1998 DODGE RAM 1500 section 5

(9) Disconnect the suction/discharge line assembly
from the A/C compressor.
(10) Remove the O-ring seals from the suction and
discharge line fittings and discard.
(11) Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the compressor ports.
(12) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube (Fig. 16).
(13) Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, dis-
connect the suction line from the accumulator outlet
tube fitting (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COU-
PLER - REMOVAL).
(14) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
outlet tube fitting and discard.
(15) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and the accumulator outlet tube fitting.
(16) Remove the suction/discharge line assembly
from the engine compartment.
(17) If necessary, remove the A/C pressure trans-
ducer from the discharge line.
REMOVAL - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI 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) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
A/C pressure transducer (Fig. 17) or (Fig. 18),
depending on application.
(4) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser inlet port.
(5) Disconnect the discharge line from the con-
denser.
(6) Remove the O-ring seal from the discharge line
fitting and discard.
Fig. 15 A/C Discharge Line - 5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - CONDENSER
2 - NUT
3 - LIQUID LINE
4 - NUT
5 - PRESSURE TRANSDUCER WIRE CONNECTOR
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - BOLT
8 - SUCTION/DISCHARGE LINE ASSEMBLY
Fig. 16 A/C Accumulator - Typical
1 - RH INNER FENDER
2 - ACCUMULATOR INLET TUBE
3 - A/C LINE SECONDARY RETAINING CLIP
4 - EVAPORATOR OUTLET TUBE
5 - BOLTS (2)
6 - ACCUMULATOR
7 - SUCTION LINE
8 - A/C LOW PRESSURE SERVICE PORT
9 - A/C LINE SECONDARY RETAINING CLIP
DRPLUMBING 24 - 57
A/C DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C ORIFICE TUBE
WARNING: THE LIQUID LINE BETWEEN THE CON-
DENSER OUTLET AND THE A/C ORIFICE TUBE
CAN BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO BURN THE SKIN.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING TEST.
NOTE: The A/C orifice tube can be checked for
proper operation using the following procedure.
However, the A/C orifice tube is only serviced as a
part of the liquid line. If the results of this test indi-
cate that the A/C orifice tube is obstructed or miss-
ing, the liquid line must be replaced.
(1) Confirm that the refrigerant system is properly
charged. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PER-
FORMANCE)
(2) Start the engine. Turn on the air conditioning
system and confirm that the compressor clutch is
engaged.
(3) Allow the air conditioning system to operate for
five minutes.
(4) Lightly and cautiously touch the liquid line
near the condenser outlet at the front of the engine
compartment. The liquid line should be hot to the
touch.
(5) Touch the liquid line near the evaporator inlet
at the rear of the engine compartment. The liquid
line should be cold to the touch.
(6) If there is a distinct temperature differential
between the two ends of the liquid line, the A/C ori-
fice tube is in good condition. If there is little or no
detectable temperature differential between the two
ends of the liquid line, the A/C orifice tube is
obstructed or missing and the liquid line must be
replaced.
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The accumulator (Fig. 21) is mounted in the engine
compartment between the evaporator outlet and the
compressor suction port. An integral mounting
bracket is used to secure the accumulator to the dash
panel.
The accumulator cannot be repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced. The rubber O-rings
are available for service replacement.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the accumulator canister as a
low pressure vapor through the inlet tube. Any liq-
uid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of thecanister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag is
mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb
any moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system.
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).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
Fig. 21 Accumulator - Typical
1 - A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - PRESSURE SWITCH FITTING
3 - OUTLET TO COMPRESSOR
4 - ANTI-SIPHON HOLE
5 - DESICCANT BAG
6 - OIL RETURN ORIFICE FILTER
7 - VAPOR RETURN TUBE
8 - ACCUMULATOR DOME
9 - O-RING SEAL
10 - INLET FROM EVAPORATOR
DRPLUMBING 24 - 61
A/C ORIFICE TUBE (Continued)

HEATER INLET HOSE
REMOVAL
The heater inlet hose is constructed from rubber
hoses and plastic hose connectors. The ends are
secured to the heater core, engine and engine coolant
reservoir (depending on engine application) by spring
tension clamps.
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).
(1) Drain the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Remove the heater hose retaining brackets as
required (depending on engine application).
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps off of each end of the hose being
removed (Fig. 24).
CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive pressure on
heater tubes or connections when removing heater
hoses. Excessive pressure may damage or deform
the tubes/heater core, causing an engine coolant
leak.
(4) Disconnect each hose end by carefully twisting
the hose back and forth on the tube, while gently
pulling it away from the end of the tube.
(5) If necessary, carefully cut the hose end and
peel the hose off of the tube.
NOTE: Replacement of the heater inlet hose will be
required if the hose ends are cut for removal.
(6) Remove the heater inlet hose from the engine
compartment.
(7) Separate the heater hoses from each other as
required (depending on engine application).
INSTALLATION
(1) If separated, reconnect the heater hoses to each
other as required (depending on engine application).
(2) Position the heater inlet hose into the engine
compartment.
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide each clamp away from the end of the hose
being installed.
(4) Install each hose by carefully twisting the hose
back and forth while gently pushing it onto the tube
end.(5) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps onto each end of the hose being
installed.
(6) Install the heater hose retaining brackets as
required (depending on engine application).
(7) Refill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
HEATER RETURN HOSE
REMOVAL
The heater return hose is constructed from rubber
hoses and plastic hose connectors. The ends are
secured to the heater core, engine and engine coolant
reservoir (depending on engine application) by spring
tension clamps.
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).
Fig. 24 Heater Hoses - Typical
1 - HEATER CORE TUBES
2 - HEATER INLET HOSE
3 - RETAINING BRACKET
4 - HOSE CONNECTOR
5 - SPRING CLAMP
6 - HEATER RETURN HOSE
24 - 64 PLUMBINGDR

(1) Drain the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Remove the heater hose retaining brackets as
required (depending on engine application).
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps off of each end of the hose being
removed (Fig. 25).
CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive pressure on
heater tubes or connections when removing heater
hoses. Excessive pressure may damage or deform
the tubes/heater core, causing an engine coolant
leak.
(4) Disconnect each hose end by carefully twisting
the hose back and forth on the tube, while gently
pulling it away from the end of the tube.
(5) If necessary, carefully cut the hose end and
peel the hose off of the tube.
NOTE: Replacement of the heater return hose will
be required if the hose ends are cut for removal.
(6) Remove the heater return hose from the engine
compartment.
(7) Separate the heater hoses from each other as
required (depending on engine application).INSTALLATION
(1) If separated, reconnect the heater hoses to each
other as required (depending on engine application).
(2) Position the heater return hose into the engine
compartment.
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide each clamp away from the end of the hose
being installed.
(4) Install each hose by carefully twisting the hose
back and forth while gently pushing it onto the tube
end.
(5) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps onto each end of the hose being
installed.
(6) Install the heater hose retaining brackets as
required (depending on engine application).
(7) Refill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
LIQUID LINE
DESCRIPTION
The liquid line is the refrigerant line that carries
refrigerant from the A/C condenser to the evaporator.
The liquid line for this model consist of two separate
lines that connect to each other. The liquid lines are
made from light-weight aluminum or steel, and use
braze-less fittings.
The front half of the liquid line contains the fixed
orifice tube. The liquid lines are only serviced as an
assembly, except for the rubber O-ring seals used on
the end fittings. The liquid lines cannot be adjusted
or repaired and, if found to be leaking or damaged,
they must be replaced.
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).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) If equipped with the diesel engine, remove the
passenger side battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(3) If equipped with the diesel engine, remove the
passenger side battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(4) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
Fig. 25 Heater Hoses - Typical
1 - HEATER CORE TUBES
2 - HEATER INLET HOSE
3 - RETAINING BRACKET
4 - HOSE CONNECTOR
5 - SPRING CLAMP
6 - HEATER RETURN HOSE
DRPLUMBING 24 - 65
HEATER RETURN HOSE (Continued)

ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(5) Remove the plastic cover from the condenser
outlet stud.
(6) Remove the nut that secures the liquid line fit-
ting to the condenser outlet (Fig. 26).
(7) Disconnect the liquid line from the condenser.
(8) Remove the seal from the liquid line fitting and
discard.
(9) Install plugs in, or tape over the liquid line fit-
ting and condenser outlet port.
(10) Disengage the liquid lines from the body
retaining clips.
(11) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the front section of
the liquid line to the rear section of the liquid line.
(12) Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, dis-
connect the front section of the liquid line from the
rear section of the liquid line (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT LINE COUPLER - REMOVAL).
(13) Remove the O-ring seal from the liquid line
fitting and discard.
(14) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened front
liquid line fitting and rear liquid line tube.
(15) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the liquid line to the
evaporator inlet tube.
(16) Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, dis-
connect the liquid line from the evaporator inlet tube
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COUPLER -
REMOVAL).
(17) Remove the O-ring seal from the liquid line
fitting and discard.
(18) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and evaporator inlet tube.
(19) Remove both sections of the liquid line from
the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position both sections of the liquid line into the
engine compartment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the rear liquid
line fitting and the evaporator inlet tube.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the rear liquid line
fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of
a special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C
compressor in the vehicle.
(4) Connect the liquid line fitting to the evaporator
inlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COU-
PLER - INSTALLATION).(5) Install the secondary retaining clip onto the
spring-lock coupler that secures the liquid line fitting
to the evaporator inlet tube.
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the front liquid
line fitting and the rear liquid line tube.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the front liquid line
fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of
a special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C
compressor in the vehicle.
(8) Connect the front liquid line fitting to the rear
liquid line tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE
COUPLER - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the secondary retaining clip onto the
spring-lock coupler that secures the front liquid line
fitting to the rear liquid line tube.
(10) Engage the liquid lines to the body retaining
clips.
(11) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
fitting and condenser outlet port.
(12) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of a spe-
Fig. 26 A/C Liquid Line - Typical
1 - BODY RETAINING CLIP
2 - SECONDARY RETAINING CLIP
3 - BODY RETAINING CLIP
4 - LIQUID LINE (REAR SECTION)
5 - SECONDARY RETAINING CLIP
6 - EVAPORATOR INLET TUBE
7 - A/C CONDENSER
8 - NUT
9 - BODY RETAINING CLIP
10 - LIQUID LINE (FRONT SECTION)
24 - 66 PLUMBINGDR
LIQUID LINE (Continued)

(2) Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C
compressor. Cap open lines to prevent moisture from
entering the system.
(3) Remove the A/C compressor from the vehicle.
(4) From the suction and discharge ports on the
A/C compressor, drain the lubricant from the old A/C
compressor into a clean container.
(5) From the suction and discharge ports on the
A/C compressor, drain the lubricant from the new
A/C compressor into a clean container.
(6) Install new lubricant back into the new A/C
compressor in the amount measured from the used
compressor, plus adding any amount of lubricant lost
when the refrigerant system was reclaimed.
(7) Install the A/C compressor and connect the
refrigerant lines. Then evacuate and charge refriger-
ant system.
SERVICE PORT VALVE CORE
DESCRIPTION
A/C SERVICE PORT VALVE CORES
The A/C service port valve cores are serviceable
items. The A/C pressure transducer is mounted on
the high side service port which is located on the dis-
charge line near the A/C compressor. The low side
service port is located on the suction line near the
accumulator outlet tube.
REMOVAL - SERVICE PORT VALVE CORES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM 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 the protective cap from the low side
service port as necessary.
(2) Remove the A/C pressure transducer from the
high side service port as necessary (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - REMOVAL).
(3) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(4) Using a standard Schrader-type valve core tool,
remove the valve core from the service ports as
required.
(5) Install a plug in or tape over the opened ser-
vice port(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the A/C service port valve core with
clean refrigerant oil prior to installation. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C
compressor in the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tape or plug from the A/C service
port.
CAUTION: A valve core that is not fully seated in
the A/C service port can result in damage to the
valve during refrigerant system evacuation and
charge. Such damage may result in a loss of sys-
tem refrigerant while uncoupling the charge adapt-
ers.
(3) Using a standard Schrader-type valve core tool,
install and tighten the replacement valve core into
the A/C service ports as required.
(4) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(5) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
(6) Install the A/C pressure transducer to the high
side service port as necessary (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the protective cap onto the A/C service
ports as required.
SUCTION LINE
DESCRIPTION
The suction line is the refrigerant line that goes
from the evaporator outlet tube to the compressor
inlet port. The suction line for the 5.9L Diesel engine
is only serviced as an assembly with the discharge
line. The suction line has no serviceable parts except
the rubber O-rings. If the suction line is found to be
leaking or is damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
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) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
24 - 70 PLUMBINGDR
REFRIGERANT OIL (Continued)

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
A/C pressure transducer.
(4) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser inlet port (Fig. 29).
(5) Disconnect the discharge line from the con-
denser.
(6) Remove the O-ring seal from the discharge line
fitting and discard.
(7) Install plugs in, or tape over the discharge line
fitting and condenser inlet port.
(8) Remove the bolt that secures the suction/dis-
charge line assembly to the A/C compressor.
(9) Disconnect the suction/discharge line assembly
from the A/C compressor.
(10) Remove the O-ring seals from the suction and
discharge line fittings and discard.
(11) Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the compressor ports.(12) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube (Fig. 30).
(13) Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, dis-
connect the suction line from the accumulator outlet
tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COUPLER -
REMOVAL).
(14) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
outlet tube fitting and discard.
(15) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and the accumulator outlet tube fitting.
(16) Remove the suction/discharge line assembly
from the engine compartment.
(17) If necessary, remove the A/C pressure trans-
ducer from the discharge line.
REMOVAL - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI 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) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
Fig. 29 A/C Suction Line - 5.9L Diesel Engine
1 - CONDENSER
2 - NUT
3 - LIQUID LINE
4 - NUT
5 - PRESSURE TRANSDUCER WIRE CONNECTOR
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - BOLT
8 - SUCTION/DISCHARGE LINE ASSEMBLY
Fig. 30 Suction Line - A/C Accumulator
1 - RH INNER FENDER
2 - ACCUMULATOR INLET TUBE
3 - A/C LINE SECONDARY RETAINING CLIP
4 - EVAPORATOR OUTLET TUBE
5 - BOLTS (2)
6 - ACCUMULATOR
7 - SUCTION LINE
8 - A/C LOW PRESSURE SERVICE PORT
9 - A/C LINE SECONDARY RETAINING CLIP
DRPLUMBING 24 - 71
SUCTION LINE (Continued)

OPERATION
OPERATION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors
many different circuits in the fuel injection, ignition,
emission and engine systems. If the PCM senses a
problem with a monitored circuit often enough to
indicate an actual problem, it stores a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) in the PCM's memory. If the
problem is repaired or ceases to exist, the PCM can-
cels the code after 40 warm-up cycles. Diagnostic
trouble codes that affect vehicle emissions illuminate
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). The MIL is
displayed as an engine icon (graphic) on the instru-
ment panel. Refer to Malfunction Indicator Lamp in
this section.
Certain criteria must be met before the PCM
stores a DTC in memory. The criteria may be a spe-
cific range of engine RPM, engine temperature,
and/or input voltage to the PCM.
The PCM might not store a DTC for a monitored
circuit even though a malfunction has occurred. This
may happen because one of the DTC criteria for the
circuit has not been met.For example,assume the
diagnostic trouble code criteria requires the PCM to
monitor the circuit only when the engine operates
between 750 and 2000 RPM. Suppose the sensor's
output circuit shorts to ground when engine operates
above 2400 RPM (resulting in 0 volt input to the
PCM). Because the condition happens at an engine
speed above the maximum threshold (2000 rpm), the
PCM will not store a DTC.
There are several operating conditions for which
the PCM monitors and sets DTC's. Refer to Moni-
tored Systems, Components, and Non-Monitored Cir-
cuits in this section.
Technicians must retrieve stored DTC's by connect-
ing the DRB scan tool (or an equivalent scan tool) to
the 16±way data link connector. The connector is
located on the bottom edge of the instrument panel
near the steering column (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Various diagnostic procedures may actually
cause a diagnostic monitor to set a DTC. For
instance, pulling a spark plug wire to perform a
spark test may set the misfire code. When a repair
is completed and verified, connect the DRB scan
tool to the 16±way data link connector to erase all
DTC's and extinguish the MIL.
OPERATION - TASK MANAGER
The Task Manager determines which tests happen
when and which functions occur when. Many of the
diagnostic steps required by OBD II must be per-
formed under specific operating conditions. The TaskManager software organizes and prioritizes the diag-
nostic procedures. The job of the Task Manager is to
determine if conditions are appropriate for tests to be
run, monitor the parameters for a trip for each test,
and record the results of the test. Following are the
responsibilities of the Task Manager software:
²Test Sequence
²MIL Illumination
²Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
²Trip Indicator
²Freeze Frame Data Storage
²Similar Conditions Window
Test Sequence
In many instances, emissions systems must fail
diagnostic tests more than once before the PCM illu-
minates the MIL. These tests are know as 'two trip
monitors.' Other tests that turn the MIL lamp on
after a single failure are known as 'one trip moni-
tors.' A trip is defined as 'start the vehicle and oper-
ate it to meet the criteria necessary to run the given
monitor.'
Many of the diagnostic tests must be performed
under certain operating conditions. However, there
are times when tests cannot be run because another
test is in progress (conflict), another test has failed
(pending) or the Task Manager has set a fault that
may cause a failure of the test (suspend).
²Pending
Under some situations the Task Manager will not
run a monitor if the MIL is illuminated and a fault is
stored from another monitor. In these situations, the
Task Manager postpones monitorspendingresolu-
tion of the original fault. The Task Manager does not
run the test until the problem is remedied.
Fig. 1 DATA LINK CONNECTOR LOCATION - TYPICAL
1 - 16-WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
DREMISSIONS CONTROL 25 - 5
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)