section 5 DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE / TEMPORARY
The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the
temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for
complete details.
DESCRIPTION - TIRES
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe brake applications
²High speed driving
²Excessive speeds on turns
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
This will help to achieve a greater tread life.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 11).
Performance tires have a speed rating letter after
the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not
always printed on the tire sidewall. These ratings
are:
²Qup to 100 mph
²Rup to 106 mph
²Sup to 112 mph
²Tup to 118 mph
²Uup to 124 mph
²Hup to 130 mph
²Vup to 149 mph
²Zmore than 149 mph (consult the tire manu-
facturer for the specific speed rating)An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
&SorM±S(indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Tire snow chains may be used oncertainmodels.
Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL ± PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and
ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of
four. Under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. They may be mixed with temporary
spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50
MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in
use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
The use of oversized tires, either in the front or
rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train fail-
ure. This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed
signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The use of tires from different manufactures on the
same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire
pressure should be maintained on all four tires.
Fig. 11 Tire Identification
22 - 6 TIRES/WHEELSDR

WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for the
specified Maximum Vehicle Capacity.
All models use steel or aluminum drop center
wheels.
Aluminum wheels require special balance weights
and alignment equipment.
(1) On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels,
The rim is an eight stud hole pattern wheel. The
wheels have a flat mounting surface (Fig. 18). The
slots in the wheel must be aligned to provide access
to the valve stem (Fig. 19).
OPERATION
The wheel (Fig. 20) has raised sections between
the rim flanges and the rim well. Initial inflation of
the tire forces the bead over these raised sections. In
case of tire failure, the raised sections hold the tire
in position on the wheel until the vehicle can be
brought to a safe stop.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive run out
²Dents or cracks
²Damaged wheel lug nut holes
²Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE. USED WHEELS ARE NOT RECOM-
MENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL
MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR
VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITH-
OUT WARNING.
Fig. 18 FLAT FACE WHEEL
1 - FLAT FACE
2 - VALVE STEM
Fig. 19 DUAL REAR WHEELS
1 - WINDOW OPENINGS (5)
2 - INBOARD VALVE STEM
3 - OUTBOARD VALVE STEM
Fig. 20 Safety Rim
1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL
DRTIRES/WHEELS 22 - 11

VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that the leak has
stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
noticed in the passenger compartment during high
cross winds. Over compensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
23 - 2 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
RRIM REINFORCED REACTION
INJECTED MOLDEDPUR, RRIM FASCIAS, BODY PANELS,
BODY TRIMS
TPE THERMO POLYETHYLENE TPE, HYTREL, BEXLOY-V FASCIAS, BUMPERS,
CLADDINGS
TPO THERMOPOLYOLEFIN POLYTROPE, RENFLEX,
SANTOPRENE, VISAFLEX,
ETA, APEX, TPO, SHIELDS,
CLADDINGSBUMPERS, END CAPS,
TELCAR, RUBBER, STRIPS,
SIGHT, INTERIOR B POST
TPP THERMO-POLYPROPYLENE TPP BUMPERS
TPU THERMOPOLYURETHANE,
POLYESTERTPU, HYTREL, TEXIN,
ESTANEBUMPERS, BODY SIDE,
MOLDINGS, FENDERS,
FASCIAS
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plas-
tic repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel
(Fig. 1). To bond two plastic panels together, a rein-
forcement must overlap both panels. The panels
must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The area to be
reinforced should be washed, then sanded. Be sure to
wipe off any excess soap and water when finished.
Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an abrasive
pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with compressed
air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.After the parts have been bonded and have had time
to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the final
adhesive filler to the area being repaired. Smooth the
filler with a spreader, wooden tongue depressor, or
squeegee. For fine texturing, a small amount of
water can be applied to the filler surface while
smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass dry wall tape can be used to form a
reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin to
penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the adhesive. Structurally, the more
dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
Fig. 1 PANEL SECTIONING
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
23 - 6 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

²Panel repair for both flexible and rigid panels
are basically the same. The primary difference
between flexible panel repair and rigid panel repair
is in the adhesive materials used (Fig. 5).
²The technician should first decide what needs to
be done when working on any type of body panel.
One should determine if it is possible to return the
damage part to its original strength and appearance
without exceeding the value of the replacement part.
²When plastic repairs are required, it is recom-
mended that the part be left on the vehicle when
every possible. That will save time, and the panel
will remain stationary during the repair. Misalign-ment can cause stress in the repair areas and can
result in future failure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Composite materials can mask the severity of an
accident. Adhesive bond lines, interior structure of
the doors, and steel structures need to be inspected
carefully to get a true damage assessment. Close
inspection may require partial removal of interior
trim or inner panels.
Identify the type of repair: Puncture or Crack -
Damage that has penetrated completely through the
panel. Damage is confined to one general area; a
panel section is not required. However, a backer
panel, open fiberglass tape, or matted material must
be bonded from behind (Fig. 7) (Fig. 6).
PANEL SURFACE PREPARATION
If a body panel has been punctured, cracked, or
crushed, the damaged area must be removed from
the panel to achieve a successful repair. All spider
web cracks leading away from a damaged area must
be stopped or removed. To stop a running crack in a
panel, drilla6mm(0.250 in.) hole at the end of the
crack farthest away from the damage. If spider web
cracks can not be stopped, the panel would require
replacement. The surfaces around the damaged area
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
Fig. 4 BEVELING ANGLE - 20 DEGREE
Fig. 5 FIBERGLASS TAPE
Fig. 6 DAMAGE COMPONENT
1 - PUNCTURE
DRBODY 23 - 7
BODY (Continued)

should be stripped of paint and freed from wax and
oil. Scuff surfaces around repair area with 360 grit
wet/dry sandpaper, or equivalent, to assure adhesion
of repair materials.
PATCHING PANELS
An panel that has extensive puncture type damage
can be repaired by cutting out the damaged material
(Fig. 7). Use a suitable reciprocating saw or cut off
wheel to remove the section of the panel that is dam-
aged. The piece cut out can be used as a template to
shape the new patch. It is not necessary to have
access to the back of the panel to install a patch.
Bevel edges of cutout at 20 degrees to expose a larger
bonding area on the outer side. This will allow for an
increased reinforcement areas.
PANEL PATCH FABRICATIONS
A patch can be fabricated from any rigid fiberglass
panel that has comparable contour with the repair
area. Lift gates and fenders can be used to supply
patch material. If existing material is not available
or compatible, a patch can be constructed with adhe-
sive and reinforcement mesh (dry wall tape). Perform
the following operation if required:
(1) Cover waxed paper or plastic with adhesive
backed nylon mesh (dry wall tape) larger than the
patch required (Fig. 8).(2) Tape waxed paper or plastic sheet with mesh to
a surface that has a compatible contour to the repair
area.
(3) Apply a liberal coat of adhesive over the rein-
forcement mesh (Fig. 8). If necessary apply a second
or third coat of adhesive and mesh after first coat
has cured. The thickness of the patch should be the
same as the repair area.
(4) After patch has cured, peel waxed paper or
plastic from the back of the patch.
(5) If desired, a thin film coat of adhesive can be
applied to the back of the patch to cover mesh for
added strength.
PANEL PATCH INSTALLATION
(1) Make a paper or cardboard pattern the size
and shape of the cutout hole in the panel.
(2) Trim 3 mm (0.125 in.) from edges of pattern so
patch will have a gap between connecting surfaces.
(3) Using the pattern as a guide, cut the patch to
size.
(4) Cut scrap pieces of patch material into 50 mm
(2 in.) squares to use as patch supports to sustain
the patch in the cutout.
(5) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.) in
from edge of cutout hole (Fig. 7).
(6) Drill 4 mm (0.160 in.) holes 13 mm (0.5 in.)
away from edge of patch across from holes drilled
around cutout.
Fig. 7 DAMAGED PANEL CUTOUT AND PATCH
1 - CUTOUT
2 - DAMAGED BODY PANEL
3-4MM(0.160 IN.) HOLES
4 - PATCH CUT TO SIZE
Fig. 8 FABRICATED PANEL
1 - STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
2 - FIBERGLASS CLOTH OR FIBERGLASS MESH TAPE
3 - WIDTH OF V-GROOVE
4 - WAXED PAPER
23 - 8 BODYDR
BODY (Continued)

HEADREST SLEEVE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the headrest. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/HEADREST - REMOVAL)
(2) Grasp the sleeves and pull up and out of the
seat back to remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position each headrest sleeve into correct seat
back hole and press into place fully.
(2) Install the headrest. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/HEADREST - INSTALLATION)
SEAT - FRONT
REMOVAL
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Remove and discard the front bolts. (Fig. 12)
(2) Position the seats forward, remove the rear
bolts and discard.
(3) Disconnect the 12v power supply electrical con-
nector, if equipped. (Fig. 13)
(4) Fold the seat backs forward and roll the seat
assembly back in the vehicle.
(5) Separate the seat assembly by removing and
discarding the three nuts on either the drivers or
passengers seat. (Fig. 14)
(6) Remove each section of the seat assembly from
the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Position each seat section into the vehicle and
tip back.Fig. 12 FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY
1 - FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY
2 - REAR BOLTS (4)
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - FRONT BOLTS (4)
Fig. 13 CENTER SEAT ATTACHMENTS
1 - CENTER SEAT ASSEMBLY
2 - FRONT NUTS (2)
3 - POWER SUPPLY ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 - REAR NUTS (4)
5 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
Fig. 14 REAR ATTACHMENTS
1 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
2 - CENTER SEAT STORAGE BIN
3 - FRONT SEAT TRACKS
4 - REAR NUTS (4)
DRSEATS 23 - 81

(2) Install the three nuts attaching the center seat
section to the other seat, and tighten to 25 N´m (18
ft. lbs.).
(3) Roll the seat assembly forward and install new
rear bolts.
(4) Connect the 12v power supply electrical con-
nector.
(5) Tighten the rear bolts to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(6) Fold the seat backs up and slide the seats to
the rear.
(7) Install new front bolts and tighten to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
LUMBAR SUPPORT HANDLE/
BEZEL
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
handle or bezel surface when removing.
(1) Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, pry
the manual lumbar knob out of the bezel surround.
(Fig. 15)
(2) Remove the bezel retaining screws and remove
the bezel. (Fig. 16)
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the bezel to the seat back and install the
screws.
(2) Snap the manual lumbar knob onto the shaft of
the drive mechanism into the bezel surround.
SEAT BACK CUSHION / COVER
- FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the front seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - FRONT - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the lumbar handle and bezel, if
equipped. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/LUMBAR
SUPPORT HANDLE/BEZEL - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the headrest sleeves. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/SEATS/HEADREST SLEEVE - REMOVAL)
(4) Unzip the zip strip at the lower end of the seat
back and remove the seat back cover and cushion.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the seat back cushion and cover onto
the seat frame assembly.
(2) Connect the zip strip at the bottom of the seat
back.
(3) Install the headrest sleeves. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/SEATS/HEADREST SLEEVE - INSTALLA-
TION)
(4) Install the lumbar bezel and handle, if
equipped. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/LUMBAR
SUPPORT HANDLE/BEZEL - INSTALLATION)
(5) Install the seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 15 MANUAL LUMBAR KNOB
Fig. 16 MANUAL LUMBAR BEZEL
1 - LUMBAR SHAFT
2 - SCREWS
3 - BEZEL
23 - 82 SEATSDR
SEAT - FRONT (Continued)

and 25 mm (1 in.) on the bottom of windshield. Allow
at least three minutes drying time.
(6) Locatenewsupport spacers on support brack-
ets and adjust to lowest height. (Fig. 5)
(7) Position seven new foam spacers on the inside
surface of the windshield, flush with the lower and
side edges. (Fig. 7)
(8) Position three new foam spacers on the inside
surface of the windshield, at a minimum distance of
3 mm (0.12 in.) from the top edge of the windshield.
(Fig. 7)
(9) Apply a 13 mm (1/2 in.) high and 10 mm (3/8
in.) wide bead of urethane around the perimeter of
windshield. At the top, apply the bead 7 mm (1/4 in.)
inboard from the glass edge. On the other three sides
apply the bead 14 mm (0.55 in.) inboard from the
glass edge. The urethane bead should be shaped in a
triangular cross-section, this can be achieved by
notching the tip of the applicator (Fig. 8).
(10) Install the a-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/A-PILLAR TRIM - INSTALLATION)
(11) With the aid of a helper, position the wind-
shield over the windshield opening. Align the refer-
ence marks at the bottom of the windshield to the
support spacers.
(12) Slowly lower windshield glass to the fence
opening guiding the lower corners into proper posi-
tion. Beginning at the bottom and continuing to the
top, push glass onto fence along the A-Pillars. Push
windshield inward to the fence at the bottom corners
(Fig. 9).
(13) Push windshield upward, setting the wind-
shield to roof gap to 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) to 3 mm (0.12
in.) and ratchet up the adjustable support brackets.
(14) Using clean water, lightly mist the support
spacers.
(15) Clean excess urethane from exterior with
MOPARtSuper Clean or equivalent.
(16) Install cowl grill. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(17) Install rear view mirror support bracket.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR VIEW MIR-
ROR - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install rear view mirror. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/REAR VIEW MIRROR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(19) Install the a-pillar weatherstrip retainer.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS/A-
PILLAR WEATHERSTRIP RETAINER - INSTALLA-
TION)
(20) After urethane has cured, remove tape strips
and water test windshield to verify repair.
Fig. 5 CENTER WINDSHIELD AND MARK AT
SUPPORT
1 - WINDSHIELD
2 - INDEX MARKS
3 - SUPPORT SPACERS
Fig. 6 WORK SURFACE SET UP
1 - WINDSHIELD AND MOLDINGS
2 - URETHANE BEAD AROUND GLASS 7mm (0.3 in.) FROM
EDGE
3 - BLOCKS
DRSTATIONARY GLASS 23 - 89
WINDSHIELD (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN
WHEN SERVICING AN AIR CONDITIONING REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM. TURN OFF (ROTATE CLOCKWISE)
ALL VALVES ON THE EQUIPMENT BEING USED
BEFORE CONNECTING TO, OR DISCONNECTING
FROM THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN PER-
SONAL INJURY.
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) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
When servicing the air conditioning system, a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used
(Fig. 2). Contact an automotive service equipment
supplier for refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
equipment. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care
and use of this equipment.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 3). 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.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: 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.
LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE The low pressure
hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to the low side
service port. This service port is located on the suc-
tion line between the accumulator outlet port and the
A/C compressor.
HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE The high pres-
sure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the
high side service port. This service port is located on
the discharge line near the A/C compressor. On this
model, an A/C pressure transducer is installed onto
the high pressure service port. A/C high side pres-
sures can be read using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to
Body Diagnostic Procedures.
RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/CHARG-
ING HOSE The center manifold hose (Yellow, or
White, with Black stripe) is used to recover, evacu-
ate, 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.
Fig. 2 Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Station -
Typical
1 - R-134a REFRIGERANT STATION
Fig. 3 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
24 - 46 PLUMBINGDR
PLUMBING (Continued)