DODGE RAM SRT-10 2006 Service Repair Manual
Page 5131 of 5267
RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/CHARGING HOSE– The center manifold hose (Yellow, or White, with
Black stripe) (3) is used to recover, evacuate, and charge the refrigerantsystem. When the low or high pressure
valves on the manifold gauge set are opened, the refrigerant in the system will escape through this hose.
HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE– The high pressure hose (Red with Black stripe) (4) attaches to the high side
service port. This service port is located on the A/C discharge line. On this model, an A/C pressure transducer is
installed on the high side service port. A/C high-side pressures can be read using a scan tool. Refer to 9 - Engine
Electrical Diagnostics for more information.
LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE– The low pressure hose (Blue with Black stripe) (5) attaches to the low side
service port. This service port is located either on the top of the A/C accumulator or on the A/C suction line near the
accumulator, depending on engine application.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
An R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion (1) that meets SAE standard J2210 must be used
to recover the refrigerant from the R-134a refrigerant
system. Refer to the operating instructions supplied by
the equipment manufacturer for the proper care and
use of this equipment.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE
NOTE: Special effort must be used to prevent moisture from entering the A/Csystem oil. Moisture in the oil
is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem with the compressor.
If an A/C compressor designed to use R-134a refrigerant is left open to the atmosphere for an extended period of
time. It is recommended that the refrigerant oil be drained and replaced with new oil or a new A/C compressor be
used. This will eliminate the possibility of contaminating the refrigerant system.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system can be filled.
Moisture and air mixed with the refrigerant will raise the compressor headpressure above acceptable operating
levels. This will reduce the performance of the A/C system and damage the A/C compressor. Moisture will boil at
near room temperature when exposed to vacuum. To evacuate the refrigerantsystem:
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment coupling to the line fitting,verify that the valve of the cou-
pling is fully closed. This will reduce the amount of effort required to make the connection.
1. Recover the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
2. Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant recovery machine or amanifold gauge set with vacuum pump
and refrigerant recovery equipment (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT).
3. Open the suction and discharge valves and start the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should run a minimum of
45minutespriortochargetoeliminateall moisture in system. When the suction gauge reads to the lowest
Page 5132 of 5267
degree of vacuum possible (approximately -88 kPa (- 26 in. Hg) or greater) for 30 minutes, close all valves and
turn off vacuum pump. If the system failsto reach specified vacuum, the refrigerant system likely has a leak that
must be corrected. If the refrigerantsystem maintains specified vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vacuum
pump, open the suction and discharge valves. Then allow the system to evacuate an additional 10 minutes.
4. Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the vacuum pump.
5. Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: Always refer to the Underhood HVAC Specification Label for the refrigerant fill specification of the
vehicle being serviced.
After all refrigerant system leaks have been repaired and the refrigerantsystem has been evacuated, a refrigerant
charge can be injected into the system. For the proper amount of the refrigerant charge, refer to the Underhood
HVAC Specification Label.
An R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used to charge
the refrigerant system with R-134a refrigerant. Refer to the operating instructions supplied by the equipment man-
ufacturer for proper care and use of this equipment.
CHARGING PROCEDURE
CAUTION: A small amount of refrigerant oil is removed from the A/C system each time the refrigerant sys-
tem is recovered and evacuated. Before charging the A/C system, you MUST replenish any oil lost during
the recovery process. Refer the equipment manufacturer instructions formore information.
1. Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
2. A manifold gauge set and an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE standard
J2210 should be connected to the refrigerant system.
3. Measure the proper amount of refrigerant and heat it to 52° C (125° F) withthe charging station. See the oper-
ating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper useof this equipment.
4. Open both the suction and discharge valves, then open the charge valve toallow the heated refrigerant to flow
into the system.
5. When the transfer of refrigerant has stopped, close both the suction anddischarge valves.
6. If all of the refrigerant charge did not transfer from the dispensing device, open all of the windows in the vehicle
and set the heating-A/C system controls so that the A/C compressor is engaged and the blower motor is oper-
ating at its lowest speed setting. Run the engine at a steady high idle (about 1400 rpm). If the A/C compressor
does not engage, test the compressor clutch control circuit and repair as required.
7. Open the low-side valve to allow the remaining refrigerant to transfer to the refrigerant system.
WARNING: Take care not to open the discharge (high pressure) valve at this time. Failure to follow this
warning could result in possible personal injury or death.
8. Disconnect the charging station and manifold gauge set from the refrigerant system service ports.
9. Reinstall the caps onto the refrigerant system service ports.
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ACCUMULATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
The A/C accumulator (5) is mounted in the engine
compartment between the evaporator outlet tube (2)
and the A/C suction line (6). An integral mounting
bracket (4) is used to secure the accumulator to the
dash panel (3). The A/C low side service port (1) is
mountedtothetopoftheA/Caccumulator.
CAUTION: Use only O-ring seals specified for the
vehicle. Failure to use the correct O-ring seal will
cause the refrigerant system connections to leak.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except
for the rubber O-ring seals, low side service port
valve, cap and secondary retaining clips. The O-ring
seals used on the connections are made from a spe-
cial type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant.
The O-ring seals must be replaced whenever the A/C
accumulator is removed and installed.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator (1) mostly as a
low pressure vapor through the inlet tube (2). Any liq-
uid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the can-
ister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag (3) is
mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb
any moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system. A filter (4) is also
mounted inside the canister to trap any foreign mate-
rial that may have entered the refrigerant system dur-
ing assembly. The low pressure vapor exits the A/C
accumulator through the outlet tube (5). On this
model, the low side service port (6) is located at the
top of the A/C accumulator.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C
accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if the A/C com-
pressor has failed, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Review the warnings and cautions in the front of this section before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS).
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1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
3. Remove the air filter housing cover to gain access
to the A/C accumulator (9) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
AIR INTAKE SYSTEM).
4. Remove the secondary retaining clip (11) from the
spring-lock coupler (1) that secures the A/C suction
line (10) to the accumulator outlet tube (2).
5. Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, discon-
nect the A/C suction line from the A/C accumulator
and remove and discard the O-ring seals (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - REMOVAL).
6. If equipped, disengage the push-pin type wire har-
ness retainer from the plastic wire harness bracket
located on the side of the A/C accumulator and position the engine wire harness out of the way.
7. Loosen the bolts (8) that secure the A/C accumulator to the bracket (7) located on the dash panel.
8. Remove the secondary retaining clip (4) from the spring-lock coupler (6) that secures the accumulator inlet tube
(3) to the evaporator outlet tube (5).
9. Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, disconnect the accumulator inlet tube from the evaporator outlet tube
and remove and discard the O-ring seals (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COU-
PLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - REMOVAL).
10. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant system connections.
11. If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, remove the accumulator mounting bolts and the plastic wire harness
bracket (if equipped) from the accumulator.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, add 60 milliliters (2 fluidounces) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
1. If the A/C accumulator (9) is being replaced,
loosely install the accumulator mounting bolts (8)
and the plastic wire harness bracket (if equipped)
on to the accumulator.
2. Position the A/C accumulator onto the bracket
located on the dash panel (7) in the engine com-
partment. Do not tighten the accumulator mounting
bolts at this time.
3. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrig-
erant system connections.
4. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrig-
erant oil and install them onto the accumulator tube
fittings (1 and 6). Use only the specified seals as
they are made of a special material for the R-134a
system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recom-
mended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
5. Connect the spring-lock coupler that secures the
accumulator inlet tube (3) to the evaporator outlet
tube (5) and install the secondary retaining clip (4) (Refer to 24 - HEATING& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - INSTALLATION).
6. Tighten the accumulator mounting bolts to 4.5 Nꞏm (40 in. lbs.).
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7. If equipped, engage the engine wire harness retaining clip to the plastic wire harness bracket located on the side
of the A/C accumulator.
8. Connect the A/C suction line (10) to the accumulator outlet tube (2) and install the secondaryretaining clip (11)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COUPLER-REFRIGERANTLINE - INSTALLATION).
9. Install the air filter housing cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM).
10. Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
11. Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
12. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
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COMPRESSOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
A/C COMPRESSOR
NOTE: Denso 10S17 compressor shown. Visteon
HS-18 compressor similar.
The A/C system on models equipped with the 3.7L,
4.7L, 5.7L and 8.3L engines use a Denso 10S17
reciprocating swash plate-type compressor (1). This
A/C compressor has a fixed displacement of 170 cubic
centimeters (10.3 cubic inches).
The A/C system on models equipped with the 5.9L
diesel engine use a Visteon HS-18 A/C compressor.
This A/C compressor is a 10 cylinder reciprocating
swash plate-type compressor with a fixed displace-
ment of 180 cubic centimeters (10.9 cubic inches).
Both A/C compressors have the suction and discharge
ports (2) located on the compressor cylinder head (3)
at the rear of the compressor and have a label identi-
fying the use of R-134a refrigerant.
HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
A high pressure relief valve is located on the A/C compressor. This mechanical valve is designed to vent refrigerant
from the A/C system to protect against damage to the A/C compressor and other A/C system components, caused
by condenser air flow restriction or an overcharge of refrigerant.
OPERATION
A/C COMPRESSOR
The A/C compressor is driven by the engine through an electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement. The A/C
compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that is circulated throughout the refrigerant system with the refrigerant.
The A/C compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the A/C evaporator through its suction port. It then
compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor, which is then pumped to the
A/C condenser through the compressor discharge port.
The A/C compressor cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The compressor clutch,
pulley and bearing assembly, and clutch field coil are available for service. If an internal failure of the A/C compres-
sor has occurred, the A/C accumulator must also be replaced.
HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The high pressure relief valve vents refrigerant from the A/C system when adischarge pressure of 3445 to 4135
kPa (500 to 600 psi) or above is reached. The high pressure relief valve closes with a minimum discharge pressure
of 2756 kPa (400 psi) is reached.
The high pressure relief valve vents only enough refrigerant to reduce theA/C system pressure, and then re-seats
itself. The majority of the refrigerant is conserved in the A/C system. If the high pressure relief valve vents refrig-
erant, it does not mean the valve is faulty.
The high pressure relief valve is factory-calibrated and cannot be adjusted or repaired, and must not be removed or
otherwise disturbed. The valve is only serviced as a part of the A/C compressor.
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C COMPRESSOR
When investigating an A/C system related noise, you must first know the conditions under which the noise occurs.
These conditions include: weather, vehicle speed, transmission in gear or neutral, engine speed, engine tempera-
ture, and any other special conditions. Noises that develop during A/C operation can often be misleading. For exam-
ple: What sounds like a failed front engine bearing or connecting rod, may be caused by loose bolts, nuts, mounting
brackets or a loose compressor clutch assembly.
Drive belts are speed sensitive. At different engine speeds and dependingupon drive belt tension, drive belts can
develop noises that are mistaken for an A/C compressor noise. Improper drive belt tension can cause a misleading
noise when the compressor clutch is engaged, which may not occur when the compressor clutch is disengaged.
Check the accessory drive belt condition and tension as described in Cooling before beginning this procedure.
1. Select a quiet area for testing. Duplicate the complaint conditions as much as possible. Turn the A/C compressor
On and Off several times to clearly identify the compressor noise. Listen to the A/C compressor while the clutch
is engaged and disengaged. Probe the A/C compressor with an engine stethoscope or a long screwdriver with
the handle held to your ear to better localize the source of the noise.
2. Loosen all of the compressor mounting hardware and retighten. Check thecompressor clutch retainer. Be certain
that the clutch field coil is mounted securely to the A/C compressor, and that the clutch plate and pulley are
properly aligned and have the correct air gap (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/
CLUTCH-A/C COMPRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
3. To duplicate high-ambient temperature conditions (high head pressure), restrict the air flow through the A/C con-
denser. Install a manifold gauge set or a scan tool to be certain that the discharge pressure does not exceed
2760 kPa (400 psi).
4. Check the refrigerant system plumbing for incorrect routing, rubbing or interference, which can cause unusual
noises. Also check the refrigerant lines and hoses for kinks or sharp bendsthat will restrict refrigerant flow, which
can cause noises (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - DESCRIPTION - REFRIGER-
ANT LINES).
5. If the noise is from opening and closing of the high pressure relief valve, recover, evacuate and recharge the
refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY), (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE). If the high pressure relief
valve still does not seat properly, replace the A/C compressor (Refer to 24- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/COMPRESSOR-A/C - REMOVAL).
6. If the noise is from liquid refrigerant slugging in the A/C suction line,replace the A/C accumulator (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/ACCUMULATOR-A/C - REMOVAL) and check the refrigerant oil
level and the refrigerant system charge (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING- STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
7. If a slugging condition still exists after replacing the A/C accumulator, then replace the A/C compressor (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COMPRESSOR-A/C - REMOVAL) and repeat Step 1.
REMOVAL
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: The A/C compressor may be removed and repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant lines or
discharging the refrigerant system. Discharging is not necessary if servicing the compressor clutch, clutch
coil, engine, engine cylinder head or the generator.
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1. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE -
REMOVAL).
4. Remove the nuts (4) that secure the A/C suction
line (5) and the A/C discharge line (9) to the A/C
compressor (6).
5. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C com-
pressor and remove and discard the seals.
6. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the compressor ports.
7. Loosen the bolt (5) that secures the bracket (7) to
the accessory mounting bracket (4).
8. Remove the three bolts (1, 6 and 3) that secure the
A/C compressor (2) to the accessory mounting
bracket.
9. Remove the A/C compressor from the engine
compartment.
5.7L ENGINE
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: The A/C compressor may be removed and repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant lines or
discharging the refrigerant system. Discharging is not necessary if servicing the compressor clutch, clutch
coil, engine, engine cylinder head or the generator.
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1. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE -
REMOVAL).
4. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
clutch field coil connector on top of the A/C com-
pressor (6) and the A/C pressure transducer (8) on
the A/C discharge line (1).
5. Remove the nuts (4 and 7) that secure the A/C dis-
charge line and the A/C suction line (5) to the A/C
compressor.
6. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C com-
pressor and remove and discard the O-rings and
dual plane seals.
7. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the compressor ports.
8. Remove the generator support bracket from the
front of the engine (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
CHARGING/GENERATOR - REMOVAL).
9. Remove the three bolts (1 and 3) that secure the
A/C compressor (2) to the mounting bracket (4).
10. Remove the A/C compressor from the engine
compartment.
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: The A/C compressor may be removed and repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant lines or
discharging the refrigerant system. Discharging is not necessary if servicing the compressor clutch, clutch
coil or engine.
Page 5140 of 5267
1. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
2. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE -
REMOVAL).
4. Remove the bolt (1) that secures the A/C suction
and discharge line assembly (2) to the A/C com-
pressor (3).
5. Disconnect the refrigerant line assembly from the
A/C compressor and remove and discard the seals.
6. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings and compressor ports.
7. Disconnect the wire harness from the clutch field
coil wire lead connector (4).
8. Remove the four bolts (1) that secure the A/C com-
pressor (2) to the mounting bracket (3) located on
the right side of the cylinder block (4).
9. Remove the A/C compressor from the engine
compartment.
8.3L ENGINE
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: The A/C compressor may be removed and repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant lines or
discharging the refrigerant system. Discharging is not necessary if servicing the compressor clutch, clutch
coil or the engine.