s want their air conditioning working, and they’re bringing them in for repair. SureTrack community member BradysHayden had a Dodge Caliber in the shop where the air conditioner wouldn’t come on. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Richard_C and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2010 Dodge Caliber SXT 2.0L

Title
Air conditioning not working, repaired broken power wire.

Complaint
Customer complains that air conditioning isn’t working.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
A/C indicator illuminates but no cold air. Blend door actuator is stuck and clicking. Low side pressure is very high when system is filled to spec (around 100-110psi). Fans do not engage when A/C is activated on control head. No parts have been replaced yet. Tested relays/fuses and all are good. Read scan tool information and it shows active on the PID for “A/C indicator” but inactive for “A/C selection” and “A/C request”. Tested power/ground to fans (good) and fan activation by scan tool/vehicle temp works fine. Power out of control head is good but no power at the compressor (duty cycle compressor signaled by TIPM. Curious as to what the next step would be and A.) Is the TIPM commonly an issue with these A/C systems malfunctioning? B.) Could I still have a flow issue as well being that the low side pressure skyrockets as the system is being filled?

Best Answer from Community Member Richard_C
Does the A/C ever turn on at all? Do you see the low and high sides move when the A/C is turned on? What high side numbers are you seeing if the compressor goes on?

Cause
To answer Richard_C’s questions, the A/C never turns on and compressor never engages. The only signal I get is that the indicator light is on but no request or signal to turn on the A/C actually happens. The low side and high side are both about 100-110 psi. So low side is high and high side is fairly normal. Found the issue by chasing down wires until I found the right one. There was a power wire that was broken internally at the TIPM.

Correction
Cut back the insulation on the broken wire and repaired it and A/C now works as it should.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.