Could use some help with my new used journey rt

[Inmatejason]

Hello

i just bought a used Dodge Journey rt awd with 110,000km, It has an extended Powertrain warranty to 165000km but nothing else.  I really do love this car but I have come across some issues after a month of owning it and it’s been giving me some regrets deciding to go domestic this time rather then my norm, Honda or Toyota. My wife even told me she thinks it’s a bad idea, but I bought it anyway because I loved everything about it, so because of that it make these problems even worse lol. The most rescent problem I would Like to have fixed right away, but I’m not even sure where to start.  On really hot days when I turn my ac on my rpms at idle go way up, close to 1000rpm. If I turn the car on and off it doesn’t fix the problem even if I turn the ac off it doesn’t fix right away, I have to have the ac off for along while to get my rpms back down to the norm.  On days that are not super hot the rpms and Ac all work like they should though, it just seems to be on the really hot days.  Today I popped the hood and I noticed that when it would make that clicking sound and I expect the fan to go faster or the second fan turn on if it had one, it doesn’t, infact is seems The fan stays the same speed all the time. On my past cars When the Ac was on I would hear the fan go louder from time to time or the second fan would kick in, and it would always be after that click. Anyway I’m thinking my rpms are high because my fan is not going faster when it should/ when Ac is on. Maybe the fan speed control modular or maybe a Ac condenser clutch or vacuum leak?   What do you guys think is the cause of my high rpms when the Ac is on during hot days? I have had this car for 2 months and so far I have had the engine cooler replaced and transfer case gears and clutched replaced. I still have the problem of my car having a shudder/shaking when at a stop light/at idle(I feel it most in my chair)but the rpms don’t move when the car does these vibration shutters(it feels like the rpms are rough and it’s going to stall but the gauge is at a steady 500 to 700rpm. my other issue is the front end just feels loose, but I think I will make another thread in the future since this one seems to be going on forever lol,  sorry for the long post.

I could really use some help with this issue.

thanks for taking the time to read my post.

 

Jason

[Armando G]

Welcome to the forum. Hope it is a help for your issues (and the wifey issue). Anyway, I dealt with the same type of A/C issue on another car of mine, but I believe the solution should be the same. Mine was the idle control valve, but there could be other causes. If it is idling fine when the A/C is off, there is probably directly related to the unit itself. Hopefully this helps you out (good luck)...

Common reasons for this to happen:

Carbon Buildup: A number of engine components are subject to carbon buildup over time, and this can place a significant load on the engine. When the additional load of your AC compressor is added, it causes the computer to miscalculate and increase idle speed too much. Common sources of carbon buildup include the IAC valve, the EGR valve, and the throttle body.

• Low Refrigerant in the AC System: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it will make the compressor cycle on more frequently, increasing the load on your engine.

• Failing AC Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, this can also add to the surging problem.

• Bad Belt: One often overlooked cause of a car surging with the AC on is actually a worn compressor belt. If the belt is stretched or worn smooth, it can slip during operation. This places significant strain on the engine and the AC system. Replacing the belt often eliminates the surge, and ensures better AC operation.

• Bad AC Cycling Switch: The AC cycling switch controls the compressor cycling pattern. Over time, it can go bad. When this happens, it will place a significant load on the engine and can lead to surging.

• Overfilled AC System: While low refrigerant can cause problems with your AC and engine surging, an overfilled system can cause the same problem. Refrigerant must be “just right” or you will experience a number of different problems.

[Inmatejason]

Thanks so much for the reply and help, I have an appointment next week to have it looked at.

we are currently having a heat wave all this week so today the rpms again went higher then normal, but I decided to stop at a dealer and ask them If it’s normal and of course they said yes, it’s because the really hot weather we are having. No codes, no problem according to them lol.

 

Anyway I was wondering during really hot weather is it normal for the Ac to make the rpms go up even higher then Ac rpm normal to help with the extra load?  The rpms at a red light is around 875 rpm, the Ac still works perfect, all tempatures are ok. It’s just a couple hundred rpms higher and I only even noticed the higher rpms because I hear this humming sound. I always hear this humming from a belt or pulley during cold starts, then as soon as the rpms drop it goes away. It’s that same humming type noise I hear when the rpms goes up a couple houndred rpms extra from the AC.

I always remember whenever you turn off the Ac the rpm would go back down right away but with mine it stays up for a good while, I can even turn the car on and off and still higher rpm. Is that not proof of an issue? Because the rpms won’t go back down to normal?

 

im thinking of trying to clean out my throttle body tomorrow, is it possible without removing it all? I would just use a rag and a tooth brush sprayed with carb cleaner?

Edited July 4, 2018 by Inmatejason

[redtomatoman]

I would have the dealer check what Armando suggests.  There is a distinct possibility that you are making an issue where there isn't one.  All motors and systems are engineered differently.  Honestly, I have not paid attention to my RPMs when my AC is on.  They may go up too.   If the dealer says there is no issue, make sure they document everything and list all the things that they checked.  If there's an issue, they will fix it.  Drive your DJ, use your AC.  Its a great little vehicle.  Your wife may change her opinion about the DJ.   If your AC stops working in the future, you will have your documentation.  

 

Peace.

[DodgeCares]

On 7/3/2018 at 10:35 PM, Inmatejason said:

Thanks so much for the reply and help, I have an appointment next week to have it looked at.

we are currently having a heat wave all this week so today the rpms again went higher then normal, but I decided to stop at a dealer and ask them If it’s normal and of course they said yes, it’s because the really hot weather we are having. No codes, no problem according to them lol.

 

Anyway I was wondering during really hot weather is it normal for the Ac to make the rpms go up even higher then Ac rpm normal to help with the extra load?  The rpms at a red light is around 875 rpm, the Ac still works perfect, all tempatures are ok. It’s just a couple hundred rpms higher and I only even noticed the higher rpms because I hear this humming sound. I always hear this humming from a belt or pulley during cold starts, then as soon as the rpms drop it goes away. It’s that same humming type noise I hear when the rpms goes up a couple houndred rpms extra from the AC.

I always remember whenever you turn off the Ac the rpm would go back down right away but with mine it stays up for a good while, I can even turn the car on and off and still higher rpm. Is that not proof of an issue? Because the rpms won’t go back down to normal?

 

im thinking of trying to clean out my throttle body tomorrow, is it possible without removing it all? I would just use a rag and a tooth brush sprayed with carb cleaner?

Keep us updated on your dealer visit. If an additional layer of assistance is needed, our team is available via direct message and would be happy to help.

 

Jasmine

Dodge Social Care Specialist