Ground terminals DODGE RAM 2001 Service Service Manual

NOTE: The air gap is determined by the spacer
shims. When installing an original, or a new clutch
assembly, try the original shims first. When install-
ing a new clutch onto a compressor that previously
did not have a clutch, use 1.0, 0.50, and 0.13 milli-
meter (0.040, 0.020, and 0.005 inch) shims from the
clutch hardware package that is provided with the
new clutch.
(12) On models with the diesel engine option,
install the compressor on the engine. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - INSTALLATION)(13) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The a/c compressor clutch relay is a International
Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The termi-
nal designations and functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay
terminal orientation (footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch relay is a electromechanical
device that switches battery current to the compres-
sor clutch coil when the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) grounds the coil side of the relay. The PCM
responds to inputs from the a/c heater control, the a/c
low pressure switch, and the a/c high pressure
switch.
The compressor clutch relay is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compart-
ment. Refer to the PDC label for relay identification
and location.
The compressor clutch relay cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY
RELAY TEST
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 16) is located in
the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the
PDC label for relay identification and location.
Remove the relay from the PDC to perform the fol-
lowing tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, see the Relay Circuit Test below. If not
OK, replace the faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
Fig. 14 CLUTCH PLATE INSTALL
Fig. 15 CHECK CLUTCH AIR GAP
1 - FEELER GAUGE
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 17
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to fused battery feed. There should be bat-
tery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 30 at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is not
used in this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal cavity (87) is
connected to the compressor clutch coil. There should
be continuity between this cavity and the A/C com-
pressor clutch relay output circuit cavity of the com-
pressor clutch coil wire harness connector. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
(4) The relay coil battery terminal (86) is con-
nected to the fused ignition switch output (run/start)
circuit. There should be battery voltage at the cavity
for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to the fuse in the junction block as
required.
(5) The coil ground terminal cavity (85) is switched
to ground through the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). There should be continuity between this cav-
ity and the A/C compressor clutch relay control cir-
cuit cavity of the PCM wire harness connector C
(gray) at all times. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 17).(3) Refer to the label on the PDC for compressor
clutch relay identification and location.
(4) Unplug the compressor clutch relay from the
PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the compressor clutch relay by aligning
the relay terminals with the cavities in the PDC and
pushing the relay firmly into place.
(2) Install the PDC cover.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Test the relay operation.
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
Both the heater-only and a/c heater systems use a
combination of electrical and vacuum controls. These
controls provide the vehicle operator with a number
of setting options to help control the climate and
comfort within the vehicle. Refer to the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features, use, and suggested operation of these
controls.
OPERATION
The heater-only or a/c heater control panel is
located to the right of the instrument cluster on the
instrument panel. The control panel contains a rota-
ry-type temperature control knob, a rotary-type mode
control switch knob, and a rotary-type blower motor
speed switch knob. On models with the optional
heated mirror system, a momentary push button
switch and indicator lamp are located near the bot-
Fig. 16 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 17 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
1 - COVER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
24 - 18 CONTROLSBR/BE
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY (Continued)

(5) Remove the four screws that secure the a/c
heater control to the instrument panel (Fig. 19).
(6) Pull the a/c heater control assembly away from
the instrument panel far enough to access the con-
nections on the back of the control.
(7) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
back of the a/c heater control.
(8) On vehicles with heated mirrors, unplug the
heated mirror wire harness connector from the back
of the a/c heater control.
(9) Remove the a/c heater control from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Plug the wire harness connector(s) into the
receptacle(s) on the back of the a/c heater control.
(2) Route the HVAC vacuum harness through the
hole in the reinforcement below the a/c heater control
opening of the instrument panel.
(3) Position the a/c heater control in the instru-
ment panel and secure it with four screws. Tighten
the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(4) Reinstall the cluster bezel to the instrument
panel. Refer to Instrument Panel System for the pro-
cedures.
(5) Reach under the instrument panel to reinstall
the a/c heater control vacuum harness retainer to the
side of the center distribution duct.
(6) Plug in the two halves of the a/c heater control
to HVAC housing vacuum harness connector.
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The a/c high pressure switch is located on the dis-
charge line near the compressor. The switch is
screwed onto a fitting that contains a Schrader-type
valve, which allows the switch to be serviced without
discharging the refrigerant system. The discharge
line fitting is equipped with an O-ring to seal the
switch connection.
OPERATION
The a/c high pressure switch is connected in series
electrically with the a/c low pressure switch between
ground and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The switch contacts open and close causing the PCM
to turn the compressor clutch on and off. This pre-
vents compressor operation when the discharge line
pressure approaches high levels.
The a/c high pressure switch contacts are open
when the discharge line pressure rises above about
3100 to 3375 kPa (450 to 490 psi). The switch con-
tacts will close when the discharge line pressure
drops to about 1860 to 2275 kPa (270 to 330 psi).
When checking refrigerant system pressures with a
manifold gauge set, keep in mind that the indicated
pressures will be about 172 kpa (25 psi) below the
actual switch pressure values due to the pressure
drop that occurs in the refrigerant system between
the switch and the high pressure service port.
The a/c high pressure switch is a factory-calibrated
unit. The switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C HIGH
PRESSURE SWITCH
Before performing diagnosis of the a/c high pres-
sure switch, verify that the refrigerant system has
the correct refrigerant charge. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the a/c high pressure switch wire har-
ness connector from the switch on the refrigerant
system fitting.
(3) On the four terminal high pressure switch,
check for continuity between terminals C and D. On
the two terminal switch, check for continuity
between both terminals of the a/c high pressure
switch. There should be continuity. If OK, test and
repair the A/C switch sense circuit as required. If not
OK, replace the faulty switch.
Fig. 19 A/C HEATER CONTROL REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - HEATED MIRROR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW
4 - HEATER-A/C CONTROL
24 - 20 CONTROLSBR/BE
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c
high pressure switch, which is mounted to a fitting
on the discharge line between the compressor and
the condenser inlet.
(3) Unscrew the a/c high pressure switch from the
discharge line fitting.
(4) Remove the a/c high pressure switch from the
vehicle.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal from the discharge line
fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the discharge line fitting.
Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a
special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the com-
pressor in the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT
OIL - DESCRIPTION)
(2) Install and tighten the high pressure cut-off
switch on the discharge line fitting. The switch
should be hand-tightened onto the discharge line fit-
ting.
(3) Plug the wire harness connector into the high
pressure cut-off switch.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The a/c low pressure switch is located on the top of
the accumulator. The switch is screwed onto an accu-
mulator fitting that contains a Schrader-type valve,
which allows the switch to be serviced without dis-
charging the refrigerant system. The accumulator fit-
ting is equipped with an O-ring to seal the switch
connection.
OPERATION
The a/c low pressure switch is connected in series
electrically with the a/c high pressure switch and the
a/c heater control, between ground and the Power-
train Control Module (PCM). The switch contacts
open and close causing the PCM to turn the compres-
sor clutch on and off. This regulates the refrigerant
system pressure and controls evaporator tempera-
ture. Controlling evaporator temperature prevents
condensate water on the evaporator fins from freez-
ing and obstructing air conditioning system air flow.
The a/c low pressure switch contacts are open
when the suction pressure is about 152-165 kPa(22-24 psi) or lower. The switch contacts will close
when the suction pressure rises to about 255-296 kPa
(37-43 psi) or above. Lower ambient temperatures,
below about -1É C (30É F), will also cause the switch
contacts to open. This is due to the pressure/temper-
ature relationship of the refrigerant in the system.
The a/c low pressure switch is a factory-calibrated
unit. It cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C LOW
PRESSURE SWITCH
Before performing diagnosis of the a/c low pressure
switch, be certain that the switch is properly
installed on the accumulator fitting. If the switch is
too loose it may not open the Schrader-type valve in
the accumulator fitting, which will prevent the
switch from correctly monitoring the refrigerant sys-
tem pressure. Also verify that the refrigerant system
has the correct refrigerant charge. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - A/C PERFORMANCE)
Remember that lower ambient temperatures, below
about -1É C (30É F), during cold weather will open the
switch contacts and prevent compressor operation
due to the pressure/temperature relationship of the
refrigerant. For circuit descriptions and diagrams,
(Refer to Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the a/c low pressure switch wire har-
ness connector from the switch on the accumulator
fitting.
(3) Install a jumper wire between the two cavities
of the a/c low pressure switch wire harness connector.
(4) Connect a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system service ports. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
EQUIPMENT)
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Place the a/c heater mode control switch knob
in any A/C position and start the engine.
(7) Check for continuity between the two terminals
of the low pressure cycling clutch switch. There
should be continuity with a suction pressure reading
of 296 kPa (43 psi) or above, and no continuity with a
suction pressure reading of 172 kPa (25 psi) or below.
If OK, test and repair the A/C switch sense circuit as
required. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 21
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH (Continued)

(2) The relay normally closed terminal cavity (87A)
is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal cavity (87) is
connected to the blower motor. When the relay is
energized, terminal 87 is connected to terminal 30
and provides full battery current to the blower motor
feed circuit. There should be continuity between the
PDC cavity for terminal 87 and the blower motor
relay output circuit cavity of the blower motor wire
harness connector at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair the open circuit to the blower motor
as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal cavity (86) is con-
nected to the ignition switch. When the ignition
switch is placed in the On position, fused ignition
switch output is directed from a fuse in the junction
block to the relay electromagnetic coil to energize the
relay. There should be battery voltage at the PDC
cavity for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch
in the On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK,
repair the open circuit to the junction block fuse as
required.
(5) The coil ground terminal cavity (85) is con-
nected to ground. This terminal supplies the ground
for the relay electromagnetic coil. There should be
continuity between the PDC cavity for relay terminal
85 and a good ground at all times. If not OK, repair
the open circuit as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 22).
(3) Refer to the label on the PDC for blower motor
relay identification and location.
(4) Unplug the blower motor relay from the PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the blower motor relay by aligning the
relay terminals with the cavities in the PDC and
pushing the relay firmly into place.
(2) Install the PDC cover.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Test the relay operation.
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor resistor is mounted to the bot-
tom of the HVAC housing, under the instrument
panel and just inboard of the blower motor. It can be
accessed without removing any other components.
OPERATION
The resistor has multiple resistor wires, each of
which will change the resistance in the blower motor
ground path to change the blower motor speed. The
blower motor switch directs the ground path through
the correct resistor wire to obtain the selected blower
motor speed.
Fig. 21 BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 22 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
1 - COVER
2 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 23
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

With the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, the ground path for the motor is applied
through all of the resistor wires. Each higher speed
selected with the blower motor switch applies the
blower motor ground path through fewer of the resis-
tor wires, increasing the blower motor speed. When
the blower motor switch is in the highest speed posi-
tion, the blower motor resistor is bypassed and the
blower motor receives a direct path to ground.
The blower motor resistor cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
RESISTOR BLOCK
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
blower motor resistor.
(3) Check for continuity between each of the
blower motor switch input terminals of the resistor
and the resistor output terminal. In each case there
should be continuity. If OK, repair the wire harness
circuits between the blower motor switch and the
blower motor resistor or blower motor as required. If
not OK, replace the faulty blower motor resistor.
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 AIRBAGSYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Reach under the passenger side end of the
HVAC housing and unplug the wire harness connec-
tor from the blower motor resistor.
(3) Remove the screws that secure the blower
motor resistor to the HVAC housing.
(4) Remove the blower motor resistor from the
HVAC housing (Fig. 23).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the blower motor resistor into the HVAC
housing and secure it with the mounting screws.
Tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(2) Plug the wire harness connector into the
blower motor resistor.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heater-only or a/c heater blower motor is con-
trolled by a four position rotary-type blower motor
switch, mounted in the HVAC control panel. The
switch allows the selection of one of four blower
Fig. 23 BLOWER MOTOR/RESISTOR
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
24 - 24 CONTROLSBR/BE
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK (Continued)