8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$810
Average Mileage:
59,950 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. replaced the compressor on the ac (4 reports)
  3. replaced everything except evaporator in dash (2 reports)
  4. replace wire plug (1 reports)
  5. reported leak in schrader valve. replaced, purged, filled (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.

problem #15

Jun 012010

Ram 3500 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Air conditioning stopped working, had it charged, they told me the system wasn't sending any power to the AC pump. Problem with the TIPM, or PCM, so they said, at a cost of $900. Seems like a lot of money for something that would work if it had power to it. I am hoping someone else has repaired this for less...

- Denny M., Montesano, WA, US

problem #14

Aug 022007

Ram 3500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

vacation many miles from home. august no ac, truck 6 months old, grandkids in truck everyone hot

- gaskilsw, Skurvyville, TX, US

problem #13

Apr 042016

Ram 3500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Took to dealer he said TIPM module was tripping on high current to the ac clutch. Cost $1000.00 to fix. Had to install new compressor clutch not serviceable. Went home replaced compressor same problem TIPM module bad. Installed slave relay to pull in clutch. They don't know how to diagnose any problem, they just throw parts at it. It would have cost me $1100 for a new TIPM and $1000 for an ac compressor. A lot of money for a $2.00 fuse in the old style.

- gaskilsw, Skurvyville, TX, US

problem #12

Oct 102008

Ram 3500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

When they replaced the defective ac plenum door, they damaged the power plug to the ac blower causing intermittent problem. Replaced blower motor twice to find later the plug was bad. Had to cut solder and tape new plug cost $45.00 for a stinking little plastic wire plug at dealer. Found out later Doorman makes a better one for $15.00. Used that one the last time it failed, didn't burn the truck down but almost.

- gaskilsw, Skurvyville, TX, US

problem #11

Jul 012015

Ram 3500 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

I first notice the AC didn't work like a Dodge had a reputation of working , so I carried it to the dealer. They said they fixed it and it was a mother board. When I drove it home it was little difference but I was working 6-7 days a week didn't have time to have my truck tied up, so I lived with it. Now I'm retired and it's a pain to live with it now. Dodge engines were at one time the best but the other guys have caught up so Dodge will go down the tube with this kind of truck.

- John B., Arlington, TX, US

problem #10

May 102011

Ram 3500 Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 70,000 miles

We have had constant problems with the AC on this truck since we bought it. Replaced the compressor three times and it continues to go out. There has to be something faulty about this AC system. I have talked with a lot of others with the same problem.

- cgraham0223, Pisgah, AL, US

problem #9

May 222012

Ram 3500 4 Door 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,232 miles

I have bought all but 2 automobiles,trucks from Dodge dating back to 1967, somewhere around 30 . the last Dodge trucks both 2006, 1 diesel 1 gas, i have had nothing but problems from motor locking up (27000) miles which was not covered under warranty because couldn't verify when changed oil& filter. The diesel however has spent much time at the Dodge shop problems from computer to driving light bracket falling off . the latest is 4 wheel selector switch ,works when it wants, to now a/c compressor & all that comes with it (for the warranty) at a cost of app. 1000.00 This has made this mopar believer a fan of anything but from now on . Dodge you have done this yourself by not looking out for your customers and the ones that were loyal.

- Sam L., Va.Beach, VA, US

problem #8

Jul 022008

Ram 3500 SLT 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

I bought this truck new and the a/c went out after two years .Here it is Nov.2011 and I still haven't had it fixed. I had the batteries replaced this past summer and out of curiosity I turned on the a/c and it worked. I worked for about a week then it quit again.I checked it out and I ran a hot wire to the compressor and it would blow cold air.The light on the dash lights up that it is on but it doesn't blow cold.I put a test light on the power connection and it is very dim not bright. Low power I think.I wish Dodge would recall for the a/c in these trucks. David

- David G., Marietta, GA, US

problem #7

Jun 192011

Ram 3500 Diesel Cummins

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,300 miles

Part 3: Three times a charm, right? Dealer couldn't find an obvious leak so decided to replace the evaporator under the dash. Saw a burnt electrical junction to the evap box and replaced that too. Had the balls to charge me $70.00 for a "new and improved" air mix door while it was all apart. This seemed to improve the overall flow out of the vents which has always been low since new relative to other cars. Thought we finally got to the solution.....Wrong. Truck currently in the shop for a fourth attempt at fixing. Note: The A/C fixes in all cases seemed to work fine until I took a trip up to the mountains from 110 degree temperatures in Phoenix. It seems that the extra load up the hill and/or the 6000 ft change in altitude has something to do with the failure mode. Stay tuned for Part 4. Bottom line, getting a new truck.

- Chris C., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #6

Jun 062011

Ram 3500 Diesel Cummins

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Part 2: Metal in freon circuit (probably because they didn't completely purge it the last time) so they replaced everything except the evaporator in the dash. Stay tuned....

- Chris C., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #5

May 162011

Ram 3500 Diesel Cummins

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,500 miles

Part 1: Replaced the compressor and dealer said they adequately purged the system of metal.

- Chris C., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #4

Apr 262011

Ram 3500 Laramie Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,198 miles

Brought my 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 to my dealer with the complaint that I could not engage the 4x4. This was the only problem that I was having at the moment. Ron Bouchard's Auto Stores located in Fitchburg Ma was who I purchased the truck from new. (I still kick myself in the butt for buying from this dealer). Anyway, was told the 4x4 pump was gone (naturally not covered under warranty) but since I had 44,000 miles on the truck, the dealer stated that this was great. Also informed me that I had 2 safety recalls that needed to be done. One of these recall's was for a "flash memory update" to the computer. I told them since they needed to be done, they might just as well do it. The next day when I picked up my truck, it was 70's and I drove it home after paying for the pump. I checked to see that the 4x4 worked, which it did and didn't use it to 2 days later. I went out to start the truck and started the truck, turn on the heater. When I arrived at my destination., I turned off the ignition, and removed the key. The heater blower stayed on. This was a first. I ended up disconnecting the battery so that I could get home. I brought the truck back to my dealer, showed them the problem and told them to fix the truck. The dealer's service manager then told me she would call me back with a price to fix the problem. I was dumbfounded since they had caused this issue. She did in fact call me the next day with a price of $1346.00, since she claimed the front control module had been burned out and that was not covered by warranty. I told her I absolutely refused to pay for the repair since they caused this issue and I wanted to take it up with the service manager. She informed me she was the service manager and her decision was final. At that point, I told her I was going to take it to court and left. Exactly 2 hours later she called me back and stated that back in early 2009 on one of my numerous repair issue's, they had determined that I needed to replace this module, and I had refused the service? Furthermore, she told me that this was a pre-existing condition, since I had refused the service and that I had been living with this issue for 2 years. My truck at that point had less than 20,000 miles on it, and was on 100% warranty. Yet somehow, according to her, I had refused the service? When I asked her if she had the service notice with my signature refusing this, she stated that she did not keep this repair slip, but that she had every other one since they sold me the truck???? Does any of this sound reasonable to anyone?? I supposedly refused to allow them to fix my truck for free? Instead I waited 2 years, with constantly disconnecting the battery only to pay over $1,300.00 to solve this issue? As dumb as that sounded I contacted Dodge, who informed me that after their investigation, they agreed with the dealer, again taking her word that they had informed me of the need to replace this module, again with no paperwork to back the dealer up, and now they would not cover this..... Again, my advice "TREAT DODGE AND RON BOUCHARD'S AUTO DEALERSHIP LIKE THE PLAGUE, SINCE ALL OF THEM ARE FATAL"."

- John D., Lancaster, MA, US

problem #3

Sep 122010

Ram 3500 SL 5.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Dodge should have a recall on their AC compressor on the 2006 Ram 3500 pickups. Compressors should last longer than 72,000 miles. My truck isn't abused and I keep my truck serviced. Come on Dodge, you have the best diesel motor on the road, how about building your trucks with the same quality as the motor. $900.00 out of my pocket to replace this part, this should be a warranty replacement, or recall to your customers.

- Danny O., De Leon, TEX, US

problem #2

Jul 122009

Ram 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I have 2 other friends with 2006 Dodge trucks and both of their air conditioners have went out also. One is confirmed the compressor and the other is pretty sure it is the compressor. I just wonder how many others 2006 Dodges have had the same problem.

- Tracy C., Talala, OK, US

problem #1

May 312007

(reported on)

Ram 3500 3500 CUMMINS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

My first summer with truck, I was moving back to the east coast. When I left California it was 115 degrees outside. Using my A/C on level 2 it would just about freeze you out of the cab. This summer at only 80 degrees, went to turn the A/C on and it was blowing very mild cold and that was on full blast. Took to the dealer they come back and tell me I have clogged A/C lines. LOL My 40G at work at it's best. A brand new truck and now the A/C lines have to be replaced. What's next.

- John C., Warminster, PA, US