Evap DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Owner's Guide
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Page 2497 of 2627

and coil are the only serviced parts on the compres-
sor.
A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the A/C-heater control, A/C pres-
sure transducer, A/C compressor clutch relay, evapo-
rator temperature sensor and the powertrain control
module (PCM). The PCM may delay compressor
clutch engagement for up to thirty seconds (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the A/C-heater controls in any A/C mode,
and the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, start the engine and run it at normal idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of thecompressor clutch circuit and PCM control. The fol-
lowing components must be checked and repaired as
required before you can complete testing of the clutch
coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the power distri-
bution center (PDC)
²A/C-heater control
²A/C compressor clutch relay
²A/C pressure transducer
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²Powertrain control module (PCM)
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is within
specifications with the electrical system voltage at
11.5 to 12.5 volts (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - SPECIFICATIONS). This should
only be checked with the work area temperature at
21É C (70É F). If system voltage is more than 12.5
volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical
accessories until the system voltage drops below 12.5
volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is above
specifications, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C-heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
to 2000 rpm. This procedure (burnishing) will seat
the opposing friction surfaces and provide a higher
compressor clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, rotor, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the compressor clutch coil wire har-
ness connector.
(4) Remove the bolts that secure the compressor to
the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the compressor from the mounting
bracket. Support the compressor in the engine com-
partment while servicing the clutch.
Fig. 1 Compressor Clutch - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY (not used on KJ)
3 - ROTOR
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
24 - 10 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)
Page 2509 of 2627

EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The evaporator temperature sensor is a two-wire
temperature sensing element located at the coldest
point on the face of the evaporator. The sensor is
attached to the evaporator coil fins. The evaporator
temperature sensor prevents condensation on the
evaporator coil from freezing and obstructing A/C
system air flow. The evaporator temperature sensor
cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or dam-
aged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The evaporator temperature sensor monitors the
temperature of the evaporator. The sensor will
change its internal resistance in response to the tem-
peratures it monitors. The A/C-heater control module
is connected to the sensor through a sensor ground
circuit and a sensor signal circuit. As the evaporator
temperature increases, the resistance of the sensor
decreases and the voltage monitored by the module
decreases. The module uses this monitored voltage
reading to an indication of the evaporator tempera-
ture. The A/C-heater control module is programmed
to respond to this input by cycling the air condition-
ing compressor clutch as necessary to optimize air
conditioning system performance and to protect the
system from evaporator freezing. The external loca-
tion of the sensor allows the sensor to be removed or
installed without disturbing the refrigerant in the
system. The evaporator temperature sensor is diag-
nosed using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diag-
nostic Procedures.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
from the evaporator temperature sensor (Fig. 20).
(4) Disassemble the HVAC housing to gain access
to the evaporator coil (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING
- DISASSEMBLY).
(5) Remove the evaporator temperature sensor
probe from the evaporator coil (Fig. 21).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the evaporator temperature sensor
probe into the evaporator coil.
Fig. 20 Evaporator Temperature Sensor Wire
Connector
1 - HVAC HOUSING
2 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
3 - HVAC WIRE HARNESS
Fig. 21 Evaporator Temperature Sensor Probe
1 - EVAPORATOR COIL
2 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR PROBE
3 - BLEND DOOR
4 - HVAC HOUSING
24 - 22 CONTROLSDR
Page 2510 of 2627

(2) Assemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY).
(3) Connect the HVAC wire harness connector to
the evaporator temperature sensor.
(4) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The mode door actuator is a reversible 12-volt
Direct Current (DC) servo motor. The mode door
actuator is located on the HVAC housing, behind the
instrument panel and is mechanically connected to
the mode door.
The mode door actuator is interchangeable with
the actuators for the blend door(s), defrost door and
the recirculation door. Each actuator is contained
within an identical black molded plastic housing with
an integral wire connector receptacle. Integral
mounting tabs allow the actuator to be secured with
three screws to the HVAC housing. Each actuator
also has an identical output shaft with splines that
connects it to the linkage that drives the proper door.
The mode door actuator does not require mechanical
indexing to the mode door linkage, as it is electroni-
cally calibrated by the heater-A/C control module.
The mode door actuator cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if damaged or faulty, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The mode door actuator is connected to the A/C-
heater control through the vehicle electrical system
by a dedicated two-wire lead and connector from the
HVAC wire harness. The mode door actuator can
move the mode door in two directions. When the A/C-
heater control pulls the voltage on one side of the
motor connection high and the other connection low,
the mode door will move in one direction. When the
A/C-heater control reverses the polarity of the volt-
age to the motor, the mode door moves in the oppo-
site direction. When the A/C-heater control makes
the voltage to both connections high or both connec-
tions low, the mode door stops and will not move.
These same motor connections also provide a feed-
back signal to the A/C-heater control. This feedback
signal allows the A/C-heater control to monitor the
operation and relative position of the mode door
actuator and the mode door. The A/C-heater control
learns the mode door stop positions during the cali-
bration procedure and will store a diagnostic troublecode (DTC) for any problems it detects in the mode
door actuator circuits.
The mode door actuator can be diagnosed using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures for more information. The mode door actuator
cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
mode door actuator (Fig. 22).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the mode door
actuator to the HVAC housing.
(5) Remove the mode door actuator from the HVAC
housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the mode door actuator onto the HVAC
housing. If necessary, rotate the actuator slightly to
align the splines on the actuator output sleeve with
those on the mode door linkage.
(2) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
mode door actuator to the HVAC housing. Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC wire harness connector to
the mode door actuator.
(4) Install the instrument panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
DRCONTROLS 24 - 23
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
Page 2514 of 2627

NOTE: The instrument panel air outlets are retained
into the outlet housings by a light snap fit.
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the panel air outlet(s) out
of the panel outlet housing(s) as required (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the air outlet(s) onto the outlet hous-
ing(s).
(2) Gently push the air outlet into the housing
until it snaps into position.
BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.NOTE: Vehicles equiped with single zone HVAC
systems have one blend door, dual zone systems
have two blend doors.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disassemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY).
(3) Remove the levers from the driver and/or pas-
senger side blend door (if equipped) (Fig. 2).
(4) Gently slide the drivers and/or passenger side
blend door toward the out side of the housing. Tilt
and lift the door(s) out of the housing.
(5) Inspect the blend door(s), seals and the HVAC
housing for damage or binding and repair or replace
components as required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the blend door pivot shafts into the
pivot hole and actuator in the bottom of the lower
half of the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the blend door(s) by carefully tipping
the doors into the HVAC housing, then sliding each
door into it's operating position.
(3) Install the levers to the driver and/or passen-
ger side blend door (if equipped).
(4) Assemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
Fig. 1 Instrument Panel Air Outlets
1 - HEADLIGHT SWITCH
2 - AIR OUTLETS
3 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
4 - CLIMATE CONTROL
5 - RADIO
6 - AIRBAG
7 - GLOVE BOX
8 - HEATED SEAT SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
9 - TRANSFER CASE SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
10 - CIGAR LIGHTER
11 - CUP HOLDERS
12 - ASH TRAY (IF EQUIPPED)
13 - POWER OUTLET
Fig. 2 Blend Door - Dual Zone Shown, Single Zone
Typical
1 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR LEVER
2 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR
3 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR WIRE
4 - HVAC HOUSING
5 - A/C EVAPORATOR
6 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR PROBE
7 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR
8 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR LEVER
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 27
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
Page 2521 of 2627

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the floor distribution duct onto the bot-
tom of the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the five screws that secure the floor dis-
tribution duct to the HVAC housing. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: The HVAC housing must be removed from
the vehicle and the two halves of the housing sep-
arated for service access of the heater core, evap-
orator coil, defrost door, blend door(s) and the
recirculation door.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Drain the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(4) Disconnect the liquid refrigerant line fitting
from the evaporator inlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT LINE COUPLER - REMOVAL). Discard the
O-ring seal and install plugs in, or tape over the
opened liquid refrigerant line fitting and evaporator
inlet tube.
(5) Remove the accumulator (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/ACCU-
MULATOR - REMOVAL). Discard the O-ring seals
and install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrig-
erant line fittings and evaporator outlet tube.(6) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
core tubes. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tubes.
(7) Remove the powertrain control module (PCM)
from the engine compartment to gain access to the
HVAC housing retaining nuts (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/POWER-
TRAIN CONTROL MODULE - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the two nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs in the engine compartment.
(9) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the bolt that secures the HVAC hous-
ing to the floor bracket located in the center of the
vehicle (Fig. 9).
(11) Remove the two nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs in the passenger compartment.
(12) Remove the HVAC housing from inside the
vehicle. Take care not to allow any remaining coolant
to drain onto the vehicles interior.
Fig. 9 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown, Single
Zone Typical
1 - NUT
2 - PASSENGER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - NUT
4 - INLET BAFFLE
5 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
6 - RECIRCULATION DOOR
7 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
8 - HVAC HOUSING
9 - BOLT
10 - DEFROSTER DOOR ACTUATOR
11 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
24 - 34 DISTRIBUTIONDR
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT (Continued)
Page 2522 of 2627

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
and place it on the workbench (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect the electrical connectors from the
blower motor, blower motor resistor block, evaporator
temperature sensor and each actuator (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove the HVAC wiring harness from the
HVAC housing.
(4) If necessary, remove the blower motor from
the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/BLOWER
MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(5) If necessary, remove the blower motor resistor
block from the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK - REMOVAL).
(6) Carefully remove the foam seals from the
heater core and evaporator coil tube mounting flange
of the HVAC housing. If the either seal is deformed
or damaged, it must be replaced.
(7) Remove the screws that secure the heater core
in the HVAC housing and carefully remove the
heater core from the housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/HEATER
CORE - REMOVAL).(8) Use a screwdriver to pry off the four snap clips
that help secure the upper and lower HVAC housing
halves together.
(9) Remove the screws that secure the upper and
lower HVAC housing halves to each other and those
that secure the recirculation housing to the upper
HVAC housing.
(10) Carefully separate the recirculation housing
and the upper HVAC housing from the lower hous-
ing.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position the upper HVAC housing to the lower
housing. During assembly, be certain of the following:
(a) That each of the door pivot shaft ends are
properly engaged in there pivot holes.
(b) That the evaporator drain opening is clean
and the drain foam seal is properly installed.
(2) Install the screws and snap clips that secure
the upper and lower HVAC housing halves to each
other and those that secure the recirculation housing
to the upper HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to
2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the foam seals on the heater core and
evaporator coil tubes.
(4) If removed, install the blower motor resistor
block (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
Fig. 10 HVAC Housing - Disassembled
1 - RECIRCULATION HOUSING
2 - RECIRC DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
4 - FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
5 - DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR
6 - PANEL DOOR ACTUATOR
7 - UPPER HVAC HOUSING
8 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR9 - HEATER CORE
10 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
11 - HVAC WIRE HARNESS
12 - DRAIN FOAM SEAL
13 - BLOWER MOTOR
14 - EVAPORATOR FOAM SEAL
15 - EVAPORATOR
16 - HEATER CORE FOAM SEAL
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 35
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
Page 2523 of 2627

ING/CONTROLS/BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK - INSTALLATION).
(5) If removed, install the blower motor (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/BLOWER MOTOR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the HVAC wire harness. Make sure the
wires are routed through all wiring retainers.
(7) Connect the wire harness to the blower motor,
blower motor resistor block, evaporator temperature
sensor and each actuator.
(8) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR
CONDITIONING, REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND
CAUTIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING
THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION -
REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES PRECAU-
TIONS)
(1) Position the HVAC housing into the vehicle. Be
certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
and the housing mounting studs are inserted into
their correct locations.
(2) Install the two nuts that secure the HVAC
housing to the mounting studs in the passenger com-
partment. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the bolt that secures the HVAC housing
to the floor bracket in the passenger compartment.
Tighten the bolt to 6.2 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the instrument panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the two nuts that secure the HVAC
housing to the mounting studs in the engine com-
partment. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the powertrain control module (PCM)
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MOD-
ULE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Unplug or remove the tape from the heater
core tubes and connect the heater hoses to the heater
core tubes.
(8) Unplug or remove the tape from the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the evaporator outlet
tube and install the accumulator (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/AC-
CUMULATOR - INSTALLATION).
(9) Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid line
and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect the
liquid line coupler to the evaporator inlet tube (Referto 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLERS).
(10) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(11) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
(12) Fill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(13) Connect the battery negative cable.
(14) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
DEMISTER DUCTS
REMOVAL
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 defroster ducts (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
DEFROSTER DUCTS - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the center
distribution duct to the instrument panel support.
(3) Remove the center distribution duct from
instrument panel support, panel ducts and demister
ducts.
(4) Remove the right side panel duct adapter (Fig.
11).
(5) Remove the right side intermediate demister
duct.
(6) Remove the left side intermediate demister
duct.
(7) Remove the left side panel duct adapter.
(8) Remove the instrument panel cover (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).
24 - 36 DISTRIBUTIONDR
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
Page 2528 of 2627

PLUMBING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE.......42
OPERATION- REFRIGERANT LINES........42
WARNING
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM.............42
A/C SYSTEM.........................43
CAUTION
A/C SYSTEM.........................43
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS......................44
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
TUBING AND FITTINGS.................45
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT.......................45
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT..........46
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY..........................47
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE...................47
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE.....................47
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR.......48
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................48
OPERATION
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR........48
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................48
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR.......................49
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................51
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION.........................52
OPERATION...........................52
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 3.7, 4.7 AND 5.7L ENGINES....52
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........53
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 3.7, 4.7 AND 5.7L ENGINES . 53
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.....54
A/C CONDENSER FAN
REMOVAL - 3.7, 4.7 and 5.7L ENGINES......55
INSTALLATION - 3.7, 4.7 and 5.7L ENGINES . . . 55A/C DISCHARGE LINE
DESCRIPTION.........................56
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........56
REMOVAL - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI
ENGINE.............................57
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.....58
INSTALLATION - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI
ENGINE.............................59
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................59
OPERATION...........................59
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION.........................60
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION.........................60
OPERATION...........................60
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C ORIFICE
TUBE...............................61
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................61
OPERATION...........................61
REMOVAL.............................61
INSTALLATION.........................62
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................63
OPERATION...........................63
REMOVAL.............................63
INSTALLATION.........................63
HEATER INLET HOSE
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................64
HEATER RETURN HOSE
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................65
LIQUID LINE
DESCRIPTION.........................65
REMOVAL.............................65
INSTALLATION.........................66
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION.........................67
OPERATION...........................67
REFRIGERANT LINE COUPLER
DESCRIPTION.........................67
OPERATION...........................67
REMOVAL.............................68
INSTALLATION.........................68
DRPLUMBING 24 - 41
Page 2530 of 2627

A/C SYSTEM
WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CON-
TAINS REFRIGERANT UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM
IMPROPER SERVICE PROCEDURES. REPAIRS
SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT AND
REFRIGERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE
MAY IRRITATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR THROAT.
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE
AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERI-
OUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM DIRECT
CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CON-
TACT OCCURS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMME-
DIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC LEAK
DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING
SERVICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT
RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DIS-
PLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a REFRIGER-
ANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE
IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING
THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGER-
ANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT THE SKIN
OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT
WITH THE REFRIGERANT.
THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR THE VEHI-
CLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE
PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COM-
PRESSED AIR. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR AND
R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE
AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, AND MAY RESULT IN
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
A/C SYSTEM
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to
use R-134a and do not use R-12 equipment or parts
on the R-134a system. Damage to the system will
result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134arefrigerant oil. They are not compatible and damage
to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. Over-
charging will cause excessive compressor head
pressure and can cause noise and system failure.
Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
If equipped, do not remove the secondary retention
clip from any spring-lock coupler connection while
the refrigerant system is under pressure. Recover
the refrigerant before removing the secondary
retention clip. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. This will prevent contamination in
the system. Before disconnecting a component,
clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to pre-
vent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system. Immediately after disconnecting a compo-
nent from the refrigerant system, seal the open fit-
tings with a cap or plug.
Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of
refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace
the cap on the oil container immediately after using.
Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and
moisture-free container.
Keep service tools and the work area clean. Con-
tamination of the refrigerant system must be
avoided.
CAUTION: The use of A/C system sealers may
result in damage to A/C refrigerant recovery/evacu-
ation/recharging equipment and/or A/C systems.
Many federal, state/provincial and local regulations
prohibit the recharge of A/C systems with known
leaks. DaimlerChrysler recommends the detection
of A/C system leaks through the use of approved
leak detectors and fluorescent leak detection dyes.
Vehicles found with A/C system sealers should be
treated as contaminated and replacement of the
entire A/C refrigerant system is recommended. A/C
systems found to be contaminated with A/C system
sealers, A/C stop-leak products or seal conditioners
voids the warranty for the A/C system.
DRPLUMBING 24 - 43
PLUMBING (Continued)
Page 2531 of 2627

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHI-
CLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE
TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED
AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COM-
BUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIX-
TURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY
RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRI-
CANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE
EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED
SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIRE-
MENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCI-
DENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE.
NOTE: The refrigerant system does come from the
factory with a yellow tracer dye already installed to
aid in detection of leaks.
If the A/C system is not cooling properly, determine
if the refrigerant system is fully charged with
R-134a. This is accomplished by performing a system
Charge Level-Check or Fill. If while performing this
test A/C liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to System Empty procedure. If liquid
line pressure is greater than 345 kPa (50 psi) proceed
to System Low procedure. If the refrigerant system is
empty or low in refrigerant charge, a leak at any line
fitting or component seal is likely. A review of the fit-
tings, lines and components for oily residue is an
indication of the leak location. To detect a leak in the
refrigerant system, perform one of the following pro-
cedures as indicated by the symptoms.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.). Deter-
mine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If
vacuum is held, a leak is probably not present. If sys-
tem will not maintain vacuum level, proceed with
this procedure.(2) Prepare a 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge
to be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) of
refrigerant into the evacuated refrigerant system.
(4) Proceed to Step 2 of System Low procedure.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Determine if there is any (R-134a) refrigerant
in the system.
(2) Position the vehicle in a wind free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run for five minutes with the system
set to the following:
²Transmission in Park or Neutral with parking
brake set
²Engine idling at 700 rpm
²A/C controls set in 100 percent outside air
²Blower switch in the high A/C position
²A/C in the ON position
²Open all windows
CAUTION: A leak detector designed for R-12 refrig-
erant (only) will not detect leaks in a R-134a refrig-
erant system.
(4) Shut off the vehicle and wait 2 to 7 minutes.
Then use an Electronic Leak Detector that is
designed to detect R-134a type refrigerant and search
for leaks. Fittings, lines, or components that appear
to be oily usually indicates a refrigerant leak. To
inspect the evaporator core for leaks, insert the leak
detector probe into the drain tube opening or a heat
duct. A R-134a dye is available to aid in leak detec-
tion, use only DaimlerChrysler approved refrigerant
dye.
24 - 44 PLUMBINGDR
PLUMBING (Continued)