Common Issues and Air Conditioning

[HSKR R/T]

If it is hot outside, I have the A/C on, and I stop at a red light the auto-stop will only engage if the cab is at the set temperature. Otherwise the truck will continue to run. If auto-stop has engaged but the cab temperature climbs above the threashold, I have seen my engine restart so that the A/C can continue running.

As an aside, I was getting a deeper exhaust sound. Since I was going in for a free oil change, I had the dealer look. There was a broken exhaust bolt but not at the header, but further down the line somewhere. I'm going today to pick it up and find out where the broken bolt is. However, since I am beyond the 3yr/36k warranty it is not covered. It is also not covered by the extended warranty because it is not a mechanical part and the entire exhaust is excluded as a "consumable" part. They wanted $550 to fix a bolt.

I also had an unsual sound out of my A/C, so they determined that the blower motor was failing. Covered under the extended warranty.

My 2021 Bighorn is a hair under 50k miles.

It's probably the connection right before the muffler. Common issue. I need to get some stainless steel bits to replace mine. They rust out and break. Especially if you never wash the undercarriage of the truck. And auto car washes don't count

 

[BoxerguyT89]

It's probably the connection right before the muffler. Common issue. I need to get some stainless steel bits to replace mine. They rust out and break. Especially if you never wash the undercarriage of the truck. And auto car washes don't count

I broke this bolt on mine and replaced them both with stainless. Took about 10 minutes to extract the old broken one and install the new ones.

 

[DEG]

If it is hot outside, I have the A/C on, and I stop at a red light the auto-stop will only engage if the cab is at the set temperature. Otherwise the truck will continue to run. If auto-stop has engaged but the cab temperature climbs above the threashold, I have seen my engine restart so that the A/C can continue running.

Yes, that seems to be the way mine works as well. Until it reaches that threshold for restart the temperature change is noticeable though not unbearable. I only notice it on 100 degree days. I suspect at lower outside temperatures the cabin temp does not climb fast enough to notice during the duration of a typical traffic light.

 

[Quint]

It's probably the connection right before the muffler. Common issue. I need to get some stainless steel bits to replace mine. They rust out and break. Especially if you never wash the undercarriage of the truck. And auto car washes don't count

That's exactly what it was, the connection just before the muffler.

 

[steveved]

FYI... The heater core on my 2019 went at 77k miles. Was a $1600 repair job. Everything else works fine. Oh, and my stock battery died after 2.5 years. Replaced it with an Interstate.

 

[NightRam2020]

AC works good. If you have a sunroof expect it to be significantly hotter even with it closed. Also ventliatd seats are terrible.

2020 Laramie CC 5.7l etorque 4x4 45k Miles. Ventilated seats work great for me. A/C in the New England summer worked just fine.

 

[Houstontiger]

A/C in a 22 Ram 1500 is good but not the best IMO especially here in Houston summer days. There's also an annoying consistent AC condensation at bottom of the windshield.

 

[6of36]

FYI... The heater core on my 2019 went at 77k miles. Was a $1600 repair job. Everything else works fine. Oh, and my stock battery died after 2.5 years. Replaced it with an Interstate.

In the old days, 5 years, and 77,000 miles, it would be in the junk yard. That's not unreasonable to go bad. They all need a new battery at 3 years. At 2 1/2 it should have been warranty, unless you were over miles.

 

[HSKR R/T]

In the old days, 5 years, and 77,000 miles, it would be in the junk yard. That's not unreasonable to go bad. They all need a new battery at 3 years. At 2 1/2 it should have been warranty, unless you were over miles.

What are you calling the "old days"? Maybe 80's cars. Even go as far as early 90s.

 

[theblet]

I test drove the Grand Touring yesterday. I found the air conditioning to be somewhat underpowered. I live in Florida and am a bit concerned. Any others experiencing the same issue or having difficulty cooling the car quickly?

No issues with mine since I got the TSB. It works well, but still not as good as other vehicles I’ve owned. My Kia optima A/C is like a fridge.

 

[Rich6896]

Ram has essentially stated that the system in my Ram is adequate(I'm glad I bought an adequate truck for $82000). They acknowledge that when the truck is parked outside in the sun, it takes a while to cool down. Unfortunately, I seldom drive or park indoors. I have a 30-minute commute. This morning it was 78 degrees outside, and I was cold because the system blows air in the low 40s. However, when I drive home in 94-degree weather, it takes 20 minutes to somewhat cool things down. I don't think it's a problem with the temperature of the air; I think the system doesn't push enough air. This truck might be suitable for someone who lives up North and only has a handful of really hot days, but I would not recommend it if you live in the South. My daughter's POS 2017 corolla is iceiles before she leaves the driveway.

 

[theblet]

Ram has essentially stated that the system in my Ram is adequate(I'm glad I bought an adequate truck for $82000). They acknowledge that when the truck is parked outside in the sun, it takes a while to cool down. Unfortunately, I seldom drive or park indoors. I have a 30-minute commute. This morning it was 78 degrees outside, and I was cold because the system blows air in the low 40s. However, when I drive home in 94-degree weather, it takes 20 minutes to somewhat cool things down. I don't think it's a problem with the temperature of the air; I think the system doesn't push enough air. This truck might be suitable for someone who lives up North and only has a handful of really hot days, but I would not recommend it if you live in the South. My daughter's POS 2017 corolla is iceiles before she leaves the driveway.

I have a similar situation, as I park outside all day in 90 degree direct sun. Truck normally says 115+ when I first get in it. I'd say it takes about 10 min until I have to lower the fan from max and feel comfortable. I see you also have the sunroof, which will make it worse.

What type of cabin filter are you running?

 

[HSKR R/T]

Ram has essentially stated that the system in my Ram is adequate(I'm glad I bought an adequate truck for $82000). They acknowledge that when the truck is parked outside in the sun, it takes a while to cool down. Unfortunately, I seldom drive or park indoors. I have a 30-minute commute. This morning it was 78 degrees outside, and I was cold because the system blows air in the low 40s. However, when I drive home in 94-degree weather, it takes 20 minutes to somewhat cool things down. I don't think it's a problem with the temperature of the air; I think the system doesn't push enough air. This truck might be suitable for someone who lives up North and only has a handful of really hot days, but I would not recommend it if you live in the South. My daughter's POS 2017 corolla is iceiles before she leaves the driveway.

Keep the windows cracked open when you park, or is you have sunroof, open it to vent position. Then remote start the truck for at least 5 minutes before getting it. It will cool significantly quicker with the windows cracked allowing the hot air a place to escape as the HVAC blows colder air into the cab. Also getting your windows tinted with ceramic tint makes a noticeable difference. Yesterday, driving home in 93 degree temps with high humidity, the truck cooleed down to comfortable level within 5 minutes of driving. And that was after being parked outside in work parking lot all day.

 

[Davidbt]

I have found that opening the slider helps a lot to help the cold air push the hot air out.

 

[Rich6896]

I have a similar situation, as I park outside all day in 90 degree direct sun. Truck normally says 115+ when I first get in it. I'd say it takes about 10 min until I have to lower the fan from max and feel comfortable. I see you also have the sunroof, which will make it worse.

What type of cabin filter are you running?

HEPA Cabin Air Filter replacement CF11671. ​

 

[Rich6896]

I have found that opening the slider helps a lot to help the cold air push the hot air out.

I agree, if when I left the truck the slider would auto close this would be a good option.

 

[HSKR R/T]

It also seems the blower fan blows harder while remote started than it does with it ignition on.

And windows cracked when parks keep the interior slightly cooler than if truck is completely sealed up

 

[theblet]

Keep the windows cracked open when you park, or is you have sunroof, open it to vent position. Then remote start the truck for at least 5 minutes before getting it. It will cool significantly quicker with the windows cracked allowing the hot air a place to escape as the HVAC blows colder air into the cab. Also getting your windows tinted with ceramic tint makes a noticeable difference. Yesterday, driving home in 93 degree temps with high humidity, the truck cooleed down to comfortable level within 5 minutes of driving. And that was after being parked outside in work parking lot all day.

This works well, except I never know when it's going to rain, so i won't take the chance

HEPA Cabin Air Filter replacement CF11671. ​

This is probably your main issue. HEPA filters hold back so much air flow. Try removing the filter temporarily and see how it works.

I bought this one which is much better

Cabin Filter

 

[HSKR R/T]

This works well, except I never know when it's going to rain, so i won't take the chance

That's why you use the in-channel vent visors, so you can leave windows cracked, even if it rains

 

[Rich6896]

HEPA Cabin Air Filter replacement CF11671. ​

You were right about this. My Filter was not that dirty, but I replaced with the k&n and the airflow is measured 75% better.