cooling DODGE RAM 1999 Service Repair Manual

HIGH
Some possible causes of low side system pressure being high-
to-normal and high side system pressure being too high include:
* Condenser air flow restricted.
* Inoperative cooling fan.
* Faulty expansion valve.
* Refrigerant system overcharged.
* Air in refrigerant system.
* Engine overheating.
LOW SIDE PRESSURE IS HIGH & HIGH SIDE PRESSURE IS LOW
Some possible causes of low side system pressure being too
high and high side system pressure being too low include:
* Compressor belt is slipping.
* Fixed orifice tube not installed.
* Faulty compressor.
LOW SIDE PRESSURE IS LOW & HIGH SIDE PRESSURE IS HIGH
Some possible causes of low side system pressure being too
low and high side system pressure being too high include:
* Restricted refrigerant flow through refrigerant lines.
* Restricted refrigerant flow through expansion valve.
* Restricted refrigerant flow through fixed orifice tube.
* Restricted refrigerant flow through receiver-drier.
* Restricted refrigerant flow through condenser.
BLOWER MOTOR DIAGNOSIS
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
Some possible causes of an inoperative blower motor include:
* Faulty fuse.
* Faulty blower motor feed circuit wire harness or
connectors.
* Faulty blower motor ground circuit wire harness or
connector.
* Faulty blower motor resistor.
* Faulty blower motor relay.
* Faulty blower motor switch.
* Faulty A/C-heater mode control switch.
* Faulty blower motor.
BLOWER NOT OPERATING IN ALL SPEEDS
Possible causes of the blower not operating in all speeds
include:
* Faulty fuse.
* Faulty blower motor feed circuit wire harness or
connectors.
* Faulty blower motor relay.
* Faulty blower motor resistor.
* Faulty blower motor switch.


* A /C -H EA TE R S YSTE M U NIF O RM IN SPEC TIO N G UID ELIN ES *

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
A/C-Heater System Motorist Assurance Program
Standards For Automotive Repair
All Makes and Models
INTRODUCTION TO MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAP)
CONTENTS
Motorist Assurance Program (MAP)
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
ACCUMULATORS
ACTUATORS (ELECTRICAL)
ACTUATORS (VACUUM)
AIR CONDITIONING FITTINGS
AIR CONDITIONING HOSES
AIR CONDITIONING METAL LINES, HOSES AND FITTING ASSEMBLIES
AIR CONTROL DOORS
AIR DAMS (EXTERNAL)
AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
BELTS
BLEND DOORS
BLOWER FANS (BLOWER WHEEL OR SQUIRREL CAGE)
BLOWER MOTORS
BLOWER RESISTORS
BLOWER SWITCHES
CABIN AIR FILTERS
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLIES
COMPRESSORS
CONDENSER AIR SEALS
CONDENSER FAN MOTORS
CONDENSERS
CONNECTORS
CONTROL CABLES
CONTROL HEADS (FUNCTION SELECTORS)
CONTROL LINKAGES
CONTROL MODULES
COOLANT
COOLING FAN BLADES
COOLING FAN CLUTCHES
COOLING FAN MOTORS
EVAPORATOR DRAIN TUBES
EVAPORATOR PRESSURE REGULATORS (EPRS)
EVAPORATORS
EXPANSION VALVES
FUNCTION SELECTORS
FUSES, FUSIBLE LINKS AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FUSIBLE LINKS
GASKETS
HEATER CASES
HEATER CONTROL VALVES
HEATER CORES

See COOLING FAN MOTORS .
CONDENSERS
CONDENSER INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Abrasion damage, affecting
structural integrity ... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Abrasion damage, not
affecting structural
integrity .............. .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Air flow obstruction,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Bent, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Bent, not affecting
performance ............ .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Bracket bent, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Bracket bent, not
affecting performance .. .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Bracket broken, affecting
performance ............ A ............ Require replacement.
Bracket broken, not
affecting performance .. .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Bracket corroded,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Bracket corroded, not
affecting performance .. 2 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Bracket cracked, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Bracket cracked, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Bracket holes elongated,
affecting performance .. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Bracket holes elongated,
not affecting
performance ............ .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Bracket loose, affecting
performance ............ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Bracket loose, not
affecting performance .. 1 .. Suggest repair or replacement.
Bracket missing ......... C ............ Require replacement.
Corroded, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Corroded, not affecting
structural integrity ... .. ........ No service suggested or

Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ............ Require replacement.
Wire lead conductors
exposed ................ B .. Require repair or replacement.
Wire lead corroded ...... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Wire lead open .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Wire lead shorted ....... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Refer to manufacturer's diagnostic trouble code
procedure and require repair or replacement of
affected component(s).
( 2) - Determine cause and correct prior to repair or
replacement of part.
( 3) - Determine source of contamination, such as engine coolant,
fuel, metal particles, or water. Require repair or
replacement. Check for accepted cleaning procedure.
( 4) - Inoperative includes intermittent operation or out of
OEM specification. Some components may be serviceable.









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COOLANT
COOLANT INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Acidity (pH) incorrect .. 1 ........... Suggest correction or
replacement.
Contaminated ............ B ...... ( 1) Require replacement or
recycling. Further
inspection required.
Level incorrect ......... B .......... ( 2) Require filling to
proper level.
Maintenance intervals ... 3 ........ ( 3) Suggest replacement.
Mixture incorrect ....... B ........... Require correction or
replacement.
Type incorrect .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Determine source of contamination and require correction
prior to coolant replacement.
( 2) - Determine source of incorrect level and suggest repair.
( 3) - The system should be drained and/or flushed and
refilled with correct coolant according to OEM
recommended service interval and procedures.









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COOLING FAN BLADES
COOLING FAN BLADE INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Application incorrect ... B ............ Require replacement.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.

Bent .................... A ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Cracked ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Loose ................... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ............ Require replacement.









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COOLING FAN CLUTCHES
NOTE: Some lateral movement, measured at the fan blade tip, may
be normal.
COOLING FAN CLUTCH INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Application incorrect ... B ............ Require replacement.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Bearing noisy ........... A ............ Require replacement.
Bearing worn ............ A ............ Require replacement.
Fastener loose .......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of fastener.
Inoperative ............. A ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Leaking ................. 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
Seized .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Slips (insufficient fan
speed) ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Thermal control
incorrect .............. B .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Inoperative includes intermittent operation or out of
OEM specification.









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COOLING FAN MOTORS
COOLING FAN MOTOR INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A .. Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Connector broken ........ A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector (Weatherpack
type) leaking .......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Connector melted,
affecting performance .. A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.

knob pointer) is flush with base of A/C-heater control panel.
5) Rotate temperature control knob to its full clockwise
stop. Release knob. Knob pointer should be aimed at end of Red stripe.
If knob is pointed at end of Red stripe, go to next step. If knob is
not pointed at end of Red stripe, go back to step 2) and repeat
adjustment procedure.
6) Rotate temperature control knob to its full
counterclockwise stop. Release knob. If knob springs back, self-
adjuster clip securing temperature control cable to blend-air door
lever is improperly installed. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE R & I. If
knob does not spring back, temperature control cable adjustment is
complete.
TESTING
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY
article.
A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL TEST
1) Connect a vacuum gauge in line with Black A/C-heater
vacuum supply hose, located at tee near power brake booster (Dakota)
or in engine compartment (Durango and Ram Pickup). Position gauge so
it can be viewed from passenger compartment.
2) Start engine. While observing gauge, rotate mode control
knob to each mode position (one position at a time). Pause after each
selection. Test gauge should drop, then return to 8 in. Hg shortly
after each selection is made. If gauge reading is as specified, go to
next step. If gauge reading is not as specified, check for vacuum leak
in vacuum lines or A/C-heater control panel.
3) Move temperature control knob quickly to full hot and full
cold positions. A distinct sound of blend-air door hitting its stops
should be heard. No spring-back of knob should exist.
4) If temperature control knob operates as specified,
temperature control system is okay. On Dakota and Durango, if
temperature control knob does not operate as specified, check
condition, routing, installation, and adjustment of temperature
control cable. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENT . Also check
blend air door for proper installation, obstructions, or faulty seals.
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
1) Park vehicle out of direct sunlight. Ensure ambient
temperature is at least 70F (21C). Connect tachometer and manifold
gauge set to vehicle. Turn A/C on. Turn mode control to panel and
recirculated air positions, temperature control lever to maximum
cooling, and blower to high.
2) Start engine and allow it to run at 1000 RPM, with A/C
compressor clutch engaged. Engine should be at operating temperature
with doors, windows, and hood closed. Insert thermometer into left
center air outlet.
3) Run engine and operate system for 5 minutes. The A/C
compressor clutch may cycle, depending on temperature. If A/C
compressor clutch cycles, stop engine and disconnect negative battery
cable. Remove clutch cycling pressure switch connector. Place a jumper
wire across terminals of clutch cycling pressure switch harness
connector.
4) Connect negative battery cable. Turn A/C on. Start and

1) Locate low pressure cut-out switch located on suction
line, near firewall. Ensure system pressure is correct. See
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE test. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Disconnect low pressure cut-out switch connector.
2) Place a jumper wire across terminals of low pressure cut-
out switch harness connector. Connect negative battery cable. Connect
manifold gauge set. Set A/C-heater controls to A/C. Start and operate
engine at idle speed.
3) Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between switch
terminals. Continuity should exist when suction pressure reading is
between 13-27 psi (.9-1.9 kg/cm
). Continuity should not exist when
suction pressure reading is 10 psi (.7 kg/cm) or lower. If switch is
okay, repair open or short in Brown wire between low pressure cut-out
switch and PCM. If switch is not okay, replace faulty low pressure
cut-out switch.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY
article.
A/C-HEATER ASSEMBLY
Removal (Dakota & Durango - Front)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system.
Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling
equipment. Disconnect refrigerant lines from evaporator and plug or
cover all openings in A/C system. Remove instrument panel. See
INSTRUMENT PANEL .
2) In engine compartment, disconnect heater hoses. Remove 4
A/C-heater assembly nuts from engine compartment firewall. Inside
vehicle, remove A/C-heater assembly support brace screw, and swing
support brace out of way. Move passenger seat rearward.
3) Carefully pull A/C-heater assembly rearward until studs
and heater core tubes clear firewall. Lower A/C-heater assembly and
rotate assembly until studs are facing downward. Remove A/C-heater
assembly from vehicle. See Fig. 4.
4) Place A/C-heater assembly on work bench with assembly
housing cover facing down. Remove 2 screws securing A/C-heater
assembly housing cover to blower motor housing cover. Unplug vacuum
harness connector from panel/defrost door actuator.
5) Remove floor duct from A/C-heater assembly housing. Remove
2 screws securing A/C-heater assembly housing cover to lower housing
near floor outlet. Turn assembly over. Disengage vacuum harness
retainer and vacuum harness. Remove 13 screws securing housing cover.
6) Remove blend-air door lever. Gently pry panel-defrost door
lever off. Pull up on A/C-heater assembly housing cover far enough to
separate cover sealant and remove cover.
Installation
Ensure blower motor housing cover sealant is in place and in
good condition. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

assembly towards right side of vehicle and remove rear A/C-heater
assembly.
5) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure all wiring
and hoses are clear and not pinched. Tighten bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Removal (Ram Pickup - Front)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system.
In engine compartment, remove coolant hoses from heater core tubes.
Remove coolant overflow bottle.
2) Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant
recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect refrigerant lines from
evaporator and plug or cover all openings in A/C system. Remove
instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANEL. Remove Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) and position aside. DO NOT disconnect 60-pin connector
from PCM.
3) Remove attaching nuts from studs on engine compartment
side of dash panel. Remove defrost duct. Disconnect electrical
connectors. Remove attaching nuts from studs in passenger compartment
side of dash panel. Remove A/C-heater assembly from vehicle. See
Fig. 5 .
4) Place A/C-heater assembly upside-down on work bench.
Remove screw securing floor duct to bottom of A/C-heater assembly and
slide floor duct off of center heat duct adapter. Unsnap center heat
duct adapter from bottom of A/C-heater assembly housing. Remove screw
hidden behind adapter. Remove remaining screws and separate A/C-heater
assembly.
Installation
Ensure mode door pivot pins are properly inserted in holes.
To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL R & I
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. On models equipped with
A/T, unlock ignition switch. Set parking brake and place gear selector
lever in "L" position. If equipped, set tilt steering column in lowest
position.
2) On all models, carefully pry bezel away from instrument
panel to disengage clips. Unplug connectors from cigarette lighter and
auxiliary power outlet. Disconnect fog light switch (if equipped).
Remove A/C-heater control panel screws.
3) Pull control panel outward enough to disconnect wiring
connector, vacuum harness, and temperature control cable. Remove A/C-
heater control panel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust
temperature control cable. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENT .
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Reach under driver's
side of instrument panel, near transmission tunnel and unplug A/C-
heater control panel to A/C-heater assembly vacuum harness connector.
Disconnect vacuum harness from center air duct.
2) On models equipped with A/T, unlock ignition switch. Set
parking brake and place gear selector lever in "L" position. If
equipped, set tilt steering column in lowest position.
3) On all models, remove screw securing cluster bezel to
instrument panel. See Fig. 6. Carefully pry bezel away from instrument
panel to disengage clips. Unplug connectors from cigarette lighter and
auxiliary power outlet.
4) Remove 4 screws attaching A/C-heater control panel. Pull
control panel outward enough to disconnect wiring connector, vacuum
harness and temperature control cable. Remove A/C-heater control

procedure.
NOTE: On Durango rear A/C-heater assembly, blower motor and fan are
serviced as an assembly.
Removal (Durango - Rear)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove headliner from
passenger compartment of vehicle. Remove sun visors and sun visor arm
supports.
2) Remove coat hooks, overhead assist handle and dome light.
If equipped, remove overhead console. Remove air outlet bezel from
rear A/C-assembly. Remove rear blower motor switch. Remove upper
liftgate opening trim. Disengage "A", "B", "C", and "D" pillar trim as
necessary to prevent trim panel interference.
3) Move second and third row seats to cargo position. Move
front seats to full recline position. Remove headliner fasteners.
Carefully bow headliner and remove through lift gate opening.
4) Disconnect "B" pillar drain hoses from "Y" fittings.
Remove lower A/C-heater assembly cover. Disconnect blower motor
harness connector. Remove blower motor and fan assembly. To install,
reverse removal procedure.
Removal (Ram Pickup - Front)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect blower motor
cooling tube. Remove blower motor electrical connector from retainer.
Disconnect electrical connector. See Fig. 5.
2) Remove blower motor and fan assembly mounting screws.
Remove blower motor and fan assembly. Place reference marks on blower
motor and fan for reassembly reference. Remove blower motor fan
retainer clip. Pull blower motor fan off blower motor shaft.
Installation
Align reference marks made during removal. Press blower fan
hub onto blower motor shaft. Ensure retainer clip ears are indexed
over flats of blower motor shaft and fan hub. Ensure blower motor seal
is installed on housing. To complete installation, reverse removal
procedure.
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango - Front)
Blower motor resistor is located in engine compartment, under
upper right corner of dash panel. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove cowl plenum cover to access resistor. Remove blower motor
resistor connector. Remove resistor retaining screws. Remove blower
motor resistor. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Durango - Rear)
1) Rear blower motor resistor is located in A/C-heater
assembly. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove headliner from
passenger compartment of vehicle. Remove sun visors and sun visor arm
supports.
2) Remove coat hooks, overhead assist handle and dome light.
If equipped, remove overhead console. Remove air outlet bezel from
rear A/C-assembly. Remove rear blower motor switch. Remove upper
liftgate opening trim. Disengage "A", "B", "C", and "D" pillar trim as
necessary to prevent trim panel interference.
3) Move second and third row seats to cargo position. Move
front seats to full recline position. Remove headliner fasteners.
Carefully bow headliner and remove through lift gate opening.
4) Disconnect "B" pillar drain hoses from "Y" fittings.
Remove lower A/C-heater assembly cover. Disconnect rear blower motor
resistor connector. Remove screw and rear blower motor resistor. To

install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup - Front)
Blower motor resistor is located under glove box, attached to
blower motor housing. See Fig. 5. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove blower motor resistor connector. Remove resistor retaining
screws. Remove blower motor resistor. To install, reverse removal
procedure.
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH (REAR)
Removal & Installation (Durango)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Pry above indentations at
outer perimeter of rear blower motor switch. Pull rear blower motor
switch and disconnect electrical connector. Remove rear blower motor
switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.
COMPRESSOR
Removal & Installation
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
refrigerant lines and plug or cover all openings in A/C system.
2) Remove drive belt. Disconnect compressor electrical leads.
Remove compressor mounting nuts and bolts. Remove compressor. Drain
oil from compressor, and record amount of oil drained.
3) To install, reverse removal procedure. Using new
refrigerant oil, add to compressor the same amount of oil drained from
it. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
CONDENSER
NOTE: Before removing condenser, note location of radiator and
condenser air seals. If air seals are not installed properly,
A/C and engine cooling systems will not perform properly.
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
A/C fittings at inlet and outlet of condenser. Plug or cover all
openings in A/C system.
2) On Dakota, remove bolts securing radiator and fan shroud
to inside of upper radiator crossmember. Remove top mounting bolts
securing condenser to upper crossmember. Tilt top of radiator and fan
shroud toward engine.
3) On Ram Pickup (gasoline engine), remove bolts securing
condenser upper mounting brackets to outside of upper radiator
crossmember. Tilt condenser away from engine compartment far enough to
grasp top of condenser with both hands. On Ram Pickup (diesel engine),\
remove bolts securing condenser to charge air cooler. On all models,
lift condenser assembly from vehicle.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new "O" rings
to fittings. Fill cooling system. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
EVAPORATOR CORE & HEATER CORE
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango - Front)
Remove instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANEL. Remove A/C-
heater assembly. See A/C-HEATER ASSEMBLY. With A/C-heater housing
removed, remove housing cover. Remove evaporator core or heater core