1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Vents

After the system has been tested for leaks and
evacuated, a refrigerant (R-134a) charge can be
injected into the system.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) If using a separate vacuum pump close all
valves before disconnecting pump. Connect manifold
gauge set to the A/C service ports.
NOTE: Always refer to the underhood HVAC Speci-
fication label for the refrigerant fill level of the vehi-
cle being serviced.
(2) Measure refrigerant (refer to capacities). Refer
to the instructions provided with the equipment
being used.
(3) Verify engine is shut off. Open the suction and
discharge valves. Open the charge valve to allow the
refrigerant to flow into the system. When the trans-
fer of refrigerant has stopped, close the suction and
discharge valve.
(4) If all of the charge did not transfer from the
dispensing device, put vehicle controls into the fol-
lowing mode:
²Automatic transmission in park or manual
transmission in neutral
²Engine at idle
²A/C mode control set to outside air
²A/C mode control set to panel mode
²A/C temperature control set to full cool
²Blower motor control set on highest speed
²Vehicle windows closed
If the A/C compressor does not engage, test the
compressor clutch control circuit and correct any fail-
ure (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIRING DIAGRAM
INFORMATION - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(5) Open the suction valve to allow the remaining
refrigerant to transfer to the system.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO OPEN THE DIS-
CHARGE (HIGH-PRESSURE) VALVE AT THIS TIME.
(6) Close all valves and test the A/C system perfor-
mance.
(7) Disconnect the charging station or manifold
gauge set. Install the service port caps.
REFRIGERANT CHARGE CAPACITY
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle can be found on the underhood HVAC
specfication tag.
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The A/C system on models equipped with the 5.9L
engine use a Sanden SD-7 reciprocating swash plate-
type compressor. This compressor has a fixed dis-
placement of 165 cubic centimeter (10.068 cubic
inches) and has both the suction and discharge ports
located on the cylinder head.
The A/C system on models equipped with the 3.7L,
4.7L and 5.7L engines use a Denso 10S17 reciprocat-
ing swash plate-type compressor. This compressor
has a fixed displacement of 170 cubic centimeter and
has both the suction and discharge ports located on
the cylinder head.
A label identifying the use of R-134a refrigerant is
located on both A/C compressors.
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
A high pressure relief valve is located on the com-
pressor cylinder head, which is on the rear of the
compressor. This mechanical valve is designed to
vent refrigerant from the system to protect against
damage to the compressor and other system compo-
nents, caused by condenser air flow restriction or an
overcharge of refrigerant.
OPERATION
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The A/C compressor is driven by the engine
through an electric clutch, drive pulley and belt
arrangement. The compressor is lubricated by refrig-
erant 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, which is then
pumped to the condenser through the compressor dis-
charge port.
The compressor cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire compressor assembly must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley and clutch
coil are available for service.
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The high pressure relief valve vents the system
when a discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPa (500
to 600 psi) or above is reached. The valve closes
24 - 48 PLUMBINGDR
PLUMBING (Continued)

when a minimum discharge pressure of 2756 kPa
(400 psi) is reached.
The high pressure relief valve vents only enough
refrigerant to reduce the system pressure, and then
re-seats itself. The majority of the refrigerant is con-
served in the system. If the valve vents refrigerant, it
does not mean that the valve is faulty.
The high pressure relief valve is a factory-cali-
brated unit. The valve cannot be adjusted or
repaired, and must not be removed or otherwise dis-
turbed. The valve is only serviced as a part of the
compressor assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
When investigating an air conditioning related
noise, you must first know the conditions under
which the noise occurs. These conditions include:
weather, vehicle speed, transmission in gear or neu-
tral, engine speed, engine temperature, and any
other special conditions. Noises that develop during
air conditioning operation can often be misleading.
For example: What sounds like a failed front bearing
or connecting rod, may be caused by loose bolts, nuts,
mounting brackets, or a loose compressor clutch
assembly.
Drive belts are speed sensitive. At different engine
speeds and depending upon belt tension, belts can
develop noises that are mistaken for a compressor
noise. Improper belt tension can cause a misleading
noise when the compressor clutch is engaged, which
may not occur when the compressor clutch is disen-
gaged. Check the serpentine drive belt condition and
tension as described in Cooling before beginning this
procedure.
(1) Select a quiet area for testing. Duplicate the
complaint conditions as much as possible. Switch the
compressor on and off several times to clearly iden-
tify the compressor noise. Listen to the compressor
while the clutch is engaged and disengaged. Probe
the compressor with an engine stethoscope or a long
screwdriver with the handle held to your ear to bet-
ter localize the source of the noise.
(2) Loosen all of the compressor mounting hard-
ware and retighten. Tighten the compressor clutch
mounting nut. Be certain that the clutch coil is
mounted securely to the compressor, and that the
clutch plate and rotor are properly aligned and have
the correct air gap (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH - INSTALLATION).
(3) To duplicate a high-ambient temperature condi-
tion (high head pressure), restrict the air flow
through the condenser. Install a manifold gauge set
or a DRBIIItscan tool to be certain that the dis-
charge pressure does not exceed 2760 kPa (400 psi).(4) Check the refrigerant system plumbing for
incorrect routing, rubbing or interference, which can
cause unusual noises. Also check the refrigerant lines
for kinks or sharp bends that will restrict refrigerant
flow, which can cause noises (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(5) If the noise is from opening and closing of the
high pressure relief valve, recover, evacuate and
recharge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE), (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACU-
ATE) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE). If the high
pressure relief valve still does not seat properly,
replace the compressor (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRES-
SOR - REMOVAL).
(6) If the noise is from liquid slugging on the suc-
tion line, replace the accumulator (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/AC-
CUMULATOR - REMOVAL) and check the refriger-
ant oil level and the refrigerant system charge (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/ACCUMULATOR -
REMOVAL). If after replacing the accumulator the
slugging condition still exists then replace the com-
pressor.(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(7) If the liquid slugging condition continues fol-
lowing accumulator replacement, replace the com-
pressor and repeat Step 1.
REMOVAL
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) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
NOTE: The A/C compressor may be removed and
repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant
lines or discharging the refrigerant system. Dis-
charging is not necessary if servicing the compres-
sor clutch, clutch coil, engine, engine cylinder head
or the generator.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
DRPLUMBING 24 - 49
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)

Immediately after a cold start, between predeter-
mined temperature thresholds limits, the three port
solenoid is briefly energized. This initializes the
pump by drawing air into the pump cavity and also
closes the vent seal. During non test conditions the
vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm
assembly which pushes it open at the full travel posi-
tion. The vent seal will remain closed while the
pump is cycling due to the reed switch triggering of
the three port solenoid that prevents the diaphragm
assembly from reaching full travel. After the brief
initialization period, the solenoid is de-energized
allowing atmospheric pressure to enter the pump
cavity, thus permitting the spring to drive the dia-
phragm which forces air out of the pump cavity and
into the vent system. When the solenoid is energized
and de energized, the cycle is repeated creating flow
in typical diaphragm pump fashion. The pump is con-
trolled in 2 modes:
Pump Mode: The pump is cycled at a fixed rate to
achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten the
overall test length.
Test Mode: The solenoid is energized with a fixed
duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur when
the diaphragm reaches the Switch closure point.
The spring in the pump is set so that the system
will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5º H20.
The cycle rate of pump strokes is quite rapid as the
system begins to pump up to this pressure. As the
pressure increases, the cycle rate starts to drop off. If
there is no leak in the system, the pump would even-
tually stop pumping at the equalized pressure. If
there is a leak, it will continue to pump at a rate rep-
resentative of the flow characteristic of the size of the
leak. From this information we can determine if the
leak is larger than the required detection limit (cur-
rently set at .040º orifice by CARB). If a leak is
revealed during the leak test portion of the test, the
test is terminated at the end of the test mode and no
further system checks will be performed.
After passing the leak detection phase of the test,
system pressure is maintained by turning on the
LDP's solenoid until the purge system is activated.
Purge activation in effect creates a leak. The cycle
rate is again interrogated and when it increases due
to the flow through the purge system, the leak check
portion of the diagnostic is complete.
The canister vent valve will unseal the system
after completion of the test sequence as the pump
diaphragm assembly moves to the full travel position.
Evaporative system functionality will be verified by
using the stricter evap purge flow monitor. At an
appropriate warm idle the LDP will be energized to
seal the canister vent. The purge flow will be clocked
up from some small value in an attempt to see a
shift in the 02 control system. If fuel vapor, indicatedby a shift in the 02 control, is present the test is
passed. If not, it is assumed that the purge system is
not functioning in some respect. The LDP is again
turned off and the test is ended.
MISFIRE MONITOR
Excessive engine misfire results in increased cata-
lyst temperature and causes an increase in HC emis-
sions. Severe misfires could cause catalyst damage.
To prevent catalytic convertor damage, the PCM
monitors engine misfire.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
for misfire during most engine operating conditions
(positive torque) by looking at changes in the crank-
shaft speed. If a misfire occurs the speed of the
crankshaft will vary more than normal.
FUEL SYSTEM MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are
equipped with catalytic converters. These converters
reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst works best
when the Air Fuel (A/F) ratio is at or near the opti-
mum of 14.7 to 1.
The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum
air/fuel ratio of 14.7 to 1. This is done by making
short term corrections in the fuel injector pulse width
based on the O2S sensor output. The programmed
memory acts as a self calibration tool that the engine
controller uses to compensate for variations in engine
specifications, sensor tolerances and engine fatigue
over the life span of the engine. By monitoring the
actual fuel-air ratio with the O2S sensor (short term)
and multiplying that with the program long-term
(adaptive) memory and comparing that to the limit,
it can be determined whether it will pass an emis-
sions test. If a malfunction occurs such that the PCM
cannot maintain the optimum A/F ratio, then the
MIL will be illuminated.
CATALYST MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are
equipped with catalytic converters. These converters
reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide.
Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a
catalyst to decay. This can increase vehicle emissions
and deteriorate engine performance, driveability and
fuel economy.
The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors
(O2S's) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The
dual O2S's sensor strategy is based on the fact that
as a catalyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity
and its efficiency are both reduced. By monitoring
the oxygen storage capacity of a catalyst, its effi-
ciency can be indirectly calculated. The upstream
DREMISSIONS CONTROL 25 - 3
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)

For example, when the MIL is illuminated for an
Oxygen Sensor fault, the Task Manager does not run
the Catalyst Monitor until the Oxygen Sensor fault is
remedied. Since the Catalyst Monitor is based on sig-
nals from the Oxygen Sensor, running the test would
produce inaccurate results.
²Conflict
There are situations when the Task Manager does
not run a test if another monitor is in progress. In
these situations, the effects of another monitor run-
ning could result in an erroneous failure. If thiscon-
flictis present, the monitor is not run until the
conflicting condition passes. Most likely the monitor
will run later after the conflicting monitor has
passed.
For example, if the Fuel System Monitor is in
progress, the Task Manager does not run the EGR
Monitor. Since both tests monitor changes in air/fuel
ratio and adaptive fuel compensation, the monitors
will conflict with each other.
²Suspend
Occasionally the Task Manager may not allow a two
trip fault to mature. The Task Manager willsus-
pendthe maturing of a fault if a condition exists
that may induce an erroneous failure. This prevents
illuminating the MIL for the wrong fault and allows
more precis diagnosis.
For example, if the PCM is storing a one trip fault
for the Oxygen Sensor and the EGR monitor, the
Task Manager may still run the EGR Monitor but
will suspend the results until the Oxygen Sensor
Monitor either passes or fails. At that point the Task
Manager can determine if the EGR system is actu-
ally failing or if an Oxygen Sensor is failing.
MIL Illumination
The PCM Task Manager carries out the illumina-
tion of the MIL. The Task Manager triggers MIL illu-
mination upon test failure, depending on monitor
failure criteria.
The Task Manager Screen shows both a Requested
MIL state and an Actual MIL state. When the MIL is
illuminated upon completion of a test for a third trip,
the Requested MIL state changes to OFF. However,
the MIL remains illuminated until the next key
cycle. (On some vehicles, the MIL will actually turn
OFF during the third key cycle) During the key cycle
for the third good trip, the Requested MIL state is
OFF, while the Actual MILL state is ON. After the
next key cycle, the MIL is not illuminated and both
MIL states read OFF.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
With OBD II, different DTC faults have different
priorities according to regulations. As a result, the
priorities determine MIL illumination and DTC era-sure. DTCs are entered according to individual prior-
ity. DTCs with a higher priority overwrite lower
priority DTCs.
Priorities
²Priority 0 ÐNon-emissions related trouble codes
²Priority 1 Ð One trip failure of a two trip fault
for non-fuel system and non-misfire.
²Priority 2 Ð One trip failure of a two trip fault
for fuel system (rich/lean) or misfire.
²Priority3ÐTwotrip failure for a non-fuel sys-
tem and non-misfire or matured one trip comprehen-
sive component fault.
²Priority4ÐTwotrip failure or matured fault
for fuel system (rich/lean) and misfire or one trip cat-
alyst damaging misfire.
Non-emissions related failures have no priority.
One trip failures of two trip faults have low priority.
Two trip failures or matured faults have higher pri-
ority. One and two trip failures of fuel system and
misfire monitor take precedence over non-fuel system
and non-misfire failures.
DTC Self Erasure
With one trip components or systems, the MIL is
illuminated upon test failure and DTCs are stored.
Two trip monitors are components requiring failure
in two consecutive trips for MIL illumination. Upon
failure of the first test, the Task Manager enters a
maturing code. If the component fails the test for a
second time the code matures and a DTC is set.
After three good trips the MIL is extinguished and
the Task Manager automatically switches the trip
counter to a warm-up cycle counter. DTCs are auto-
matically erased following 40 warm-up cycles if the
component does not fail again.
For misfire and fuel system monitors, the compo-
nent must pass the test under a Similar Conditions
Window in order to record a good trip. A Similar Con-
ditions Window is when engine RPM is within  375
RPM and load is within  10% of when the fault
occurred.
NOTE: It is important to understand that a compo-
nent does not have to fail under a similar window of
operation to mature. It must pass the test under a
Similar Conditions Window when it failed to record
a Good Trip for DTC erasure for misfire and fuel
system monitors.
DTCs can be erased anytime with a DRB III. Eras-
ing the DTC with the DRB III erases all OBD II
information. The DRB III automatically displays a
warning that erasing the DTC will also erase all
OBD II monitor data. This includes all counter infor-
mation for warm-up cycles, trips and Freeze Frame.
25 - 6 EMISSIONS CONTROLDR
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)

EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
DESCRIPTION - EVAP SYSTEM............10
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - EVAP SYSTEM...............11
CCV HOSE
DESCRIPTION - 8.0L V-10................12
OPERATION - 8.0L V-10..................12
EVAP/PURGE SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
FUEL FILLER CAP
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION...............13
LEAK DETECTION PUMP
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16ORVR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
P C V VA LV E
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PCV VALVE -
3.7L V-6/ 4.7L V-8......................20
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
VACUUM LINES
DESCRIPTION.........................22
VAPOR CANISTER
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
NATURAL VAC LEAK DETECTION ASSY
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................25
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
DESCRIPTION - EVAP SYSTEM
The evaporation control system prevents the emis-
sion of fuel tank vapors into the atmosphere. When
fuel evaporates in the fuel tank, the vapors pass
through vent hoses or tubes into the two charcoal
filled evaporative canisters. The canisters tempo-
rarily hold the vapors. The Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM) allows intake manifold vacuum to draw
vapors into the combustion chambers during certain
operating conditions.
All gasoline powered engines use a duty cycle
purge system. The PCM controls vapor flow by oper-
ating the duty cycle EVAP purge solenoid. Refer to
Duty Cycle EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid for addi-
tional information.When equipped with certain emissions packages, a
Leak Detection Pump (LDP) will be used as part of
the evaporative system. This pump is used as a part
of OBD II requirements. Refer to Leak Detection
Pump for additional information. Other emissions
packages will use a Natural Vacuum Leak Detection
(NVLD) system in place of the LDP. Refer to NVLD
for additional information.
NOTE: The hoses used in this system are specially
manufactured. If replacement becomes necessary, it
is important to use only fuel resistant hose.
Certain EVAP system components can be found in
(Fig. 1).
25 - 10 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONSDR

5.7L V-8
(1) Clean out intake manifold opening.
(2) Check condition of 2 o-rings on PCV valve.
(3) Apply engine oil to 2 o-rings.
(4) Place PCV valve into intake manifold and
rotate 90 degrees clockwise for installation.
VACUUM LINES
DESCRIPTION
A vacuum schematic for emission related items can
be found on the vehicles VECI label. Refer to Vehicle
Emission Control Information (VECI) Label for label
location.
VAPOR CANISTER
DESCRIPTION
Two, maintenance free, EVAP canisters are used.
Both canisters are mounted into a two-piece support
bracket located near the front of the fuel tank (Fig.
23).
OPERATION
Two, maintenance free, EVAP canisters are
used.The EVAP canisters are filled with granules of
an activated carbon mixture. Fuel vapors entering
the EVAP canisters are absorbed by the charcoal
granules.
Fuel tank pressure vents into the EVAP canisters.
Fuel vapors are temporarily held in the canisters
until they can be drawn into the intake manifold.
The duty cycle EVAP canister purge solenoid allows
the EVAP canisters to be purged at predetermined
times and at certain engine operating conditions.
REMOVAL
Two, maintenance free, EVAP canisters are used.
Both canisters are mounted into a two-piece support
bracket located near the front of the fuel tank (Fig.
23).
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove fuel tubes/lines at each EVAP canister.
Note location of tubes/lines before removal for easier
installation.
(3) Remove lower support bracket (Fig. 24).
(4) Remove mounting nuts at top of each canister
(Fig. 24).
(5) Remove each canister from upper support
bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place each canister into upper support bracket
and install nuts. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(2) Install lower support bracket. Refer to Torque
Specifications.
(3) Carefully install vapor/vacuum lines.The
vapor/vacuum lines and hoses must be firmly
connected. Also check the vapor/vacuum lines
at the LDP, LDP filter and EVAP canister purge
solenoid for damage or leaks. If a leak is
present, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may
be set.
Fig. 23 LOCATION, EVAP CANISTERS
1 - LDP
2 - LDP MOUNTING BOLT
3 - ELEC. CONNEC.
4 - FILTER MOUNTING BOLT
5 - LDP FILTER
6 - CONNECTING HOSE
7 - EVAP CANISTER MOUNTING BRACKET
8 - EVAP CANISTERS (2)
25 - 22 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONSDR
PCV VALVE (Continued)