warning CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Service Manual

(11) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(13) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(14) Remove the two screws that secure the heater
core mounting plate to the distribution housing.
(15) While pulling the accelerator pedal upward
(Fig. 19) and pushing the brake pedal downward
(Fig. 20) far enough for clearance, pull the heater
core out of the distribution housing.(16) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation. Also, if
the heater core was leaking, use absorbent toweling
and reach into the heater core opening to mop up
any residual engine coolant within the distribution
housing.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION- HEATER CORE EXTENSION
TUBES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove the plugs or tape from both heater core
tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(2) Position the heater core tubes and sealing plate
as a unit beneath the instrument panel.
(3) Align the engine compartment ends of both
heater core tubes with the openings in the dash
panel seal and push them simultaneously forward
through the seal far enough to engage the heater
core ends of the tubes with the heater core supply
and return ports.
(4) Position both heater core tubes and the sealing
plate simultaneously to the heater core supply and
return ports.
(5) The heater core tubes each have a slot that
must be indexed to a location tab within each of the
heater core ports. Adjust the position of the tubes as
required so that the sealing plate fits flush against
the heater core supply and return ports, which indi-
cates that the tubes are properly indexed.
Fig. 19 Accelerator Pedal
1 - SLIDE HEATER CORE PAST ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Fig. 20 Brake Pedal
1 - SLIDE HEATER CORE PAST BRAKE PEDAL
2 - DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL
24 - 76 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
heater core tube sealing plate to the heater core sup-
ply and return ports. Tighten the screw to 3 N´m (27
in. lbs.).
(7) Position the heater core shield onto the distri-
bution housing. Be certain that the two location tabs
on the front of the shield are engaged in the recepta-
cles in the two lower finger formations of the evapo-
rator housing near the dash panel.
(8) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heater core shield to the left end of the HVAC
distribution housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the silencer under the driver side end
of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
SILENCER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reconnect the heater hoses to the heater hose
tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(12) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.(1) While pushing the brake pedal downward and
pulling the accelerator pedal upward far enough for
clearance, slide the heater core into the distribution
housing.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the heater core mounting plate to the distribution
housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove the plugs or tape from the heater core
tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(4) Position both heater core tubes and the sealing
plate simultaneously to the heater core supply and
return ports.
(5) The heater core tubes each have a slot that
must be indexed to a location tab within each of the
heater core ports. Adjust the position of the tubes as
required so that the sealing plate fits flush against
the heater core supply and return ports, which indi-
cates that the tubes are properly indexed.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
heater core tube sealing plate to the heater core sup-
ply and return ports. Tighten the screw to 3 N´m (27
in. lbs.).
(7) Position the heater core shield onto the distri-
bution housing. Be certain that the two location tabs
on the front of the shield are engaged in the recepta-
cles in the two lower finger formations of the evapo-
rator housing near the dash panel.
(8) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heater core shield to the left end of the HVAC
distribution housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Reconnect the power brake booster input rod
(push rod) to the pin on the brake pedal arm(Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER
BRAKE BOOSTER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the brake lamp switch into its
mounting bracket(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Reinstall the silencer boot around the base of
the lower steering shaft on the dash panel.
(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(13) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(14) Operate system for two thermostat cycles to
assure elimination of air in the system.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-77
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

HEATER HOSE
REMOVAL
There are several heater core plumbing configura-
tions used on this model, depending upon the engine
size and other optional equipment. One plumbing
configuration is used for all 2.4L engines (Fig. 21),
while the 3.3L and 3.8L engines have unique heater
return plumbing on the engine for models with or
without an optional engine oil cooler (Fig. 24) or (Fig.
25). There are also unique plumbing configurations
at the heater core for models with or without the
optional rear heater and air conditioner (Fig. 22) or
(Fig. 23). All models use a combination of formed
steel tubing and rubber hoses. In most cases, the
rubber hose is secured to the steel tubing with a
spring tension clamp.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps that secure each end of the
heater hose to the tube or nipple toward the center of
the hose to be removed. Release the clamp when it is
off of the tube or nipple.
Fig. 22 Heater Plumbing - 3.3/3.8L Engine w/o Rear
Heater
1 - ENGINE OUTLET NIPPLE
2 - HEATER CORE OUTLET
3 - HEATER CORE INLET
4 - HEATER RETURN TUBE & HOSE (TYPICAL)
Fig. 23 Heater Plumbing - 3.3/3.8L Engine w/Rear
Heater
1 - STUD
2 - HEATER CORE OUTLET
3 - HEATER CORE INLET
4 - TO ENGINE OUTLET NIPPLE
5 - TO UNDERBODY PLUMBING
6 - TO HEATER RETURN TUBE & HOSE
Fig. 21 Heater Plumbing - 2.4L Engine
1 - ENGINE OUTLET NIPPLE
2 - HEATER SUPPLY
3 - HEATER CORE OUTLET
4 - HEATER CORE INLET
5 - SCREW
6 - HEATER TUBE & HOSE UNIT
7 - HEATER RETURN
8 - ENGINE INLET NIPPLE
24 - 78 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION:
When removing the heater hose from the heater
core or supply and return tube nipples, DO NOT
apply excessive pressure. Excessive pressure may
damage or deform the nipples and/or the heater
core causing an engine coolant leak.(3) After the clamp has been moved, grasp the end
of the hose firmly and carefully twist the hose back
and forth while pulling it away from the barbed end
of the nipple. Repeat this procedure at the opposite
end of the hose being removed. If this procedure is
not successful in removing the hose from the nipple,
carefully make a parallel cut through the hose where
it is engaged on the nipple and peel the hose off of
the nipple. This method of removal will require
heater hose replacement.
INSTALLATION
There are several heater core plumbing configura-
tions used on this model, depending upon the engine
size and other optional equipment. One plumbing
configuration is used for all 2.4L engines, while the
3.3L and 3.8L engines have unique heater return
plumbing on the engine for models with or without
an optional engine oil cooler. There are also unique
plumbing configurations at the heater core for mod-
els with or without the optional rear heater and air
conditioner. All models use a combination of formed
steel tubing and rubber hoses. In most cases, the
rubber hose is secured to the steel tubing with a
spring tension clamp.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
(1) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps that secure each end of the
heater hose toward the center of the hose being
installed. Release the clamp when it is near the cen-
ter of the hose.
(2) Grasp one end of the heater hose being
installed firmly and carefully twist the hose back and
forth while pushing it over from the barbed end of
the nipple. Repeat this procedure at the opposite end
of the hose being installed.
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps that secure each end of the
heater hose over the tube or nipple. Release the
clamp when it is over the tube or nipple.
(4) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
Fig. 24 Heater Return - 3.3/3.8L Engine w/o Oil
Cooler
1 - WATER PUMP RETURN NIPPLE
2 - HEATER RETURN TUBE & HOSE
3 - SCREW
4 - SCREW
Fig. 25 Heater Return - 3.3/3.8L Engine w/Oil Cooler
1 - ENGINE INLET NIPPLE
2 - HEATER RETURN TUBE & HOSE
3 - SCREW
4 - SCREW
5 - OIL COOLER
6 - HEATER RETURN HOSE
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-79
HEATER HOSE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
(1) With vehicle on a lift position the heater pipe
assembly and install the retaining screws.
(2) Install the heater unit intake pipe to the
heater unit(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CABIN HEATER/INLET HOSE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(3) Connect heater hoses to the heater unit and
tighten the clamps.
(4) Install heater unit intake pipe to heater unit
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
CABIN HEATER/INLET HOSE - INSTALLATION).
(5) Lower vehicle on lift.
(6) Install retaining nut to heater line under hood
bracket and tighten.
(7) Connect heater lines to heater hoses at heater
core and EGR port. Position spring clamps onto the
installed hoses.
(8) Refill cooling system(Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Close hood.
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL
The front air conditioner liquid line is serviced in two
sections. The front section connects between the con-
denser and the filter/drier and includes the high side
service port on the fitting for the filter/drier. The rear
section connects between the filter/drier and the expan-
sion valve and includes the fitting for the A/C pressure
transducer. On models equipped with the optional rear
air conditioner, the rear section of the front air condi-
tioner liquid line also includes a liquid line hose and
tube extension that connects the front liquid line to the
liquid line for the rear air conditioner.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
FRONT SECTION
(1)
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant sys-
tem. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(2)Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
(3) Remove the air cleaner housing from the right
side of the engine compartment.
(4) Remove the two large screws that secure the
front fascia and the outboard ends of the radiator
sight shield to the radiator closure panel crossmem-
ber (Fig. 28).
Fig. 27 AIR INTAKE AND HEATER PIPE ASSEMBLY
1 - INTAKE TUBE AIR INTAKE
2 - INTAKE PIPE
3 - RETAINING SCREWS
4 - INTAKE HEATER LINE
5 - RETURN HEATER LINE
Fig. 28 Radiator Sight Shield
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
24 - 82 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER PIPES - DIESEL SUPPLEMENTAL HEATER - BUX (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(17) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REAR SECTION
(1) Position the rear section of the front liquid line
into the engine compartment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
and liquid line fittings and both expansion valve
ports.
(3) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the suction line
and liquid line fittings.
(4) Reconnect the liquid line and suction line fit-
tings to the expansion valve.
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
suction line and liquid line fittings to the expansion
valve. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section fitting for the filter-drier and the filter-
drier outlet port.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(8) Reconnect the liquid line fitting to the filter-
drier outlet port on the top of the filter-drier.
(9) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
liquid line fitting to the filter-drier. Tighten the screw
to 2 N´m (16 in. lbs.).
(10) Reinstall the A/C ground strap eyelet terminal
connector onto the weld stud on the top of the right
front strut tower.
(11) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
A/C ground strap to the weld stud. Tighten the nut
to 12 N´m (106 in. lbs.).
(12) Reinstall the A/C pressure transducer onto
the fitting on the front liquid line rear section. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CON-
TROLS - FRONT/A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the drain tube to the wiper module
drain on the right side of the engine compartment.
(14) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the
right side of the engine compartment.
(15) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(16) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
rear air conditioner, go to Step 17. If the vehicle does
not have the optional rear air conditioner, go to Step
23.
(17) Raise and support the vehicle.
(18) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section extension fitting and the underbody liq-
uid line fitting.(19) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the underbody liquid
line fitting.
(20) Reconnect the liquid line rear section exten-
sion fitting to the underbody liquid line fitting.
Tighten the fittings to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install a new tie strap just forward of the con-
nections between the underbody plumbing and the
engine compartment plumbing for the rear heater
and air conditioner.
(22) Lower the vehicle.
(23) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(24) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
RECEIVER/DRIER
DESCRIPTION
The filter-drier is mounted in a bracket secured to
the right front strut tower in the engine compart-
ment. The filter-drier is connected between the front
and rear sections of the liquid line between the con-
denser outlet and the evaporator inlet. The filter-
drier cannot be repaired. If the filter-drier is faulty
or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been
contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an
indeterminable period, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The filter-drier performs a filtering action to pre-
vent foreign material in the refrigerant from contam-
inating the expansion valve. A desiccant bag is
mounted inside the filter-drier canister to absorb any
moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition,
during periods of high demand air conditioner opera-
tion, the filter-drier acts as a reservoir to store sur-
plus refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the filter-drier as
a high-pressure, low temperature liquid.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-85
LIQUID LINE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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 refriger-
ants. 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 vehicle and
on the compressor identifying to service technicians
that the air conditioning system is equipped with
R-134a.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: The proper amount of R-134a refrigerant for
the refrigerant system in this model is:
²Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only) - 0.96
kilograms (2.13 pounds or 34 ounces)
²Three Zone (Front and Rear Units) - 1.31 kilo-
grams (2.88 pounds or 46 ounces)The procedure that follows should be used to deter-
mine whether the refrigerant system contains the
proper refrigerant charge. Symptoms of an improper
refrigerant charge (low) include: poor air conditioner
performance, fog emitted from the air conditioner
outlets, a hissing sound from the expansion valve/
evaporator area. There are two different methods
with which the refrigerant charge level may be
tested:
²Using a DRBIIItscan tool, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 33). Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
²Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 33).
A temperature probe is required to measure liquid
line temperature. The clamp-on, Type K thermocou-
ple temperature probe used in this procedure is
available through the DaimlerChrysler Professional
Service Equipment (PSE) program. This probe (PSE
#66-324-0014 or #80PK-1A) is compatible with tem-
perature-measuring instruments that accept Type K
thermocouples, and have a miniature connector
input. Other temperature probes are available
through aftermarket sources; however, all references
in this procedure will reflect the use of the probe
made available through the PSE program.
In order to use the temperature probe, a digital
thermometer will also be required. If a digital ther-
mometer is not available, an adapter is available
through the PSE program that will convert any stan-
dard digital multimeter into a digital thermometer.
This adapter is designed to accept any standard Type
K thermocouple. If a digital multimeter is not avail-
able, this tool is also available through the PSE pro-
gram.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
couplings to the refrigerant system service ports,
be certain that the valve of each coupling is fully
closed. This will reduce the amount of effort
required to make the connection.
(1) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set or a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 to the refriger-
ant system.
(2) Attach a clamp-on thermocouple to the liquid
line. The thermocouple must be placed as close to the
A/C pressure transducer as possible to accurately
observe liquid line temperature.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run at idle under the following condi-
tions for five minutes.
(a) Front windows are open.
(b) Transaxle in Park.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-87
ProCarManuals.com

(c) Front heater-A/C controls set to outside air,
full cool, panel mode, blower high, and compressor
engaged.
(d) If the vehicle is so equipped, the rear heater-
A/C controls must be set to full cool and blower
high.
(4) Raise the liquid line (discharge) pressure to
about 1793 kPa (260 psi) by placing a piece of card-
board over part of the front side of the condenser. To
place the cardboard properly, remove the upper radi-
ator sight shield from the front fascia. Cover only
enough of the condenser to raise and maintain the
liquid line pressure at the specified level.
(5) Observe the liquid line (discharge) pressure
and liquid line temperature. Using the Charge Deter-
mination Chart (Fig. 33), determine whether the
refrigerant system is operating within the Proper
Charge Range.
(a) If the refrigerant system is operating in the
Undercharged area of the chart, add 0.057 kilo-
gram (0.125 pound or 2 ounces) of refrigerant to
the system.
(b) If the refrigerant system is operating in the
Overcharged area of the chart, reclaim 0.057 kilo-
gram (0.125 pound or 2 ounces) of refrigerant from
the system.(6) Recheck the system charge level following each
refrigerant adjustment. Continue this process until
the system readings are in the Proper Charge Range
area on the Charge Determination Chart.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
If the air conditioning system is not cooling prop-
erly, determine if the refrigerant system is fully-
charged. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGER-
ANT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGER-
ANT SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL).
If the refrigerant system is low or empty; a leak at
a refrigerant line, connector fitting, component, or
component seal is likely. While an oily residue on or
near refrigerant system lines, connector fittings, com-
ponents, or component seals can indicate the general
Fig. 33 Charge Determination Chart, Ambient Test Condition 85ÉF
24 - 88 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

location of a possible refrigerant leak, the exact leak
location should be confirmed with an electronic leak
detector prior to component repair or replacement.
An electronic leak detector designed for R-134a
refrigerant is recommended for locating and confirm-
ing refrigerant system leaks. See the operating
instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer
for proper care and use of this equipment.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures as indicated by the
results of the refrigerant system charge level test.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(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 - FRONT/
REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
(3) Proceed to the SYSTEM LOW procedures.
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 at idle under the following condi-
tions for five minutes, then turning the engine off.
(a) Front windows are open.
(b) Rear air conditioner Off (if equipped).
(c) Transaxle in Park.
(d) Front heater-A/C controls set to outside air,
panel mode, blower high, and compressor engaged.
(3) Wait five to seven minutes and, with the
engine not running, use a electronic R-134a leak
detector and search for leaks. Because R-134a refrig-
erant is heavier than air, the leak detector probe
should be moved slowly along the bottom side of all
refrigerant lines, connector fittings and components.
(4) To inspect an evaporator for leaks, insert the
electronic leak detector probe into a floor outlet or
the recirculation air intake.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL 2.5L DIESEL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: The proper amount of R-134a refrigerant for
the refrigerant system in this model is:
²Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only - 2.5L Die-
sel) ± 0.91 kilograms (2.00 pounds or 32 ounces)
²Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only) - 0.96
kilograms (2.13 pounds or 34 ounces)
²Three Zone (Front and Rear Units) - 1.31 kilo-
grams (2.88 pounds or 46 ounces)
The procedure that follows should be used to deter-
mine whether the refrigerant system contains the
proper refrigerant charge. Symptoms of an improper
refrigerant charge (low) include: poor air conditioner
performance, fog emitted from the air conditioner
outlets, a hissing sound from the expansion valve/
evaporator area. There are two different methods
with which the refrigerant charge level may be
tested:
²Using a DRBIIItscan tool, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 34). Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
²Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 34).
A temperature probe is required to measure liquid
line temperature. The clamp-on, Type K thermocou-
ple temperature probe used in this procedure is
available through the DaimlerChrysler Professional
Service Equipment (PSE) program. This probe (PSE
#66-324-0014 or #80PK-1A) is compatible with tem-
perature-measuring instruments that accept Type K
thermocouples, and have a miniature connector
input. Other temperature probes are available
through aftermarket sources; however, all references
in this procedure will reflect the use of the probe
made available through the PSE program.
In order to use the temperature probe, a digital
thermometer will also be required. If a digital ther-
mometer is not available, an adapter is available
through the PSE program that will convert any stan-
dard digital multimeter into a digital thermometer.
This adapter is designed to accept any standard Type
K thermocouple. If a digital multimeter is not avail-
able, this tool is also available through the PSE pro-
gram.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
couplings to the refrigerant system service ports,
be certain that the valve of each coupling is fully
closed. This will reduce the amount of effort
required to make the connection.
(1) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set or a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-89
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper
care and use of this equipment.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONSCAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 36). The
service hoses on the gauge set being used should
have manual (turn wheel), or automatic back-flow
valves at the service port connector ends. This will
prevent refrigerant from being released into the
atmosphere.
²LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE- The low
pressure hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to
the suction (low side) service port. This port is
located on the suction line, near the compressor at
the front of the engine compartment.
²HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE- The high
pressure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the
discharge (high side) service port. This port is located
on the liquid line near the filter-drier at the rear of
the engine compartment.
²RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/
CHARGING HOSE- The center manifold hose (Yel-
low, or White, with Black stripe) is used to recover,
evacuate, and charge the refrigerant system. When
the low or high pressure valves on the manifold
gauge set are opened, the refrigerant in the system
will escape through this hose.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
After all refrigerant system leaks have been
repaired and the refrigerant system has been evacu-
ated, a refrigerant charge can be injected into the
system. For the proper amount of the refrigerant
charge, refer to REFRIGERANT CHARGE CAPAC-
ITY . A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charg-
ing station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to charge the refrigerant system with R-134a
refrigerant. See the operating instructions supplied
by the equipment manufacturer for proper care and
use of this equipment.
REFRIGERANT CHARGE CAPACITY
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle is:
Fig. 35 Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Station -
Typical
1 - R-134 REFRIGERANT RECOVERY MACHINE
Fig. 36 Manifold Gauge Set - Typical
1 - HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE
2 - VALVE
3 - VACUUM/REFRIGERANT HOSE (YELLOW W/BLACK STRIPE)
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE (RED W/BLACK STRIPE)
5 - LOW PRESSURE HOSE (BLUE W/BLACK STRIPE)
6 - VALVE
7 - LOW PRESSURE GAUGE
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-91
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
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