DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

REMOVAL - PANEL OUTLET BARRELS
WARNING: THE PANEL OUTLET BARRELS
INSTALLED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
DOOR PANEL OUTLET HOUSINGS MUST NEVER
BE REINSTALLED FOLLOWING REMOVAL FOR ANY
REASON. THEY MUST BE REPLACED WITH NEW
BARRELS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING
COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry near the center of either
side of the panel outlet barrel to release the snap-fit
pivots on the barrel from the pivot pins in the outlet
housing of the passenger side airbag module or the
instrument cluster bezel (Fig. 2).
(2)
Remove the barrel from the panel outlet housing.
INSTALLATION - DEMISTER GRILLES
(1) To install the demister grille, position the grille
in the opening of the instrument panel top cover and
press inwards firmly and evenly near the center of
both sides of the grille until it snaps into place.
INSTALLATION - PANEL OUTLET BARRELS
WARNING: THE PANEL OUTLET BARRELS INSTALLED
IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOOR PANEL OUT-
LET HOUSINGS MUST NEVER BE REINSTALLED FOL-
LOWING REMOVAL FOR ANY REASON. THEY MUST
BE REPLACED WITH NEW BARRELS. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCU-
PANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) To install a new panel outlet barrel, position
the barrel in the outlet housing and press inwards
firmly and evenly near the center of both sides of the
panel outlet barrel until the pivots snap into place.
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor and blower wheel are located in
the passenger side end of the HVAC housing, below
the glove box. The blower motor controls the velocity
of the air flowing through the HVAC housing by spin-
ning a squirrel cage-type blower wheel within the
housing at the selected speed. The blower motor and
blower wheel can be serviced from the passenger
compartment side of the housing.
OPERATION
The blower motor will only operate when the igni-
tion switch is in the On position, and the a/c heater
mode control switch knob is in any position, except
Off. The blower motor receives a fused battery feed
through the blower motor relay whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On position.
The blower motor battery feed circuit is protected
by a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
The blower motor relay control circuit is protected by
a fuse in the junction block. Blower motor speed is
controlled by regulating the ground path through the
a/c heater mode control switch, the blower motor
switch, and the blower motor resistor.
The blower motor and blower wheel cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced. The blower motor and blower wheel may be
serviced separately, although if the motor is to be
replaced, a blower wheel will come as part of a pre-
balanced assembly.
Fig. 2 PANEL OUTLET BARRELS
1 - DEFROSTER OUTLETS
2 - DEMISTER OUTLET GRILLE
3 - PANEL OUTLET BARRELS
4 - DEMISTER OUTLET GRILLE
24 - 32 DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT
IN AN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POS-
SIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). Possible causes of
an inoperative blower motor include:
²Faulty fuse
²Faulty blower motor circuit wiring or wire har-
ness connectors
²Faulty blower motor resistor
²Faulty blower motor relay
²Faulty blower motor switch
²Faulty a/c heater mode control switch
²Faulty blower motor.
Possible causes of the blower motor not operating
in all speeds include:
²Faulty fuse
²Faulty blower motor switch
²Faulty blower motor resistor
²Faulty blower motor relay
²Faulty blower motor circuit wiring or wire har-
ness connectors.
VIBRATION
Possible causes of blower motor vibration include:
²Improper blower motor mounting
²Improper blower wheel mounting
²Blower wheel out of balance or deformed
²Blower motor faulty.
NOISE
To verify that the blower is the source of the noise,
unplug the blower motor wire harness connector and
operate the HVAC system. If the noise goes away,
possible causes include:
²Foreign material in the HVAC housing
²Improper blower motor mounting
²Improper blower wheel mounting
²Blower motor faulty.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.(2) Disconnect the blower motor cooling tube from
the nipple on the blower motor housing (Fig. 3).
(3) Disengage the blower motor wire harness from
the wire harness retainer.
(4) Unplug the blower motor wire harness connec-
tor from the HVAC housing wire harness.
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the
blower motor and blower wheel assembly to the
HVAC housing.
(6) Lower the blower motor and wheel assembly,
and cover, from the HVAC housing.
(7)
Remove the blower wheel retainer clip and
remove the wheel from the blower motor shaft (Fig. 4).
INSTALLATION
(1) If installing the blower motor wheel only, press
the blower wheel hub onto the blower motor shaft.
Be sure the flat on the blower motor shaft is indexed
to the flat on the inside of the blower wheel hub.
(2) Install the retainer clip over the blower wheel
hub. The ears of the retainer clip must be indexed
over the flats on the blower motor shaft and blower
wheel hub.
(3) Be certain that the blower motor seal is
installed on the blower motor housing (Fig. 5).
(4) Install the blower motor and wheel assembly,
and cover in the HVAC housing with three mounting
screws. Tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
Fig. 3 BLOWER MOTOR REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - BLOWER MOTOR HOUSING
2 - COOLING TUBE
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 33
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)

(5) Plug the blower motor wire harness connector
into the HVAC housing wire harness.
(6) Install the blower motor wire harness into the
wire harness retainer.
(7) Connect the blower motor cooling tube to the
nipple on the blower motor housing.
(8) Connect the battery negative cable.
DEFROSTER DUCTS
REMOVAL - DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER
DUCTS
The defroster duct and the main demister duct are
a single molded plastic unit. The defroster outletgrilles are heat-staked to the defroster outlets and
cannot be serviced separately. The demister tubes on
each end of the main demister duct are only serviced
in the instrument panel assembly.
(1) Remove the instrument panel top cover from
the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument System
for the procedures.
(2) Remove the screws that secure the defroster
and demister ducts to the instrument panel brackets
(Fig. 6).
Fig. 5 BLOWER MOTOR SEAL
1 - BLOWER MOTOR SEAL
Fig. 6 DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER DUCT
1 - DEMISTER TUBE
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER3 - BRACKETS
4 - DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER DUCT
Fig. 4 BLOWER MOTOR WHEEL REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - BLOWER MOTOR WHEEL
2 - RETAINER CLIP
24 - 34 DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)

(3) Disengage the demister tubes from each end of
the main demister duct.
(4) Remove the defroster and demister duct unit
from the instrument panel.
REMOVAL - DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER
DUCT ADAPTER
(1) Roll the instrument panel assembly down, but
do not remove it from the vehicle. Refer to Instru-
ment Panel System for the procedures.
(2)
Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-
bladed tool, gently pry at the perimeter edges of the
defroster and demister duct adapter to release the snap
features from the top of the HVAC housing (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the defroster and demister duct
adapter from the top of the HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION - DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER
DUCTS
(1) Place the defroster and demister duct unit in
position.
(2) Engage the demister tubes with each end of
the main demister duct.
(3) Install the screws that secure the defroster and
demister ducts to the instrument panel brackets.
Tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the instrument panel top cover on the
instrument panel. Refer to Instrument System for
the procedures.
INSTALLATION - DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER
DUCT ADAPTER
(1) Snap the defroster and demister duct adapter
from the top of the HVAC housing.
(2) Roll the instrument panel assembly up, and
fasten it properly to the vehicle. Refer to Instrument
Panel System for the procedures.
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT
IN AN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POS-
SIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
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)
The HVAC housing assembly must be removed
from the vehicle and disassembled for service access
of the heater core, a/c evaporator, and each of the
various mode control doors.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
Refer to Instrument Panel System for the procedures.
(3) If the vehicle is not equipped with air condi-
tioning, go to Step 6. If the vehicle is equipped with
air conditioning, recover the refrigerant from the sys-
tem. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(4) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line fit-
ting from the evaporator inlet tube. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrig-
erant line fittings.
Fig. 7 DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER DUCT
ADAPTER REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - DEFROSTER AND DEMISTER DUCT ADAPTER
2 - HVAC HOUSING
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 35
DEFROSTER DUCTS (Continued)

(5) Remove the accumulator. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/ACCU-
MULATOR - REMOVAL) Install plugs in, or tape
over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(6) Drain the engine cooling system. Refer to Cool-
ing for the procedures.
(7)
Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core
tubes. Refer to Cooling for the procedures. Install plugs
in, or tape over the opened heater core tubes.
(8) Remove the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
from the dash panel and set it aside, but do not
unplug the PCM wire harness connectors. Refer to
Electronic Control Modules for the procedures.
(9) Remove the nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs on the engine compartment side of
the dash panel.
(10) Remove the nuts that secure the HVAC hous-
ing to the mounting studs on the passenger compart-
ment side of the dash panel (Fig. 8).
(11) Pull the HVAC housing rearward far enough
for the mounting studs and the evaporator conden-
sate drain tube to clear the dash panel holes.
(12) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
REMOVAL - HVAC HOUSING INLET BAFFLE
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Slide the HVAC housing inlet baffle (Fig. 9) all
the way to one side of the cowl plenum opening.
(3)
Pull downwards sharply and firmly on the oppo-
site side of the HVAC housing inlet baffle to disengage
the snap features from the cowl plenum opening.
(4) Remove the HVAC housing inlet baffle from the
cowl plenum panel.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Place the HVAC housing upside down on a
work bench.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the floor duct to
the bottom of the HVAC housing and slide the floor
duct off of the center heat duct adaptor.
(3) Unsnap the center heat duct adaptor from the
bottom of the HVAC housing and remove the screw
that was hidden by the adaptor.
(4) Remove the remaining screws on the bottom of
the HVAC housing that secure the two housing
halves together.
(5) Place the HVAC housing right side up on the
work bench.
(6) Separate the top half of the HVAC housing
from the bottom half and set it aside.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position the top half of the HVAC housing over
the bottom half. Be certain that the mode door pivot
pins are properly inserted in their pivot holes.
(2) Place the HVAC housing upside down on the
work bench.
(3)
Install and tighten the screws on the bottom of
the HVAC housing that secure the two housing halves
together. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(4) Snap the center heat duct adaptor onto the bot-
tom of the HVAC housing.
(5) Slide the floor duct onto the center heat duct
adaptor and secure it with a screw to the bottom of
the HVAC housing. Tighten the mounting screw to
2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
Fig. 8 HVAC HOUSING REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - BODY ASSEMBLY
2 - HVAC HOUSING
Fig. 9 HVAC HOUSING INLET BAFFLE REMOVE/
INSTALL
1 - RIGHT A-PILLAR
2 - INLET BAFFLE
3 - COWL PLENUM OPENING
24 - 36 DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the HVAC housing to the dash panel.
Be certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
and the housing mounting studs are inserted into
their correct mounting holes.
(2) Install the nuts that secure the HVAC housing
to the mounting studs on the passenger compartment
side of the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.).
(3)
Install and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC hous-
ing mounting studs on the engine compartment side of
the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Unplug or remove the tape from the heater
core tubes. Connect the heater hoses to the heater
core tubes and fill the engine cooling system. Refer
Cooling for the procedures.
(5)
If the vehicle is not equipped with air condition-
ing, go to Step 10. If the vehicle is equipped with air
conditioning, install the accumulator. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/ACCU-
MULATOR - INSTALLATION) Connect the accumulator
inlet tube coupler to the evaporator outlet tube. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(6)Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid line
and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect the liq-
uid line coupler to the evaporator inlet tube. (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(9) Reinstall the PCM to the dash panel. Refer to
Electronic Control Modules for the procedures.
(10) Reinstall the instrument panel in the vehicle.
Refer to Instrument Panel System for the procedures.
(11) Connect the battery negative cable.
(12) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
INSTALLATION - HVAC HOUSING INLET
BAFFLE
(1) Install the HVAC housing inlet baffle in the
cowl plenum panel.
(2) Slide the HVAC housing inlet baffle to engage
the snap features.
(3) Make certain that the snap features on each
side of the adapter are fully engaged with the sides
of the plenum panel opening. This must be a water
tight connection to prevent leaks.(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
DEMISTER DUCTS
REMOVAL
The defroster duct and the main demister duct are
a single molded plastic unit. The defroster outlet
grilles are heat-staked to the defroster outlets and
cannot be serviced separately. The demister tubes on
each end of the main demister duct are only serviced
in the instrument panel assembly. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
DEFROSTER DUCTS - REMOVAL)
INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL
The panel and center distribution ducts (Fig. 10)
are only serviced as part of the instrument panel
assembly. Refer to Instrument Panel System for the
service procedures.
Fig. 10 PANEL AND CENTER DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
1 - BRACKET
2 - SCREW
3 - CENTER DISTRIBUTION DUCT
4 - SCREW
5 - PANEL DUCTS
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 37
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle,
and disassemble the housing halves. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL) (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Lift the blend door pivot shaft out of the pivot
hole in the bottom of the HVAC housing (Fig. 11).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the blend door pivot shaft in the bottom
of the HVAC housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERYNEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT
IN AN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POS-
SIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
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)
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove the heat/defrost door actuator from the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the heat/defrost door from the HVAC
housing.
REMOVAL - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPT-
ING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MIN-
UTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT
IN AN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POS-
SIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel assembly from
the vehicle. Refer to Instrument Panel System for the
procedures.
(3) Remove the panel/defrost door actuator from
the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR
ACTUATOR - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the defroster and demister duct
adapter from the HVAC housing. ***L***
Fig. 11 BLEND DOOR
1 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
2 - BLEND DOOR
24 - 38 DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE

(5) Lift the panel/defrost door out of the top open-
ing of the HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Install the heat/defrost door in the HVAC hous-
ing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the heat/defrost door actuator on the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
- INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Install the panel/defrost door through the top
opening of the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the defroster and demister duct adapter
on the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/DEFROSTER
DUCTS - INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the panel/defrost door actuator on the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(4) Install the instrument panel assembly in the
vehicle. Refer to Instrument Panel System for the
procedures.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
RECIRCULATION 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.
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)
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Unsnap the recirculation door vacuum actuator
link clip and disengage the link from the recircula-
tion door lever. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/RECIRCULATION DOOR
ACTUATOR - REMOVAL)
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the retainer off of the
recirculation door pivot shaft.
(4) Remove the recirculation door through the out-
side air intake opening on the top of the HVAC hous-
ing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the recirculation door through the out-
side air intake opening on the top of the HVAC hous-
ing.
(2) Install the retainer on the recirculation door
pivot shaft.
(3) Engage the recirculation door vacuum actuator
link clip with the recirculation door lever. (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR - INSTALLA-
TION)
(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 39
MODE DOOR (Continued)

PLUMBING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION...........................40
OPERATION.............................41
WARNING..............................41
CAUTION...............................41
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................43
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS...........43
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................43
A/C LINE COUPLERS....................43
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
EQUIPMENT...........................44
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY...............45
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE........45
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE.........46
SPECIFICATIONS........................46
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................46
OPERATION.............................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................46
A/C COMPRESSOR.....................46
REMOVAL..............................47
INSTALLATION...........................47
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION...........................48
OPERATION.............................48
REMOVAL..............................49
INSTALLATION...........................49
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL..............................50
INSTALLATION...........................51
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL..............................52INSTALLATION...........................52
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................52
OPERATION.............................53
REMOVAL..............................53
INSTALLATION...........................53
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION...........................53
OPERATION.............................53
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................54
FIXED ORIFICE TUBE...................54
REMOVAL..............................54
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................54
OPERATION.............................54
REMOVAL..............................54
INSTALLATION...........................55
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION...........................55
OPERATION.............................55
REMOVAL..............................56
INSTALLATION...........................56
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION...........................56
OPERATION.............................56
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION...........................56
OPERATION.............................56
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................57
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL................57
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - A/C LINE COUPLERS
Spring-lock type refrigerant line couplers are used
to connect many of the refrigerant lines and other
components to the refrigerant system. These couplers
require a special tool for disengaging the two coupler
halves.
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry
the refrigerant between the various air conditioning
system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber lay-
ers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system onthis vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further contain
the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecu-
lar structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
24 - 40 PLUMBINGBR/BE

OPERATION - A/C LINE COUPLERS
The spring-lock coupler is held together by a garter
spring inside a circular cage on the male half of the
fitting (Fig. 1). When the two coupler halves are con-
nected, the flared end of the female fitting slips
behind the garter spring inside the cage on the male
fitting. The garter spring and cage prevent the flared
end of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage.
Two O-rings on the male half of the fitting are
used to seal the connection. These O-rings are com-
patible with R-134a refrigerant and must be replaced
with O-rings made of the same material.
Secondary clips are installed over the two con-
nected coupler halves at the factory for added blowoff
protection. In addition, some models have a plastic
ring that is used at the factory as a visual indicator
to confirm that these couplers are connected. After
the coupler is connected, the plastic indicator ring is
no longer needed; however, it will remain on the
refrigerant line near the coupler cage.
OPERATION
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled with
other components of the HVAC system with peanut-
block style fittings. A stat-O seal type flat steel gas-
ket with a captured compressible O-ring, is used to
mate plumbing lines with A/C components to ensure
the integrity of the refrigerant system.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING:
THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTAINS
REFRIGERANT UNDER HIGH PRESSURE. SEVERE
PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM IMPROPER
SERVICE PROCEDURES. REPAIRS SHOULD ONLY
BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-
NEL.
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.
Fig. 1 SPRING-LOCK COUPLER - TYPICAL
1 - MALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER
2 - FEMALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER
3 - SECONDARY CLIP
4 - CONNECTION INDICATOR RING
5 - COUPLER CAGE
6 - GARTER SPRING
7 - COUPLER CAGE
8-9O9RINGS
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PLUMBING (Continued)