If you notice that the automatic climate control in your Dodge Caravan isn’t working or is blowing out warm air instead of cool, you probably need to reset your vehicle’s HVAC system.

Dodge Caravans have been carting folks around for decades and their style and technological capabilities have evolved with the times. That doesn’t mean that they’re free of any malfunctions or issues, though. Sometimes electrical problems—like an HVAC system malfunction—come up and Dodge Caravan owners are left to sort it out.

Thankfully, the process of resetting the climate control of a Dodge Caravan is a relatively simple process. And here to disclose the easy-to-follow steps is

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Dodge Caravan climate control reset instructions

An issue with a Dodge Caravan's climate control could be the work of a number of problems. Usually, though, you're dealing with an electrical problem. The AC may blow out warm, air may only come out of one side, or there could be some other combination of a mismatched control-to-action link. If this is the case, a reset of the HVAC system could help amend the problem.

Fortunately, resetting a Dodge Caravan’s climate control system is fairly easy and can be completed at home in just a few steps.

Step 1: Turn the van on.

Step 2: Set the vehicle mode to “Panel”. This will ensure the air comes out of the upper front vents only.

Step 3: Hold down the highest and lowest AC control buttons until you see the AC light begin flashing.

Step 4: Once it starts to flash, release the buttons. Your HVAC system should reset on its own and the lights will turn off.

Step 5: Turn the AC back on. After the lights turn back on, you can power up your AC again!

This should be enough to reset your Dodge Caravan climate control system. If you’re still sitting in a muggy vehicle with a lack of airflow, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting.

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Heating A/C inspection

Other reasons your Dodge Caravan A/C isn’t working

So you tried to reset the climate control in your Dodge Caravan but the AC still isn’t working. Here are some of the most common reasons your Caravan’s HVAC system is malfunctioning beyond an electrical problem.

Dirty cabin air filter

The cabin air filter also called the pollen filter or microfilter is a crucial component of your vehicle’s ventilation system. If there is dirt, dust, and grime build-up, you’ll likely experience a reduction in cooling and heating capabilities and less airflow.

It’s recommended by most vehicle manufacturers that your cabin air filter gets a swap out every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, but you may need to replace it more often if you drive on a lot of dirt roads or live in a location with a lot of pollution.

Dirty or leaking condenser

The condenser is positioned at the front of your vehicle and releases excess heat energy. Since it sits right at the front of your vehicle, though, it’s more vulnerable to dust, bugs, and other dirt particles gumming up its works. When the condenser is clogged, it can’t release excess heat as well and affects the HVAC system’s cooling ability.

If you suspect that dirt build-up is the issue, remove your front bumper and give the condenser a hose-down with a power washer on a low-pressure setting to clean it out.

It’s also possible that the condenser has a leak and is allowing the all-important refrigerant to flow out. If you suspect a leak, you’ll likely need to take it into an auto shop to identify the leak and replace the damaged component.

A/C refrigerant leak

Not having enough refrigerant is the most common reason for a Dodge Caravan’s malfunctioning AC system. Typically, vehicles naturally lose about 15% of their refrigerant a year and this can be handled by simply refilling the coolant reservoir.

If you’re losing refrigerant at a much quicker rate, though, you’re likely dealing with a refrigerant leak. This can be due to defective or broken parts like the sealing ring, fluid line, or condenser. To fix this issue, take your vehicle to an auto shop and get the damaged part replaced.

A/C compressor failure

The AC compressor is perhaps the center of the whole AC system as it works to actually cool the air. Moving parts in the compressor transform the gaseous refrigerant into the liquid responsible for cooling the air, but sometimes those parts can get stuck or broken.

It’s important to replace a failed compressor as soon as possible. If the moving parts within don’t have proper lubrication and perform correctly, they can start to chip off. The broken bits then circulate themselves through the rest of the AC system and wreak havoc on other components.

Faulty blower motor

You’ll notice that the blower motor in your Dodge Caravan climate control system is faulty if you’re experiencing a lack of airflow and/or abnormal noises coming from the dash.

Unfortunately, a bad blower motor can’t be repaired but rather needs to be replaced. However, if you’re noticing that the motor seems to work one second and then fails the next, it could be a blown fuse. Check the vehicle’s fuse box for any burnt-out fuses and replace them.

How to diagnose a Dodge Caravan climate control malfunction

The above-mentioned issues encompass just some of the potential problems that can arise in your Dodge Caravan climate control system. There are many causes of HVAC system malfunctions that can range from a simple blown fuse or filthy air filter to a decimated AC compressor.

Depending on the year of your Dodge, you may have the technology for an

onboard diagnostics (OBD) scan

that can help you identify the issue. If you don’t have that convenience, you’ll have to bring your vehicle to a certified mechanic so they can diagnose the issue.

Be sure to do your research on the mechanic you choose so you know your vehicle will be in knowledgeable and capable hands.

MORE:

Cooling/radiator fan motor replacement cost

How to keep Dodge Caravan insurance costs low

The Dodge Caravan is a reliable minivan that has swept itself across the nation since the 1980s. Many Caravan drivers are emotionally attached to their vehicles—all those family road trips and extra-curricular pick-up nights leave you with some special memories.

Make sure your van can get you through the next round of memory-making and protect it with a solid

car insurance

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It’s this simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. As a licensed and trusted broker, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer in less than one minute. Choose from competitive

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