ABS DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Install the seat back onto the storage bin and
install new hinge bolts.
(2) Tighten the hinge to storage bin bolts to 25
N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the storage bin cover j-straps.
(4) Install the center seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - CENTER - INSTALLATION)
CENTER SEAT BACK INERTIA
HINGE COVER
REMOVAL
NOTE: Free pivot hinge cover is removed with the
free pivot hinge. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/CEN-
TER SEAT BACK HINGE - REMOVAL)
(1) For the inertia hinge cover disconnect the zip
strip. (Fig. 5)
(2) Position aside the storage bin cover.
(3) Remove the pivot bolt.
(4) Open the hinge cover at the bottom and remove
the hinge cover. (Fig. 6)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Free pivot hinge cover is installed with the
free pivot hinge. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/CEN-
TER SEAT BACK HINGE - INSTALLATION)
(1) Position the hinge cover over the hinge and
close over the lock tabs.
(2) Install the pivot bolt and tighten to 10 N´m (89
in. lbs.).
(3) Reposition the storage bin cover.
(4) Connect the zip strip.
Fig. 4 CENTER SEAT BACK HINGES
1 - STORAGE BIN COVERING
2 - SEAT BACK HINGE BOLTS (4)
3 - STORAGE BIN FRAME
Fig. 5 HINGE COVER
1 - SEAT BACK COVER ZIP STRIP
2 - CENTER SEAT BACK
3 - HINGE COVER
4 - STORAGE BIN COVER
5 - PIVOT BOLT
23 - 78 SEATSDR
CENTER ARMREST / SEAT BACK (Continued)

CENTER SEAT BACK HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: Do not reuse the seat fasteners, always
replace with new ones.
(1) Remove the seat back. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/CENTER ARMREST / SEAT BACK -
REMOVAL)
Free Pivot Hinge/Cover
(1) Disconnect the storage bin cover j-strap and
position aside.
(2) Remove and discard the pivot bolt. (Fig. 7)
(3) Remove the hinge spacer. (Fig. 8)
(4) Open the hinge cover flap and remove the wire
harness. (Fig. 9)
(5) Remove the cover from the hinge.
Inertia Hinge
(1) Remove the seat back inertia hinge cover.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/CENTER SEAT BACK
INERTIA HINGE COVER - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove and discard the inertia hinge bolts and
remove the hinge. (Fig. 10)
Fig. 6 HINGE COVER REMOVAL
1 - HINGE COVER
2 - HINGE
3 - HINGE COVER TABS
4 - CENTER SEAT BACK
5 - STORAGE BIN
Fig. 7 PIVOT HINGE/COVER
1 - PIVOT BOLT
2 - HINGE COVER
3 - STORAGE BIN COVER
4 - 12V POWER SUPPLY HARNESS
5 - HINGE BOLTS (2)
6 - HINGE
Fig. 8 PIVOT HINGE SPACER
1 - HINGE COVER
2 - SPACER
3-STOPPIN
DRSEATS 23 - 79
CENTER SEAT BACK INERTIA HINGE COVER (Continued)

STATIONARY GLASS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BACKLITE
REMOVAL.............................86
INSTALLATION.........................86
BACKLITE VENT GLASS
REMOVAL.............................87
INSTALLATION.........................87WINDSHIELD
WARNING
WINDSHIELD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.....88
REMOVAL.............................88
INSTALLATION.........................88
BACKLITE
REMOVAL
It is difficult to salvage the backlite during the
removal operation. The backlite is part of the struc-
tural support for the roof. The urethane bonding
used to secure the glass to the fence is difficult to cut
or clean from any surface. Since the molding is set in
urethane, it is unlikely it would be salvaged. Before
removing the backlite, check the availability from the
parts supplier.
The backlite is attached to the window frame with
urethane adhesive. The urethane adhesive is applied
cold and seals the surface area between the window
opening and the glass. The primer adheres the ure-
thane adhesive to the backlite.
(1) Roll down door glass.
(2) Remove headliner. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTE-
RIOR/HEADLINER - REMOVAL).
(3) On standard cab models remove the upper
b-pillar trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PIL-
LAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL)
(4) On quad cab models remove the upper c-pillar
trim. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/C-PILLAR
UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL)
(5) Bend backlite retaining tabs (Fig. 1) inward
against glass.
(6) Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical
connector, if equipped.
(7) Using a suitable pneumatic knife from inside
the vehicle, cut urethane holding backlite frame to
opening fence.
(8) Separate glass from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean urethane adhesive from around backlite
opening fence.
(2) If necessary, apply black-out primer to outer
edge of replacement backlite frame.(3) If black-out primer was pre-applied on backlite,
clean bonding surface with Isopropyl alcohol and
clean lint free cloth. Allow 3 minutes for drying time.
(4) Apply black-out primer to backlite opening
fence.
(5) Apply a 13 mm (0.5 in.) bead of urethane
around the perimeter of the window frame bonding
surface (Fig. 2).
(6) Set glass on lower fence and move glass for-
ward into opening (Fig. 3).
(7) Firmly push glass against rear window glass
opening fence.
(8) Bend tabs around edges of backlite opening
fence to retain glass.
(9) Clean excess urethane from exterior with
MOPARt, Super Clean or equivalent.
(10) Allow urethane to cure at least 24 hours (full
cure is 72 hours).
(11) Water test to verify repair before returning
vehicle to service.
(12) Connect the rear window defogger electrical
connector, if equipped.
Fig. 1 Backlite Tabs
1 - BACKLITE
2-TAB
23 - 86 STATIONARY GLASSDR

coil. To maintain minimum evaporator temperature
and prevent evaporator freezing, the A/C Fin Probe
which is located in the evaporator cycles the com-
pressor clutch by sending an A/C request to the
JTEC which in turn processes this piece of informa-
tion and if all conditions are met cycles the compres-
sor clutch.
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
PORT
The low pressure service port is located on the suc-
tion refrigerant line, near the accumulator. The high
pressure service port is located on the liquid line at
the passenger side of the engine compartment, near
the condenser.
Each of the service ports has a threaded plastic
protective cap installed over it from the factory. After
servicing the refrigerant system, always reinstall
both of the service port caps.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE
The air conditioning system is designed to provide
the passenger compartment with low temperature
and low humidity air. The evaporator, located in the
HVAC housing on the dash panel below the instru-
ment panel, is cooled to temperatures near the freez-
ing point. As warm damp air passes through the
cooled evaporator, the air transfers its heat to the
refrigerant in the evaporator and the moisture in the
air condenses on the evaporator fins. During periods
of high heat and humidity, an air conditioning sys-
tem will be more effective in the Recirculation Mode.
With the system in the Recirculation Mode, only air
from the passenger compartment passes through the
evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehu-
midifies, the air conditioning system performance
levels improve.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the air condition-
ing system. When humidity is high, the evaporator
has to perform a double duty. It must lower the air
temperature, and it must lower the temperature of
the moisture in the air that condenses on the evapo-
rator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air trans-
fers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing.
This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature
of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Remov-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from the
air conditioning system on humid days. A perfor-
mance test is the best way to determine whether the
system is performing up to standard. This test also
provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of
trouble with the air conditioning system.
Before proceeding, (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION). The air temperature in
the test room and in the vehicle must be a minimum
of 21É C (70É F) for this test.
(1) Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set
or A/C recycling/charging station.
(2) Set the A/C Heater mode control switch knob in
the Recirculation Mode position, the temperature
control knob in the full cool position, and the blower
motor switch knob in the highest speed position.
Fig. 1 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown (Typical -
Single Zone)
1 - Mounting Nut
2 - Passenger Blend Door Actuator (dual zone)
3 - Mounting Nut
4 - Air Intake Spacer
5 - Recirculation Door Actuator
6 - Recirculation Door Assembly
7 - Driver Side Blend Door Actuator
8 - HVAC Housing
9 - Mounting Screw
10 - Defroster Door Actuator
11 - Panel Actuator
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Plug the two wire harness connectors into the
back of the A/C Heater control.
(2) Position the A/C Heater control in the instru-
ment panel bezel and secure it with four screws.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is a switch that is
installed on a fitting located on the refrigerant dis-
charge line between the compressor and the conden-
sor in the front corner of the engine compartment. An
internally threaded hex fitting on the transducer con-
nects it to the externally threaded Schrader-type fit-
ting on the liquid line. A rubber O-ring seals the
connection between the transducer and the discharge
line fitting. Three terminals within a molded plastic
connector receptacle on the top of the transducer con-
nect it to the vehicle electrical system through a take
out and connector of the headlamp and dash wire
harness.
The A/C pressure transducer cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The A/C pressure transducer monitors the pres-
sures in the high side of the refrigerant system
through its connection to a fitting on the discharge
line. The transducer will change its internal resis-
tance in response to the pressures it monitors. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a five
volt reference signal and a sensor ground to the
transducer, then monitors the output voltage of the
transducer on a sensor return circuit to determine
refrigerant pressure. The PCM is programmed to
respond to this and other sensor inputs by controlling
the operation of the air conditioning compressor
clutch and the radiator cooling fan to help optimize
air conditioning system performance and to protect
the system components from damage. The A/C pres-
sure transducer input to the PCM will also prevent
the air conditioning compressor clutch from engaging
when ambient temperatures are below about 10É C
due to the pressure/temperature relationship of the
refrigerant. The Schrader-type valve in the discharge
line fitting permits the A/C pressure transducer to be
removed or installed without disturbing the refriger-
ant in the system. The A/C pressure transducer is
diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is tested using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. Before testing the A/C pressure
transducer, be certain that the transducer wire har-
ness connection is clean of corrosion and properly
connected. For the air conditioning system to operate,
Fig. 12 Dual Zone A/C Control
1 - A/C Button
2 - Max. A/C Button
3 - Sideview Mirror Defrost Button (if equiped)
4 - Mounting Tabs (4)
5 - Driverside Temperature Control
6 - Passengerside Temperature Control
7 - Mode Control
8 - Blower Motor Speed Control
Fig. 13 HVAC Control - (Rear View- typical)
1 - Mounting Tabs (4)
2 - Mounting Screws (4)
3 - HVAC Control Connector
4 - Heated Sideview Mirror Connector
5 - HVAC Control Assembly
DRCONTROLS 24 - 15
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)

an A/C pressure transducer voltage reading between
0.451 and 4.519 volts is required. Voltages outside
this range indicate a low or high refrigerant system
pressure condition to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM is programmed to respond to a low
or high refrigerant system pressure by suppressing
operation of the compressor. Refer to the A/C Pres-
sure Transducer Voltage table for the possible condi-
tion indicated by the transducer voltage readings.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE POSSIBLE INDICATION
0.0 1. NO SENSOR SUPPLY
VOLTAGE FROM PCM.
2. SHORTED SENSOR CIRCUIT.
3. FAULTY TRANSDUCER.
0.150 TO 0.450 1. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
BELOW 10É C (50É F).
2. LOW REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
0.451 TO 4.519 1. NORMAL REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
4.520 TO 4.850 1. HIGH REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
5.0 1. OPEN SENSOR CIRCUIT.
2. FAULTY TRANSDUCER.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the wire harness connector for the
A/C pressure transducer from the transducer connec-
tor receptacle.
(3) Using an open end wrench, unscrew the A/C
pressure transducer from the fitting on the discharge
line between the compressor and the condenser.
(4) Remove the seal from the A/C pressure trans-
ducer fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the A/C pressure
transducer fitting.
(2) Using an open end wrench, install and tighten
the A/C pressure transducer onto the fitting on the
discharge line between the compressor and the con-
denser.
(3) Reconnect the wire harness connector for the
A/C pressure transducer to the transducer connector
receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The blend door actuators are reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motors. Models with the
single zone heater and air conditioner system have a
single blend air door, which is controlled by a single
blend door actuator. Models with the optional dual
zone front heater and air conditioner system have
dual blend air doors, which are controlled by two
blend door actuators. The single zone blend door
actuator is located on the driver side end of the heat-
er-A/C housing unit, close to the dash panel. In the
dual zone system, the same blend door actuator used
for the single zone system becomes the driver side
blend door actuator, and is mechanically connected to
only the driver side blend air door. In the dual zone
system, a second separate blend door actuator is also
located on the top of the heater-A/C housing unit and
is mechanically connected to only the passenger side
blend air door.
The blend door actuators are interchangeable with
each other, as well as with the actuators for the
mode door and the recirculation air door. Each actua-
tor is contained within an identical black molded
plastic housing with an integral wire connector
receptacle. Two integral mounting tabs allow the
actuator to be secured with two screws to the heater-
A/C unit housing. Each actuator also has an identical
output shaft with splines that connects it to the link-
age that drives the proper blend air door. The blend
door actuators do not require mechanical indexing to
the blend door linkage, as they are electronically cal-
ibrated by the heater-A/C control module. The blend
door actuators cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
damaged or faulty, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each blend door actuator is connected to the heat-
er-A/C control module through the vehicle electrical
system by a dedicated two-wire take out and connec-
tor of the HVAC wire harness. The blend door actua-
tor can move the blend air door in two directions.
When the heater-A/C control module pulls the volt-
age on one side of the motor connection high and the
other connection low, the blend air door will move in
one direction. When the module reverses the polarity
of the voltage to the motor, the blend air door moves
in the opposite direction. When the module makes
the voltage to both connections high or both connec-
tions low, the blend air door stops and will not move.
These same motor connections also provide a feed-
back signal to the heater-A/C control module. This
feedback signal allows the module to monitor the
operation and relative positions of the blend door
actuator and the blend air door. The heater-A/C con-
24 - 16 CONTROLSDR
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)

(4) Remove the mounting screws from the actua-
tor.
(5) Remove the actuator from the HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION - FLOOR - DEFROST DOOR
ACTUATOR
(1) Install the floor-defrost door actuator to the
HVAC assembly.
(2) Install the mounting screws and tighten to 2.2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the actuator electrical connector.
(4) Install the instrument panel assembly into the
vehicle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The mode door actuator is a reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motor (Fig. 16). The sin-
gle mode door actuator is located on the driver side
end of the heater-A/C housing unit, close to the top of
the distribution housing. The mode door actuator is
mechanically connected to the mode door. The mode
door actuator is interchangeable with the actuators
for the blend air door(s) and the recirculation air
door. Each actuator is contained within an identical
black molded plastic housing with an integral wire
connector receptacle. Two integral mounting tabs
allow the actuator to be secured with two screws to
the heater-A/C unit housing. Each actuator also has
an identical output shaft with splines that connects
it to the linkage that drives the mode door. The mode
door actuator does not require mechanical indexing
Fig. 15 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown (Typical -
Single Zone)
1 - Mounting Nut
2 - Passenger Blend Door Actuator (dual zone)
3 - Mounting Nut
4 - Air Intake Spacer
5 - Recirculation Door Actuator
6 - Recirculation Door Assembly
7 - Driver Side Blend Door Actuator
8 - HVAC Housing
9 - Mounting Screw
10 - Defroster Door Actuator
11 - Panel Actuator
Fig. 16 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown (Typical-
Single Zone)
1 - Mounting Nut
2 - Passenger Blend Door Actuator (dual zone)
3 - Mounting Nut
4 - Air Intake Spacer
5 - Recirculation Door Actuator
6 - Recirculation Door Assembly
7 - Driver Side Blend Door Actuator
8 - HVAC Housing
9 - Mounting Screw
10 - Defroster Door Actuator
11 - Panel Actuator
24 - 20 CONTROLSDR
DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
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) Position the mode door actuators onto the heat-
er/AC housing. If necessary, rotate the actuator
slightly to align the splines on the actuator output
shaft with those in the mode door linkage.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the mode door actuators to the distribution housing.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the mode door actuators to the actuator connector
receptacle.
(4) Install the instrument panel assembly(Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(6) Perform the heater-A/C control calibration pro-
cedure. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/CONTROLS - FRONT/A/C-HEATER CONTROL
- STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C CON-
TROL CALIBRATION).
RECIRCULATION DOOR
ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The recirculation door actuator is a reversible,
12-volt Direct Current (DC), servo motor. The single
recirculation door actuator is located on the passen-
ger side end of the heater-A/C housing unit. The
recirculation door actuator is mechanically connected
to the recirculation air door. The recirculation door
actuator is interchangeable with the actuators for the
blend air door(s) and the mode doors. Each actuator
is contained within an identical black molded plastic
housing with an integral wire connector receptacle.
Two integral mounting tabs allow the actuator to be
secured with two screws to the intake air housing.
Each actuator also has an identical output shaft with
splines that connects it to the linkage that drives therecirculation air door. The recirculation door actuator
does not require mechanical indexing to the recircu-
lation air door, as it is electronically calibrated by the
heater-A/C control module. The recirculation door
actuator cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The recirculation door actuator is connected to the
heater-A/C control module through the vehicle elec-
trical system by a dedicated two-wire take out and
connector of the HVAC wire harness. The recircula-
tion door actuator can move the recirculation door in
two directions. When the heater-A/C control module
pulls the voltage on one side of the motor connection
high and the other connection low, the recirculation
air door will move in one direction. When the module
reverses the polarity of the voltage to the motor, the
recirculation air door moves in the opposite direction.
When the module makes the voltage to both connec-
tions high or both connections low, the recirculation
air door stops and will not move. These same motor
connections also provide a feedback signal to the
heater-A/C control module. This feedback signal
allows the module to monitor the operation and rela-
tive position of the recirculation door actuator and
the recirculation air door. The heater-A/C control
module learns the recirculation air door stop posi-
tions during the calibration procedure and will store
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any problems it
detects in the recirculation door actuator circuits.
The recirculation door actuator can be diagnosed
using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
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) Pull the carpet on the passenger side front
floor away from the dash panel far enough to access
the recirculation door actuator.
24 - 22 CONTROLSDR
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)

CAUTION
SERVICE CAUTIONS
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. Damage to the system will result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a
refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
Do not use R-12 equipment or parts on the R-134a
system. Damage to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. This 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.
Do not remove the secondary retention clip from
any spring-lock coupler connection while the refrig-
erant system is under pressure. Recover the refrig-
erant before removing the secondary retention clip.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the sys-
tem has been discharged. Never open or loosen a
connection before recovering the refrigerant.
The refrigerant system must always be evacuated
before charging.
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 out-
side of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contami-
nation from entering the refrigerant system.
Immediately after disconnecting a component from
the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a
cap or plug.
Before connecting an open refrigerant fitting,
always install a new seal or gasket. Coat the fitting
and seal with clean refrigerant oil before connect-
ing.
Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement
component until it is to be installed.
When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp
bends that may restrict refrigerant flow. Position the
refrigerant lines away from exhaust system compo-
nents or any sharp edges, which may damage the
line.
Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the specified
torque. The aluminum fittings used in the refriger-
ant system will not tolerate overtightening.
When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a
wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will pre-vent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
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 through care-
less work habits must be avoided.
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/
TUBES PRECAUTIONS
Kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing
will reduce the capacity of the entire system. High
pressures are produced in the system when it is oper-
ating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that all refrigerant system connections are pressure
tight.
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. Sharp bends will reduce the
flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be
routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches)
from the exhaust manifold. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible refrigerant system hose lines at
least once a year to make sure they are in good con-
dition and properly routed.
There are two types of refrigerant fittings:
²All fittings with O-rings need to be coated with
refrigerant oil before installation. Use only O-rings
that are the correct size and approved for use with
R-134a refrigerant. Failure to do so may result in a
leak.
²Unified plumbing connections with gaskets can-
not be serviced with O-rings. The gaskets are not
reusable and new gaskets do not require lubrication
before installing.
Using the proper tools when making a refrigerant
plumbing connection is very important. Improper
tools or improper use of the tools can damage the
refrigerant fittings. Always use two wrenches when
loosening or tightening tube fittings. Use one wrench
to hold one side of the connection stationary, while
loosening or tightening the other side of the connec-
tion with a second wrench.
The refrigerant must be recovered completely from
the system before opening any fitting or connection.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the refrig-
erant has been recovered. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, tighten the fitting and
recover the refrigerant from the system again.
Do not discharge refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling device
that meets SAE Standard J2210.
DRPLUMBING 24 - 33
PLUMBING (Continued)

(5) Disconnect the condenser cooling fan electric
connector.
(6) Remove the two nuts that secure the condenser
studs to the upper cross brace. (Fig. 5).
(7) Remove the condenser and fan assembly from
the vehicle.
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
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) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Remove the nut that secures the block fitting
to the stud on the condenser inlet, and disconnect the
discharge line from the condenser. Install plugs in, or
tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(4) Disconnect the refrigerant line fitting that
secures the liquid line to the condenser outlet. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-PLER) Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings.
(5) On diesel engine models:
(a) Remove the two screws that secure the
brackets on the passenger side end of the con-
denser to the charge air cooler (Fig. 6).
(b) Remove the two nuts that secure the driver
side end of the condenser to the studs on the
charge air cooler.
(c) Remove the condenser from the vehicle.
REMOVAL - 8.0L Engine
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN TEH 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).
(1) Remove battery negative cable.
(2) Recover refrigerant from a/c system(Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 5 Condenser Module
1 - Condensor Module Mounting Screw
2 - Front Cross Member
3 - Lower Module Mounting Flang
4 - Fan Assembly Mounting Screw
5 - Fan Assembly Mounting Screw
6 - Condensor Mounting Tabs
7 - Condensor Fan Assembly
8 - Fan Power Connector
9 - Condensor Module Mounting Screw
Fig. 6 CONDENSER - DIESEL ENGINE
1 - Discharge line to condenser
2 - Condensor mounting bolt
3 - Liquid Line
4 - Condenser mounting bolt
5 - A/C condenser
6 - Condenser mounting bolt
7 - Condenser mounting bolt
24 - 40 PLUMBINGDR
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)