tire pressure DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2002 Workshop Manual

Inspect for the following:
²Verify correct (OEM) wheel and tire, as well as
correct wheel weights. Aluminum wheels require
unique wheel weights. They are designed to fit the
contour of the wheel (Fig. 1).
²Inspect tires and wheels for damage, mud pack-
ing and unusual wear; correct as necessary.
²Check and adjust tire air pressure to the pres-
sure listed on the label attached to the rear face of
the driver's door.
ROAD TEST
Road test vehicle on a smooth road for a least five
miles to warm tires (remove any flat spots). Lightly
place hands on steering wheel at the 10:00 and 2:00
positions while slowly sweeping up and down from 90 to
110 km/h (55 to 70 mph) where legal speed limits allow.
Observe the steering wheel for:
²Visual Nibble (oscillation: clockwise/counter-
clockwise, usually due to tire imbalance)
²Visual Buzziness (high frequency, rapid vibra-
tion up and down)
To rule out vibrations due to brakes or powertrain:
²Lightly apply brakes at speed; if vibration occurs
or is enhanced, vibration is likely due to causes other
than tire and wheel assemblies.
²
Shift transmission into neutral while vibration is
occurring; if vibration is eliminated, vibration is likely
due to causes other than tire and wheel assemblies.
For brake vibrations, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES -
BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For powertrain vibrations, (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For tire and wheel assembly vibrations, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE
(1) Balance the tire and wheel assemblies as nec-
essary following the wheel balancer manufacturer's
instructions and using the information listed in Stan-
dard Procedure - Tire And Wheel Balance. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Road test the vehicle for at least 5 miles, fol-
lowing the format described in Road Test.
(3) If the vibration persists, continue with this
diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT/MATCH MOUNTING
(1)System Radial Runout.This on-the-vehicle
system check will measure the radial runout includ-
ing the hub, wheel and tire.
(a) Raise vehicle so tires clear floor. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(b) Apply masking tape around the circumfer-
ence of the tire in the locations to be measured
(Fig. 2). Do not overlap the tape.
(c) Check system runout using Dial Indicator
Set, Special Tool C-3339A with 25-W wheel, or
equivalent. Place the end of the indicator against
each taped area (one at a time) (Fig. 2) and rotate
the tire and wheel. System radial runout should
not exceed 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) with no tread
ªdipsº or ªsteps.º Tread ªdipsº and ªstepsº can be
identified by spikes of the dial indicator gauge.
²Tread9dips9; Rapid decrease then increase in
dial indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of
tread circumference.
²Tread9steps9; Rapid decrease or increase in dial
indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of tread
circumference.
(d) If system runout is excessive, re-index the
tire and wheel assembly on the hub. Remove
assembly from vehicle and install it back on the
hub two studs over from original mounting posi-
tion. If re-indexing the tire and wheel assembly
corrects or reduces system runout, check hub
runout and repair as necessary (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
ROTORS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(e) If system runout is still excessive, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
(2)Tire and Wheel Assembly Radial Runout.
This radial runout check is performed with the tire
and wheel assembly off the vehicle.
(a) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle
and install it on a suitable wheel balancer.
(b) Check system runout using Dial Indicator
Set, Special Tool C-3339A with 25-W wheel, or
equivalent. Place the end of the indicator against
each taped area (one at a time) (Fig. 2) and rotate
the tire and wheel. Radial runout should not
Fig. 1 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 2 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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(a) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel.
(b) At the same time, align the two holes in the
wheel cover having the retaining tabs with the two
installed wheel nuts (Fig. 15).
(c) Press in on center of wheel cover until wheel
cover retaining tabs push past and engage rear of
previously installed wheel mounting nuts (Fig. 15).
This will hold the wheel cover in place.
(4) Install andlightly tightenthe three remain-
ing wheel mounting nuts, securing the wheel cover in
place (Fig. 12).
(5) Progressively tighten all five wheel mounting
nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 16). Tighten wheel
nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
(TPM)
DESCRIPTION
Some versions of this vehicle are equipped with a
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system. It monitors
air pressure in the four road tires (excludes spare).
Pressure in the spare tire is not monitored.
There is a sensor (transmitter) in each of the vehi-
cle's four road wheels. The system alerts the driver
when tire pressure falls outside predetermined
thresholds (pressure too low or too high). A message
is then displayed on the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) located in the overhead console.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the appropriate diagnostic information.
OPERATION
The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system uses
radio and sensor technology to monitor tire air pres-
sure levels. Sensors, mounted to each road wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure read-
ings to a receiver located in the overhead console.
These transmissions occur once every minute at
speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h). The Tire Pressure
Monitoring system remains active even if no tire
pressure related message is displayed in the EVIC.
If any road tire pressure has exceeded the low or
high pressure threshold (refer to chart below), the
TPM system will display a message in the EVIC and
sound a chime. This message will be displayed for
the rest of the ignition cycle, or until either the Low/
High Tire pressure condition has been corrected. If
the C/T, MENU, STEP or RESET button is pressed,
the message is replaced by the new message
requested; however, if the Low/High Tire condition
has not been corrected, the Low/High Tire pressure
message will again be displayed.
If a road tire is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap and the message9SPARE
TIRE IN USE? Y/N9(along with a chime) will be dis-
played.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
TPM THRESHOLD PRESSURES
High Pressure ON Threshold 48 PSI (331 kPa)
High Pressure OFF Threshold 43 PSI (296 kPa)
Placard Pressure (Cold) 36 PSI (248 kPa)
Low Pressure OFF Threshold 33 PSI (228 kPa)
Low Pressure ON Threshold 28 PSI (193 kPa)
Fig. 15 WHEEL COVER INSTALLATION OVER TWO
NUTS
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 16 NUT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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SENSOR - TPM
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing, one tire pressure sensor is mounted to each
wheel (Fig. 19). Each sensor has an internal battery
that lasts up to 10 years. The battery is not service-
able. At the time of battery failure, the sensor must
be replaced. The serviceable components of the tire
pressure sensor are:
²Sensor-To-Wheel Grommet
²Valve Stem Cap
²Valve Stem Core
Valve stem caps and cores are specifically designed
for the tire pressure monitoring sensors. Although
similar to standard valve stem caps and cores, they
are different.
CAUTION: Do not use a standard valve stem cap or
core in a tire pressure sensor. Always use the orig-
inal equipment style sensor cap and core.
CAUTION: Do not reuse the Sensor-To Wheel Grom-
met. Always use a new grommet when installing a
pressure sensor and properly torque the sensor
nut.
CAUTION: Do not try to install a tire pressure sen-
sor in a steel wheel or aftermarket wheel. Use only
in original style factory wheels.
OPERATION
Tire pressure sensors are battery operated. They
transmit tire pressure data once every minute at
speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h) or up to once every
hour when stationary (parked). For additional infor-
mation, refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
CAUTION
CAUTION: The use of tire sealants is strictly prohib-
ited for vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring system. Tire sealants can clog tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps
and cores are specially designed for the sensors.
Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard
valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in
place of the original equipment style sensor cap
and core.CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a tire pressure
sensor in a steel wheel or aftermarket wheel. Use
tire pressure sensors in original style factory
wheels only.
NOTE: TPM thresholds have been established for
the original tire size equipped on the vehicle. Use
original size tires only to maintain system accuracy.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR
NOTE: Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi
(14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Do
NOT reduce this normal pressure build up.
If a fault in the system is detected, always check
air pressure in the tires first with a known accurate
air gauge and correct the inflation pressure. If any
tire is low, inspectalltires.
If gauge-read pressure in the tires does not reflect
the reading on the EVIC, retrain the sensors, then
reevaluate (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING/SENSOR - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information for complete diagnosis of the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR RETRAIN
WARNING: DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN
OCCUR IF MAGNETICALLY SENSITIVE DEVICES
ARE EXPOSED TO THE RELEARN MAGNET. MAG-
NETS CAN AFFECT PACEMAKERS.
CAUTION: Never attempt to train more than one
vehicle at a time. System is capable of reading tire
pressure sensor transmissions from other near-by
vehicles.
Each time a wheel rotation or tire pressure sensor
replacement occurs the tire pressure sensors must be
retrained. This is necessary to inform the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that a sensor
change was made and where. Retraining is accom-
plished through the EVIC used in conjunction with a
Re-learn Magnet, Special Tool 8821.
22 - 10 TIRES/WHEELSRS
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NOTE: Use the following procedure to retrain all
four (4) road wheel tire pressure sensors. No
attempt should be made to retrain individual sen-
sors.
(1) Retrieve Re-learn Magnet, Special Tool 8821.
(2) Press MENU Button on EVIC until9RETRAIN
TIRE SENSORS - NO9is displayed.
(3) Press STEP button to select9YES9.
NOTE: There is a 60 second timer for training the
first sensor and a 30 second timer between training
the remaining sensors. If either of these timers
expire, the EVIC will abort the training procedure.
NOTE: If at any time the EVIC display reads(TRAIN-
ING ABORTED(, move the vehicle ahead at least
one foot and repeat the entire retraining procedure.
(4) Press MENU button to start retraining. Dis-
play will read9TRAIN LEFT FRONT TIRE9
NOTE: The order for retraining all five sensors is:
²Left Front
²Right Front
²Right Rear
²Left Rear
(5) Starting at left front tire, place Re-learn Mag-
net over valve stem (Fig. 17). Within approximately 5
seconds, vehicle horn will chirp indicating training
complete at that particular sensor. Remove the mag-
net.
(6) Repeat step (6) on remaining sensors as indi-
cated by EVIC until all four TPM sensors positions
are trained.(7) Once EVIC displays9TRAINING COMPLETE9,
pressing either STEP, C/T, RESET or MENU button
will exit training routine.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: The cap used on this valve stem con-
tains an O-ring seal to prevent contamination and
moisture from entering the valve stem. Retain this
valve stem cap for reuse. Do not substitute a regu-
lar valve stem cap in its place.
CAUTION: The valve stem used on this vehicle is
made of aluminum and the core is nickel plated
brass. The original valve stem core must be rein-
stalled and not substituted with a valve stem core
made of a different material. This is required to pre-
vent corrosion in the valve stem caused by the dif-
ferent metals.
(2) Dismount tire from wheel following tire
changer manufacturers instructions while paying
special attention to the following to avoid damaging
the pressure sensor:
(a) When breaking the tire bead loose from the
wheel rim, avoid using the Bead Breaker in the
area of the sensor. That includes both front and
rear beads of the tire.
(b) When preparing to dismount the tire from
the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/dimount-
ing tool at the valve stem   10É (Fig. 18), then pro-
ceed to dismount the tire from the wheel. Use this
process on both the upper an lower tire beads.
(3) Using a thin wall socket, remove special nut
retaining sensor to wheel (Fig. 19).
(4) Remove sensor from wheel (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Before reinstalling a tire pressure sensor,
replace sealing grommet at base of valve stem.
(1) Wipe area clean where sensor sealing grommet
contacts wheel. Make sure surface of wheel is not
damaged.
(2) Install sensor in wheel as shown (Fig. 19). Do
not attempt to mount sensor otherwise, damage may
occur.
(3) Using a thin wall socket, install special sensor
nut (Fig. 19). Tighten nut to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.)
torque.
Fig. 17 Magnet Placement Over Valve Stem
1 - RE-LEARN MAGNET
2 - VALVE STEM
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-11
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)
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CAUTION: Over-torquing the sensor nut by as little
as 12 N´m (106 in. lbs.) may result in sensor sepa-
ration from the valve stem. Under this condition,
the sensor may still function, however, the condi-
tion should be corrected immediately.(4) Mount tire on wheel following tire changer
manufacturers instructions, paying special attention
to the following to avoid damaging tire pressure sen-
sor:
(a) Rotating Wheel Tire Changers - Once the
wheel is mounted to the changer, position the sen-
sor valve stem approximately 210É from the head
of the changer in a clockwise direction before rotat-
ing the wheel (also in a clockwise direction) to
mount the tire (Fig. 20). Use this procedure on
both the upper and lower tire beads.
(b) Rotating Tool Tire Changers - Position the
wheel on the changer so that the sensor valve stem
is approximately 210É from the head of the changer
in a clockwise direction from the mounting end of
the tool (Fig. 21) Make sure the sensor is clear of
the lower bead breaker area to avoid damaging the
sensor when the breaker rises (Fig. 21). Rotate the
tool in a counterclockwise direction to mount the
tire. Use this procedure on both the upper and
lower tire beads.
(5) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 18 Start Mount/Dismount Tool Within 10
Degrees Of Valve Stem
Fig. 19 Sensor Mounting To Wheel
1 - TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR
2 - WHEEL
3 - NUT
Fig. 20 Mounting Tire Using Rotating Wheel
Machine
1 - HEAD OF CHANGER LOCATED HERE
2 - VALVE STEM
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSRS
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)
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(6) Retrain tire pressure sensors. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING/
SENSOR - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - TIRE
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain, in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe application of brakes
²High-speed driving
²Taking turns at excessive speeds
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
²Operating vehicle with over or under inflated
tire pressuresRadial ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation. This will
help to achieve a greater tread-life potential.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, load index and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 22). An All Season
type tire will have eitherM+S,M&SorM-S
(indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the
side wall. An Extra or Light Load marking ªXLº or
ªLLº may also be listed on the sidewall. The absence
of an ªXLº or ªLLº marking infers a standard load
tire.
Consult the tire manufacturer regarding any ques-
tions on tire specifications or capabilities.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Fig. 21 Mounting Tire Using Rotating Tool Machine
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - MOUNTING END OF TOOL
3 - BEAD BREAKER (KEEP CLEAR OF SENSOR)
Fig. 22 Tire Identification (Typical)
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)
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Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four
and under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. It is recommended that tires from dif-
ferent manufacturers NOT be mixed. They may be
mixed with a temporary spare tire when necessary. A
maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is recom-
mended while a temporary spare is in use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
It is recommended that tires equivalent to the orig-
inal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehi-
cle.
The original equipment tires provide a proper com-
bination of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
The use of tires smaller than the minimum tire
size approved for the vehicle can result in tire over-
loading and failure.
Use tires that have the approved load rating for
the vehicle and never overload them. Failure to equip
the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capabil-
ity can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehi-
cle control.
The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary (convenience) spare tire is designed
for emergency use only. The original tire should be
repaired and reinstalled, or replaced with a new, at
the first opportunity.
The temporary (convenience) spare tire should be
inflated to the pressure listed on its sidewall. Do not
exceed speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) when the tempo-
rary spare tire is in use on the vehicle. Refer to the
Owner's Manual for more details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE
Unusual tire noise can be associated with tire and
wheel vibration or irregular tire wear. For vibration,
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For irregular tire wear, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD
Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Cor-
rection Chart to diagnose and correct a vehicle lead
or drift problem.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR
PATTERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of
tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of
tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an
angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn
more than the other (Fig. 23).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 23).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 24).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The specified tire pressures have been chosen to
provide safe operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth
ride. The proper tire pressure specification can be
found on the Tire Inflation Pressure Label provided
with the vehicle (usually on the rear face of the driv-
er's door).
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire air pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked cold once per month. Check tire pressure
more frequently when the weather temperature var-
ies widely. Tire pressure will decrease when the out-
22 - 14 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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door temperature drops. After checking the air
pressure, replace valve cap finger tight.
Inflation pressures specified on the Tire Inflation
Pressure Label are always the cold inflation pressure
of the tire. Cold inflation pressure is obtained after
the vehicle has not been operated for at least 3
hours, or the vehicle is driven less than one mile
after being inoperative for 3 hours. Tire inflation
pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds persquare inch (psi) (14 to 41 kPa) during operation. Do
not reduce this normal pressure buildup.
Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride
²The vehicle to drift.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN
AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN FAIL
SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL.
Under inflation causes rapid shoulder wear, tire
flexing, and can result in tire failure (Fig. 25).
Fig. 23 Tire Wear Patterns
Fig. 24 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
Fig. 25 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
22 - 16 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 26).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds,
correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should not be
driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75 mph).
Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of the
tire. For information on tire identification and speed
ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES -
DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 27). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raisedwhite letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 28). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps hold the tire in position on the
wheel until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the flange of the rim (Fig. 29).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
Fig. 26 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAFig. 27 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-17
TIRES (Continued)
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CAUTION: All tools, including the refrigerant recy-
cling equipment, the manifold gauge set, and test
hoses should be kept clean and dry. Keep the work
area clean. Contamination of the refrigerant system
through careless work habits must be avoided. The
refrigerant system will remain chemically stable as
long as pure, moisture-free R-134a refrigerant and
refrigerant oil is used. Dirt, moisture, or air can
upset this chemical stability. Operational troubles
or serious damage can occur if foreign material is
introduced to the refrigerant system.
COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
The compressor used on this vehicle can be one of
two models, depending upon the air conditioning sys-
tem in the vehicle. All vehicles use the Nippondenso
10S20 compressor. This compressor use an aluminum
swash plate, teflon coated pistons and aluminum
sleeveless cylinder walls. This compressor includes
an integral high pressure relief valve. The compres-
sor is secured low in the right front corner of the
engine compartment to a mounting bracket on the
cylinder block (2.4L engine), or directly to the cylin-
der block (3.3L and 3.8L engines) is integral to the
compressor. This compressor cannot be repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire compressor must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley, and clutch
coil are available for service replacement.
OPERATION
The compressor is driven by the engine through an
electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement.
The compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that is
circulated throughout the refrigerant system with the
refrigerant. The compressor draws in low-pressure
refrigerant vapor from the evaporator through its
suction port. It then compresses the refrigerant into
a high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor.
The compressor pumps high-pressure refrigerant
vapor to the condenser through the compressor dis-
charge port. The mechanical high pressure relief
valve is designed to vent refrigerant from the system
to protect against damage to the compressor or other
system components, caused by condenser air flow
restrictions or an overcharge of refrigerant. The valve
only vents enough refrigerant to reduce the system
pressure, then re-seats itself. The valve opens at a
discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPA (500 to 600
psi) or above, and closes when a minimum discharge
pressure of 2756 kPa (400 psi) is reached.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Excessive noise while the air conditioning compres-
sor is operating can be caused by loose compressor
mounts, a loose compressor clutch, or high operating
pressures in the refrigerant system. Verify compres-
sor drive belt condition, proper compressor mounting,
correct refrigerant charge level, and compressor head
pressure before compressor repair is performed.
With the close tolerances within the compressor, it
is possible to experience a temporary lockup. The
longer the compressor is inactive, the more likely the
condition is to occur. This condition is the result of
normal refrigerant migration within the refrigerant
system caused by ambient temperature changes. The
refrigerant migration may wash the refrigerant oil
out of the compressor.
NOTE: Prior to a vehicle being removed from ser-
vice or stored for more than two weeks, the com-
pressor should be operated to ensure adequate
refrigerant oil distribution throughout the system
components. Turn on the air conditioner for a min-
imum of five minutes with outside air and the high-
est blower speed selected.
BELT NOISE
If the compressor drive belt slips at initial start-up,
it does not necessarily mean the compressor has
failed. The following procedure can be used to iden-
tify a compressor drive belt noise problem.
²Start the vehicle and run at idle.
²Turn the air conditioner On and listen for belt
squeal.
²If belt squeal is heard, turn the air conditioner
Off immediately.
If the belt squeal stops when the air conditioner is
turned Off, perform the following repair procedures.
(1) Using an appropriate sized oil filter wrench or
a strap wrench, grasp the outer diameter of the com-
pressor clutch hub. While facing the compressor,
rotate the hub clockwise, then counterclockwise. If
the hub rotates, proceed to the next step. If the hub
will not rotate, the compressor is internally damaged,
and must be replaced.
(2) Turn the hub clockwise five complete revolu-
tions and remove the tool.
(3) Start the vehicle and run at idle.
(4) Turn the air conditioner On. Observe the com-
pressor and the system for normal operation, noting
cooling performance and noise levels. Operate for five
minutes before turning the air conditioner Off. If
acceptable cooling performance is observed during
compressor operation, the compressor does not need
to be replaced.
24 - 62 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
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