Heat DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

(3) Install the serpentine drive belt. Refer to Cool-
ing for the procedures.
(4) Plug in the compressor clutch coil wire harness
connector.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(7) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION
The condenser is located in the air flow in front of
the engine cooling radiator. The condenser is a heat
exchanger that allows the high-pressure refrigerant
gas being discharged by the compressor to give up itsheat to the air passing over the condenser fins, thus
causing the refrigerant to change to a liquid state.
OPERATION
When the refrigerant gas gives up its heat, it con-
denses. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser, it
has become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The
volume of air flowing over the condenser fins is crit-
ical to the proper cooling performance of the air con-
ditioning system. Therefore, it is important that
there are no objects placed in front of the radiator
grille openings in the front of the vehicle or foreign
material on the condenser fins that might obstruct
proper air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or
shrouds must be properly reinstalled following radia-
tor or condenser service.
The condenser cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR REMOVE/INSTALL - GASOLINE ENGINE
1 - BRACKET
2 - A/C COMPRESSOR
3 - BOLT AND WASHER4 - BRACE
5 - BOLT
24 - 48 PLUMBINGBR/BE
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)

REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Remove the nut that secures the block fitting
to the stud on the condenser inlet, and disconnect the
discharge line from the condenser. Install plugs in, or
tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(4) Disconnect the refrigerant line fitting that
secures the liquid line to the condenser outlet. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLER) Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings.
(5) On gasoline engine models:(a) Remove the two screws that secure the con-
denser upper mounting brackets to the outside of
the upper radiator crossmember (Fig. 6).
(b) Tilt the condenser away from the engine
compartment far enough to grasp the top of the
condenser with both hands.
(c) Lift the condenser far enough to remove the
two lower condenser locators from the isolators in
the holes of the lower crossmember.
(d) Remove the condenser from the vehicle.
(6) On diesel engine models:
(a) Remove the two screws that secure the
brackets on the passenger side end of the con-
denser to the charge air cooler (Fig. 7).
(b) Remove the two nuts that secure the driver
side end of the condenser to the studs on the
charge air cooler.
(c) Remove the condenser from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
Fig. 5 COMPRESSOR REMOVE/INSTALL - DIESEL
ENGINE
1 - ENGINE
2 - BRACKET
3 - A/C COMPRESSOR
4 - BOLTS
Fig. 6 CONDENSER REMOVE/INSTALL - GASOLINE
ENGINE
1 - CONDENSER
2 - LOCATOR
3 - ISOLATOR
4 - SCREW
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 49
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)

(1) On gasoline engine models:
(a) Insert the two lower condenser locators into
the isolators in the holes of the lower crossmember.
(b) Tilt the condenser up towards the engine
compartment far enough to align the upper mount-
ing bracket holes with the holes in the upper radi-
ator crossmember.
(c) Install the two screws that secure the con-
denser upper mounting brackets to the outside of
the upper radiator crossmember. Tighten the
mounting screws to 10.5 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(2) On diesel engine models:
(a) Install the driver side condenser mounting
brackets over the two studs on the charge air
cooler.
(b) Install the two screws that secure the brack-
ets on the passenger side end of the condenser to
the charge air cooler. Tighten the mounting screws
to 10.5 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(c) Install the two nuts that secure the driver
side end of the condenser to the studs on the
charge air cooler. Tighten the mounting nuts to
10.5 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove the plugs or tape from the refrigerant
line fittings on the liquid line and the condenser out-
let. Connect the liquid line to the condenser outlet.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE
COUPLERS)
(4) Install a new gasket and the discharge line
block fitting over the stud on the condenser inlet.
Tighten the mounting nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
(5) Check that all of the condenser and radiator
air seals are in their proper locations.(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
NOTE: If the condenser is replaced, add 30 millili-
ters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refriger-
ant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - DESCRIPTION)
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE
LINE
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c
high pressure switch.
(4) Disconnect the suction line refrigerant line cou-
pler at the accumulator. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLER) Install plugs
in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fit-
tings.
(5) Remove the nut that secures the block fitting
to the stud on the condenser inlet and disconnect the
discharge line from the condenser. Install plugs in, or
tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(6) On models with a gasoline engine, remove the
nut that secures the refrigerant line support bracket
to the stud on the compressor mounting bracket.
(7) Remove the bolt that secures the refrigerant
line manifold to the compressor (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 9).
Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrig-
erant line fittings.
Fig. 7 CONDENSER REMOVE/INSTALL - DIESEL
ENGINE
1 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
2 - NUT
3 - CONDENSER
4 - SCREW
24 - 50 PLUMBINGBR/BE
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)

(8) Remove the suction and discharge line assem-
bly from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from all of the refrig-
erant line fittings. Connect the suction line refriger-
ant line coupler to the accumulator. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(2) Install a new gasket and the discharge line
block fitting over the stud on the condenser inlet.
Tighten the mounting nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
Fig. 8 SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE REMOVE/INSTALL - GASOLINE ENGINE
1 - CLIP
2 - ACCUMULATOR
3 - BOLT
4 - MANIFOLD
5 - A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
7 - CONDENSER8 - NUT
9 - DISCHARGE LINE
10 - SUCTION LINE
11 - NUT
12 - STUD
Fig. 9 SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE REMOVE/
INSTALL - DIESEL ENGINE
1 - DISCHARGE LINE (TO CONDENSER)
2 - COMPRESSOR
3 - BOLT
4 - MANIFOLD
5 - SUCTION LINE (FROM ACCUMULATOR)
6 - A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 51
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)

(3) Install the refrigerant line manifold to the com-
pressor. Tighten the mounting bolt to 22 N´m (200 in.
lbs.).
(4) On models with a gasoline engine, install the
nut that secures the refrigerant line support bracket
to the stud on the compressor mounting bracket.
Tighten the mounting nut to 22 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(5) Plug in the wire harness connector to the a/c
high pressure switch.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line cou-
plers at the condenser outlet and the evaporator
inlet. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C
LINE COUPLERS) Install plugs in, or tape over all
of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(4) Disengage any clips that secure the liquid line
to the inner fender shield and the dash panel (Fig.
10).
(5) Remove the liquid line from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(1) Install the liquid line into any clips on the
inner fender shield and the dash panel.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant
line fittings on the liquid line, the condenser outlet,
and the evaporator inlet. Connect the liquid line to
the condenser and the evaporator. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(5) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The a/c evaporator is located in the HVAC housing,
under the instrument panel. The evaporator coil is
positioned in the HVAC housing so that all air that
enters the housing must pass over the fins of the
evaporator before it is distributed through the sys-
tem ducts and outlets. However, air passing over the
evaporator coil fins will only be conditioned when the
Fig. 10 LIQUID LINE REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - TO EVAPORATOR INLET
2 - CLIP
3 - EVAPORATOR INLET
4 - CONDENSER OUTLET
5 - CLIP
6 - TO CONDENSER OUTLET
7 - LIQUID LINE
8 - CLIPS
24 - 52 PLUMBINGBR/BE
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)

compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant
through the evaporator coil tubes.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the evaporator from the fixed
orifice tube as a low-temperature, low-pressure liq-
uid. As air flows over the fins of the evaporator, the
humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and the
heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat
absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and vapor-
ize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas when
it leaves the evaporator.
The evaporator coil cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle,
and disassemble the housing halves. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL) (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Lift the a/c evaporator out of the HVAC hous-
ing (Fig. 11).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(1) Insert the evaporator coil into the bottom of the
HVAC housing.
(2) Reassemble and reinstall the HVAC housing in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
NOTE: If the evaporator is replaced, add 60 millili-
ters (2 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the refrig-
erant system.
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION
The fixed orifice tube is installed in the liquid line
between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of
the evaporator. The fixed orifice tube is only serviced
as an integral part of the liquid line.
OPERATION
The inlet end of the fixed orifice tube has a nylon
mesh filter screen, which filters the refrigerant and
helps to reduce the potential for blockage of the
metering orifice by refrigerant system contaminants
(Fig. 12). The outlet end of the tube has a nylon
mesh diffuser screen. The O-rings on the plastic body
of the fixed orifice tube seal the tube to the inside of
the liquid line and prevent the refrigerant from
bypassing the fixed metering orifice.
The fixed orifice tube is used to meter the flow of
liquid refrigerant into the evaporator coil. The high-
pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser
expands into a low-pressure liquid as it passes
through the metering orifice and diffuser screen of
the fixed orifice tube.
The fixed orifice tube cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or plugged, the liquid line assembly must be
replaced.
Fig. 11 A/C EVAPORATOR LOCATION IN HVAC
HOUSING (UPSIDE DOWN)
1 - EVAPORATOR LOCATION
2 - BOTTOM HALF OF HVAC HOUSING
3 - TOP HALF OF HVAC HOUSING
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 53
A/C EVAPORATOR (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FIXED ORIFICE
TUBE
The fixed orifice tube can be checked for proper
operation using the following procedure. However,
the fixed orifice tube is only serviced as a part of the
liquid line unit. If the results of this test indicate
that the fixed orifice tube is obstructed or missing,
the entire liquid line unit must be replaced.
WARNING: THE LIQUID LINE BETWEEN THE CON-
DENSER OUTLET AND THE FIXED ORIFICE TUBE
CAN BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO BURN THE SKIN.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING TEST.
(1) Confirm that the refrigerant system is properly
charged. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PER-
FORMANCE)
(2) Start the engine. Turn on the air conditioning
system and confirm that the compressor clutch is
engaged.
(3) Allow the air conditioning system to operate for
five minutes.
(4) Lightly and cautiously touch the liquid line
near the condenser outlet at the front of the engine
compartment. The liquid line should be hot to the
touch.
(5) Touch the liquid line near the evaporator inlet
at the rear of the engine compartment. The liquid
line should be cold to the touch.
(6) If there is a distinct temperature differential
between the two ends of the liquid line, the orifice
tube is in good condition. If there is little or no
detectable temperature differential between the two
ends of the liquid line, the orifice tube is obstructed
or missing and the liquid line must be replaced.
REMOVAL
The fixed orifice tube is located in the liquid line,
between the condenser and the evaporator coil. If the
fixed orifice tube is faulty or plugged, the liquid line
assembly must be replaced. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/LIQUID LINE
- REMOVAL)
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The accumulator is mounted in the engine com-
partment between the a/c evaporator outlet tube and
the compressor inlet.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the accumulator canister as a
low pressure vapor through the inlet tube. Any liq-
uid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the
canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag is
mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb
any moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system (Fig. 13).
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Remove the a/c low pressure switch from the
accumulator. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C LOW PRESSURE
SWITCH - REMOVAL)
(4) Loosen the screw that secures the accumulator
retaining band to the support bracket on the dash
panel (Fig. 20).
(5) Disconnect the suction line refrigerant line fit-
ting from the accumulator outlet. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrig-
erant line fittings.
(6) Disconnect the accumulator inlet refrigerant
line fitting from the evaporator outlet. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
Fig. 12 FIXED ORIFICE TUBE - TYPICAL
1 - DIFFUSER SCREEN
2 - ªOº RINGS
3 - INLET FILTER SCREEN
4 - ORIFICE
24 - 54 PLUMBINGBR/BE
A/C ORIFICE TUBE (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE) Install plugs in, or tape
over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(7) Pull the accumulator out of the retaining band.
(8) Remove the accumulator from the engine com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)(1) Install the accumulator in the retaining band.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant
line fittings on the accumulator inlet and the evapo-
rator outlet. Connect the accumulator inlet refriger-
ant line coupler to the evaporator outlet. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(3) Tighten the accumulator retaining band screw
to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(4) Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant
line fittings on the suction line and the accumulator
outlet. Connect the suction line refrigerant line cou-
pler to the accumulator outlet. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(5) Reinstall the a/c low pressure switch on the
accumulator. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C LOW PRESSURE
SWITCH - INSTALLATION)
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
NOTE: If the accumulator is replaced, add 60 milli-
liters (2 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the refrig-
erant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is located in the HVAC housing,
under the instrument panel. It is a heat exchanger
made of rows of tubes and fins.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through heater hoses
to the heater core at all times. As the coolant flows
through the heater core, heat removed from the
engine is transferred to the heater core fins and
tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks up
the heat from the heater core fins. The blend door
allows control of the heater output air temperature
by controlling how much of the air flowing through
the HVAC housing is directed through the heater
core. The blower motor speed controls the volume of
air flowing through the HVAC housing.
The heater core cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced. Refer to Cooling for
Fig. 13 ACCUMULATOR - TYPICAL
1 - A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
2 - PRESSURE SWITCH FITTING
3 - OUTLET TO COMPRESSOR
4 - ANTI-SIPHON HOLE
5 - DESICCANT BAG
6 - OIL RETURN ORIFICE FILTER
7 - VAPOR RETURN TUBE
8 - ACCUMULATOR DOME
9 - O-RING SEAL
10 - INLET FROM EVAPORATOR
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 55
ACCUMULATOR (Continued)

more information on the engine cooling system, the
engine coolant and the heater hoses.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the screws and retainers that secure
the heater core to the HVAC housing.
(3) Lift the heater core straight up and out of the
heater-A/C housing (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lower the heater core into the HVAC housing.
(2) Position the retainers over the heater core
tubes. Install and tighten the screws that secure the
heater core and retainers to the HVAC housing.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the HVAC housing in the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLA-
TION)
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning sys-
tem is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a.
Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC),R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting
chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flam-
mable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas.
Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it
must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type
refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse
gas and can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 added to an R-134a refrigerant
system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil
sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
In addition, the PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG) synthetic
refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system
are not compatible with the mineral-based refriger-
ant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.
R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service
tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have
all been designed with unique fittings to ensure that
an R-134a system is not accidentally contaminated
with the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also
labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehi-
cle and on the compressor identifying to service tech-
nicians that the air conditioning system is equipped
with R-134a.
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant sys-
tems is a synthetic-based, PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG),
wax-free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant
oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should
never be introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.
There are different PAG oils available, and each
contains a different additive package. The SD7H15
compressor used in this vehicle is designed to use an
SP-20 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only refrigerant oil of
this same type to service the refrigerant system.
OPERATION
After performing any refrigerant recovery or recy-
cling operation, always replenish the refrigerant sys-
tem with the same amount of the recommended
refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant
oil can cause compressor damage, and too much can
reduce air conditioning system performance.
PAG refrigerant oil is much more hygroscopic than
mineral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes
into contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG
oil container should always be kept tightly capped
until it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil
Fig. 14 HEATER CORE REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - HEATER CORE LINES
2 - HEATER CORE
24 - 56 PLUMBINGBR/BE
HEATER CORE (Continued)

DESCRIPTION - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) indicates the
PCM has recognized an abnormal condition in the
system.
Remember that DTC's are the results of a sys-
tem or circuit failure, but do not directly iden-
tify the failed component or components.
NOTE: For a list of DTC's, refer to the charts in this
section.
BULB CHECK
Each time the ignition key is turned to the ON
position, the malfunction indicator (check engine)
lamp on the instrument panel should illuminate for
approximately 2 seconds then go out. This is done for
a bulb check.OBTAINING DTC'S USING DRB SCAN TOOL
(1) Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link
(diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in
the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of
instrument panel; near the steering column.
(2) Turn the ignition switch on and access the
ªRead Faultº screen.
(3) Record all the DTC's and ªfreeze frameº infor-
mation shown on the DRB scan tool.
(4) To erase DTC's, use the ªErase Trouble Codeº
data screen on the DRB scan tool.Do not erase any
DTC's until problems have been investigated
and repairs have been performed.
(M)Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated during engine operation if this DTC was recorded
(depending if required by CARB and/or EPA). MIL is displayed as an engine icon on instrument panel.
(G)Generator lamp illuminated
Generic Scan
Tool P-CodeDRB Scan Tool Display Brief Description of DTC
P0030 (M) 1/1 O2 Sensor Heater Relay Circuit Problem detected in oxygen sensor heater relay circuit.
P0036 (M) 1/2 O2 Sensor Heater Relay Circuit Problem detected in oxygen sensor heater relay circuit.
P0106 Barometric Pressure Out of Range MAP sensor input voltage out of an acceptable range
detected during reading of barometric pressure at key-on.
P0107 (M) Map Sensor Voltage Too Low MAP sensor input below minimum acceptable voltage.
P0108 (M) Map Sensor Voltage Too High MAP sensor input above maximum acceptable voltage.
P0112 (M) Intake Air Temp Sensor Voltage Low Intake air (charge) temperature sensor input below the
minimum acceptable voltage.
P0113 (M) Intake Air Temp Sensor Voltage High Intake air (charge) temperature sensor input above the
maximum acceptable voltage.
P0116 A rationatilty error has been detected in the coolant temp
sensor.
P0117 (M) ECT Sensor Voltage Too Low Engine coolant temperature sensor input below the
minimum acceptable voltage.
P0118 (M) ECT Sensor Voltage Too High Engine coolant temperature sensor input above the
maximum acceptable voltage.
P0121 (M) TPS Voltage Does Not Agree With
MAPTPS signal does not correlate to MAP sensor signal.
P0121 (M) Accelerator Position Sensor (APPS)
Signal Voltage Too LowAPPS voltage input below the minimum acceptable
voltage.
P0122 (M) Throttle Position Sensor Voltage Low Throttle position sensor input below the acceptable
voltage range.
P0122 (M) Accelerator Position Sensor (APPS)
Signal Voltage Too LowAPPS voltage input below the minimum acceptable
voltage.
P0123 (M) Throttle Position Sensor Voltage
HighThrottle position sensor input above the maximum
acceptable voltage.
25 - 2 EMISSIONS CONTROLBR/BE
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)