recommended oil DODGE RAM 2003 Service Manual PDF

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.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING- REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION).
If the air conditioning system does not cool prop-
erly, the A/C system performance should be tested.
See A/C Performance in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group for the procedures. If the A/C
system refrigerant fill is found to be low or if the sys-
tem is empty; a leak at a refrigerant line, connector
fitting, component, or component seal is likely.
An electronic leak detector designed for R-134a
refrigerant, or a fluorescent R-134a leak detection
dye and a black light are recommended for locating
and confirming refrigerant system leaks. Refer to the
operating instructions supplied by the equipment
manufacturer for the proper care and use of this
equipment.
An oily residue on or near refrigerant system lines,
connector fittings, components, or component seals
can indicate the general location of a possible refrig-
erant leak. However, the exact leak location should
be confirmed with an electronic leak detector prior to
component repair or replacement.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system with an
electronic leak detector, perform one of the following
procedures:
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/RE-
FRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Connect and dispense 0.283 kilograms (0.625
pounds or 10 ounces) of R-134a refrigerant into the
evacuated refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEAT-ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(4) With the engine not running, use a electronic
R-134a leak detector and search for leaks. Because
R-134a refrigerant is heavier than air, the leak detec-
tor probe should be moved slowly along the bottom
side of all refrigerant lines, connector fittings and
components.
(5) To inspect the evaporator coil for leaks, insert
the electronic leak detector probe into the center
instrument panel outlet and the floor duct outlet. Set
the blower motor switch to the lowest speed position,
and the mode control switch in the recirculation
mode (Max-A/C).
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(2) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run with the air conditioning system
turned on for five minutes.
(3) With the engine not running, use a electronic
R-134a leak detector and search for leaks. Because
R-134a refrigerant is heavier than air, the leak detec-
tor probe should be moved slowly along the bottom
side of all refrigerant lines, connector fittings and
components.
(4) To inspect the evaporator coil for leaks, insert
the electronic leak detector probe into the center
instrument panel outlet and the floor duct outlet. Set
the blower motor switch to the lowest speed position,
and the mode control switch in the recirculation
mode (Max-A/C).
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE
WARNING: (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) AND (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION) BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING
OPERATION.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the
atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system
can be charged. If moisture and air enters the system
and becomes mixed with the refrigerant, the com-
pressor head pressure will rise above acceptable
operating levels. This will reduce the performance of
the air conditioner and could damage the compressor.
Evacuating the refrigerant system will remove the
DRPLUMBING 24 - 51
REFRIGERANT (Continued)

(7) Ensure that the spring-lock coupler is fully
engaged by trying to separate the two coupler halves.
This is done by pulling the refrigerant lines on either
side of the coupler away from each other.
(8) Reinstall the secondary clip over the spring-
lock coupler cage.
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 SD±7 com-
pressor used in this vehicle is designed to use an
SP-15 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
container immediately to prevent moisture contami-
nation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
When an air conditioning system is assembled at
the factory, all components except the compressor are
refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system hasbeen charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the
compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant
system. The accumulator, evaporator, condenser, and
compressor will each retain a significant amount of
the needed refrigerant oil.
It is important to have the correct amount of oil in
the refrigerant system. This ensures proper lubrica-
tion of the compressor. Too little oil will result in
damage to the compressor. Too much oil will reduce
the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the
compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil
loss. An oil loss may occur due to a rupture or leak
from a refrigerant line, a connector fitting, a compo-
nent, or a component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30
milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system after the repair has been made.
Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak point
by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the
leak.
Refrigerant oil must be added when a accumulator,
evaporator coil or condenser are replaced. See the
Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart. When a compressor
is replaced, the refrigerant oil must be drained from
the old compressor and measured. Drain all of the
refrigerant oil from the new compressor, then fill the
new compressor with the same amount of refrigerant
oil that was drained out of the old compressor.
Refrigerant Oil Capacities
Component ml fl oz
Complete A/C System 180 6
Accumulator 60 2
Condenser 30 1
Evaporator 60 2
Compressordrain and measure
the oil from the old
compressor - see
text.
24 - 54 PLUMBINGDR
REFRIGERANT LINE COUPLER (Continued)