1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Distribution Block

SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
CIGAR LIGHTER OUTLET
DESCRIPTION
On models equipped a cigar lighter outlet is
installed to the left of the center stack area in the
lower instrument panel. The cigar lighter outlet is
secured by a snap fit within the bezel.
The cigar lighter outlet, plastic cap and the knob
and heating element unit are available for service
replacement. These components cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The cigar lighter consists of two major components:
a knob and heating element unit, and the cigar
lighter base or outlet shell. The receptacle shell is
connected to ground, and an insulated contact in the
bottom of the shell is connected to battery current.
The cigar lighter receives battery voltage from a fuse
in the junction block when the ignition switch is in
the Accessory or Run positions.
The cigar lighter knob and heating element are
encased within a spring-loaded housing, which also
features a sliding protective heat shield. When the
knob and heating element are inserted in the outlet
shell, the heating element resistor coil is grounded
through its housing to the outlet shell. If the cigar
lighter knob is pushed inward, the heat shield slides
up toward the knob exposing the heating element,
and the heating element extends from the housing
toward the insulated contact in the bottom of the
outlet shell.
Two small spring-clip retainers are located on
either side of the insulated contact inside the bottom
of the outlet shell. These clips engage and hold the
heating element against the insulated contact longenough for the resistor coil to heat up. When the
heating element is engaged with the contact, battery
current can flow through the resistor coil to ground,
causing the resistor coil to heat.
When the resistor coil becomes sufficiently heated,
excess heat radiates from the heating element caus-
ing the spring-clips to expand. Once the spring-clips
expand far enough to release the heating element,
the spring-loaded housing forces the knob and heat-
ing element to pop back outward to their relaxed
position. When the cigar lighter knob and element
are pulled out of the outlet shell, the protective heat
shield slides downward on the housing so that the
heating element is recessed and shielded around its
circumference for safety.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CIGAR LIGHTER
OUTLET
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
(1) Check the fused B(+) fuse in the integrated
power module. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair
the shorted circuit or component as required and
replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse in
the integrated power module. If OK, go to Step 3. If
not OK, repair the open or short as required.
(3) Remove the cigar lighter knob and element
from the cigar lighter outlet shell. Check for continu-
ity between the inside circumference of the cigar
lighter outlet shell and a good ground. there should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, go to
Step 5.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Check for battery voltage at the insulated contact
located at the back of the cigar lighter outlet shell. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter knob and ele-
ment. If not OK, go to Step 5.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector and a
good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 6. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to
ground as required.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the Accessory or Run positions.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity of the cigar lighter wire harness connector. If
OK, replace the faulty cigar lighter outlet. If not OK,
repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the integrated
power module fuse as required.Terminal Pick Kit 6680
8W - 97 - 2 8W-97 POWER DISTRIBUTIONDR
POWER DISTRIBUTION (Continued)

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS...............1
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER........................1
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER........................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE.......................3DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE TEST..................6
SPECIFICATIONS - A/C SYSTEM............7
CONTROLS.............................9
DISTRIBUTION..........................26
PLUMBING.............................41
HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
To maintain the performance level of the heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the
engine cooling system must be properly maintained.
The use of a bug screen is not recommended. Any
obstructions in front of the radiator or A/C condenser
will reduce the performance of the A/C and engine
cooling systems.
The engine cooling system includes the radiator,
thermostat, radiator hoses and the engine coolant
pump. Refer to Cooling for more information before
opening or attempting any service to the engine cool-
ing system.
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
A manually controlled single zone type heating-air
conditioning system or a manually controlled dual
zone type heating-air conditioning system is available
on this model.
All vehicles are equipped with a common heater,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) housing (Fig.
1). The system combines air conditioning, heating,
and ventilating capabilities in a single unit housing
mounted within the passenger compartment under
the instrument panel. The HVAC housing includes:
²Blower motor
²Blower motor resistor block²Heater core
²Evaporator coil
²Blend door and actuator
²Defrost door and actuator
²Mode door and actuator
²Recirculation door and actuator
Based upon the system and mode selected, condi-
tioned air can exit the HVAC housing through one or
a combination of the three main housing outlets:
defrost, panel or floor. The defrost outlet is located on
the top of the housing, the panel outlet is located on
the face of the housing and the floor outlet is located
on the bottom of the housing. Once the conditioned
air exits the unit housing, it is further directed
through molded plastic ducts to the various outlets in
the vehicle interior. These outlets and their locations
are as follows:
²Defroster Outlet- A single large defroster out-
let is located in the center of the instrument panel
top cover, near the base of the windshield.
²Side Window Demister Outlets- There are
two side window demister outlets, one is located at
each outboard end of the instrument panel top cover,
near the belt line at the A-pillars.
²Panel Outlets- There are four panel outlets in
the instrument panel, one located near each outboard
end of the instrument panel facing the rear of the
vehicle and two located near the top of the instru-
ment panel center bezel.
²Front Floor Outlets- There are two front floor
outlets, one located above each side of the floor panel
center tunnel near the dash panel.
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
The heating and air conditioning systems pulls
outside (ambient) air through the cowl opening at the
base of the windshield, then into the plenum cham-
DRHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1

PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE
Ambient Air
Temperature21É C
(70É F)27É C
(80É F)32É C
(90É F)38É C
(100É F)43É C
(110É F)
Air Temperature at
Center Panel Outlet7É C
(45É F)7É C
(45É F)13É C
(55É F)13É C
(55É F)18É C
(64É F)
Compressor Inlet
Pressure at Service
Port (low Side)138 to 207 kPa
(20 to 30 psi)172 to 241 kPa
(25 to 35 psi)207 to 276
kPa
(30 to 40 psi)241 to 310
kPa
(35 to 45 psi)276 to 345 kPa
(40 to 50 psi)
Compressor
Discharge Pressure at
Service Port (High
Side)1034 to 1724
kPa
(150 to 250
psi)1379 to 2068
kPa
(200 to 300
psi)1724 to 2413
kPa
(250 to 350
psi)1999 to 2689
kPa
(290 to 390
psi)2413 to 2965
kPa
(350 to 430 psi)
(9) Compare the compressor discharge pressure to
the Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. Ifthe compressor discharge pressure is high, see the
Pressure Diagnosis chart.
PRESSURE DIAGNOSIS
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Constant compressor
engagement and warm air
from passenger vents.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
Equal pressures, but the
compressor clutch does not
engage.1. No refrigerant in the
refrigerant system.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power Distribution
Center and the junction block. Repair the shorted
circuit or component and replace the fuses, if
required.
3. Faulty A/C compressor
clutch coil.3. See A/C Compressor Clutch Coil in this group.
Test the compressor clutch coil and replace, if
required.
4. Faulty A/C compressor
clutch relay.4. See A/C Compressor Clutch Relay in this
group. Test the compressor clutch relay and relay
circuits. Repair the circuits or replace the relay, if
required.
5. Improperly installed or
faulty Evaporator
Temperature Sensor.5. See Evaporator Temperature Sensor in this
group. Reinstall or replace the sensor as
required.
6. Faulty A/C pressure
transducer.6. See A/C pressure transducer in this group.
Test the switch and replace, if required.
7. Faulty Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).7. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information).
Test the PCM and replace, if required.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

²Faulty A/C-heater control.
²Faulty related wiring harness or connectors.
²Improper engine coolant temperature.
SPECIFICATIONS - A/C SYSTEM
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle can be found on the underhood Specifica-
tion Label.
A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATION CHART
Item Description Notes
Compressor Saden SD-7
(5.9L engine)SP-15 PAG oil
Denso 10S17
(3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
engines)ND-8 PAG oil
Freeze±up
ControlEvaporator
Temperature
SensorEvaporator coil
mounted
High psi Control A/C pressure
transducerDischarge line
mounted
Compressor
Clutch Coil
Draw2 - 3.9 amps @
12V   0.5V @
21É C (70É F)5.9L engine
2.2 amps @
12V   0.5V @
21É C (70É F)3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
engines
Compressor
Clutch Air Gap0.41 - 0.79 mm
(0.016 - 0.031
in.)5.9L engine
0.35 - 0.65 mm
(0.013 - 0.025
in.)3.7L/4.7L/5.7L
engines
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A/C Compressor Shaft Nut 15-20 11-15 ±
A/C Compressor Bolt-Inner
Front-3.7L,4.7L40 30 ±
A/C Compressor Bolt-Inner
Rear-3.7L,4.7L55 41 ±
A/C Compressor Rear Bolt-
3.7L,4.7L55 41 ±
A/C Compressor Lower Bolts-5.7L 40 30 ±
A/C Compressor Rear Bolt-5.7L 55 41 ±
A/C Compressor Bolts-5.9L Diesel 24 17 ±
A/C Compressor Clutch Coil Wire
Retainer Screw2.2 ± 20
A/C-Heater Control Screws 2.2 ± 20
Accumulator Bracket Bolts 4.5 ± 40
Blower Motor Screws 2.2 ± 20
Blower Motor Resistor Block
Screws2.2 ± 20
Center Distribution Duct Screws 2.2 ± 20
DRHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

(5) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor and blower wheel are located in
the passenger side end of the HVAC housing, below
the glove box. The blower motor controls the velocity
of air flowing through the HVAC housing by spinning
a squirrel cage-type blower wheel within the housing
at the selected speed. The blower motor and wheel
can be removed from the housing inside the vehicle
without removing the instrument panel or HVAC
housing.
OPERATION
The blower motor will only operate with the igni-
tion switch in the On position and the A/C-heater
mode control switch in any position, except Off. The
blower motor receives a fused battery feed circuit
through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC) whenever the ignition switch is in the On posi-
tion. Blower motor speed is controlled by regulating
the ground path through or around the blower motor
resistor block and through the A/C-heater blower
motor switch.
The blower motor and blower motor wheel are ser-
viced only as a unit and cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
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.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring, diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
BLOWER MOTOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
Refer to the Blower Motor Electrical Diagnosis
chart for basic checks of the blower motor circuit
(Fig. 3).
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart for basic checks of the blower motor when a
vibration or noise is present (Fig. 4).
24 - 28 DISTRIBUTIONDR
BLEND DOOR (Continued)

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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: The blower motor is located on the passen-
ger side of the vehicle under the instrument panel.
The blower motor can be removed from the vehicle
without having to remove the HVAC housing.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
blower motor. (Fig. 5).
(3) Remove the three screws that secure the
blower motor to the HVAC housing.
(4) Remove the blower motor from the HVAC hous-
ing by rotating and tilting the blower motor as
needed for clearance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align and install the blower motor into the
HVAC housing.
(2) Install the three screws that secure the blower
motor to the HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to
2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the wire harness connector to the
blower motor.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
DEFROST DOOR
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. THISIS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disassemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY).
(3) Remove the defrost door actuator and sleeve
from the lower half of the HVAC housing (Fig. 6).
(4) Gently slide the defrost door toward the out-
side of the housing. Tilt and lift the door out of the
housing.
(5) Inspect the defrost door, seals and the HVAC
housing for damage or binding and repair or replace
components as required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the defrost door pivot shaft into the
pivot hole in the lower half of the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the defrost door actuator and sleeve.
(3) Assemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(4) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 5 HVAC Blower Motor - Typical
1 - RESISTOR BLOCK SCREWS (2)
2 - BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
3 - RESISTOR BLOCK WIRE CONNECTOR
4 - BLOWER MOTOR SCREW
5 - BLOWER MOTOR
6 - BLOWER MOTOR WIRE CONNECTOR
7 - BLOWER MOTOR SCREW
8 - HVAC HOUSING
9 - WIRE HARNESS RETAINER (2)
10 - BLOWER MOTOR SCREW
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 31
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
and place it on the workbench (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect the electrical connectors from the
blower motor, blower motor resistor block, evaporator
temperature sensor and each actuator (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove the HVAC wiring harness from the
HVAC housing.
(4) If necessary, remove the blower motor from
the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/BLOWER
MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(5) If necessary, remove the blower motor resistor
block from the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK - REMOVAL).
(6) Carefully remove the foam seals from the
heater core and evaporator coil tube mounting flange
of the HVAC housing. If the either seal is deformed
or damaged, it must be replaced.
(7) Remove the screws that secure the heater core
in the HVAC housing and carefully remove the
heater core from the housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/HEATER
CORE - REMOVAL).(8) Use a screwdriver to pry off the four snap clips
that help secure the upper and lower HVAC housing
halves together.
(9) Remove the screws that secure the upper and
lower HVAC housing halves to each other and those
that secure the recirculation housing to the upper
HVAC housing.
(10) Carefully separate the recirculation housing
and the upper HVAC housing from the lower hous-
ing.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position the upper HVAC housing to the lower
housing. During assembly, be certain of the following:
(a) That each of the door pivot shaft ends are
properly engaged in there pivot holes.
(b) That the evaporator drain opening is clean
and the drain foam seal is properly installed.
(2) Install the screws and snap clips that secure
the upper and lower HVAC housing halves to each
other and those that secure the recirculation housing
to the upper HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to
2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the foam seals on the heater core and
evaporator coil tubes.
(4) If removed, install the blower motor resistor
block (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
Fig. 10 HVAC Housing - Disassembled
1 - RECIRCULATION HOUSING
2 - RECIRC DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
4 - FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
5 - DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR
6 - PANEL DOOR ACTUATOR
7 - UPPER HVAC HOUSING
8 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR9 - HEATER CORE
10 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
11 - HVAC WIRE HARNESS
12 - DRAIN FOAM SEAL
13 - BLOWER MOTOR
14 - EVAPORATOR FOAM SEAL
15 - EVAPORATOR
16 - HEATER CORE FOAM SEAL
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 35
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

ING/CONTROLS/BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK - INSTALLATION).
(5) If removed, install the blower motor (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/BLOWER MOTOR - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the HVAC wire harness. Make sure the
wires are routed through all wiring retainers.
(7) Connect the wire harness to the blower motor,
blower motor resistor block, evaporator temperature
sensor and each actuator.
(8) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR
CONDITIONING, REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND
CAUTIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING
THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION -
REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES PRECAU-
TIONS)
(1) Position the HVAC housing into the vehicle. Be
certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
and the housing mounting studs are inserted into
their correct locations.
(2) Install the two nuts that secure the HVAC
housing to the mounting studs in the passenger com-
partment. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the bolt that secures the HVAC housing
to the floor bracket in the passenger compartment.
Tighten the bolt to 6.2 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the instrument panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the two nuts that secure the HVAC
housing to the mounting studs in the engine com-
partment. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the powertrain control module (PCM)
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MOD-
ULE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Unplug or remove the tape from the heater
core tubes and connect the heater hoses to the heater
core tubes.
(8) Unplug or remove the tape from the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the evaporator outlet
tube and install the accumulator (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/AC-
CUMULATOR - INSTALLATION).
(9) Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid line
and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect the
liquid line coupler to the evaporator inlet tube (Referto 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLERS).
(10) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(11) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
(12) Fill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(13) Connect the battery negative cable.
(14) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
DEMISTER DUCTS
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) Remove the defroster ducts (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
DEFROSTER DUCTS - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the center
distribution duct to the instrument panel support.
(3) Remove the center distribution duct from
instrument panel support, panel ducts and demister
ducts.
(4) Remove the right side panel duct adapter (Fig.
11).
(5) Remove the right side intermediate demister
duct.
(6) Remove the left side intermediate demister
duct.
(7) Remove the left side panel duct adapter.
(8) Remove the instrument panel cover (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).
24 - 36 DISTRIBUTIONDR
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)