1998 DODGE RAM 1500 oil pressure

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)

CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL...........10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BREAK-IN.......10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSPECTION..........................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION.........................14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................15
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................18OPERATION...........................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK..............19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR SWITCH......................20
DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................23
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................25
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/
COIL
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch assembly consists of a sta-
tionary electromagnetic coil, a pulley bearing and
pulley assembly, and a clutch plate (Fig. 1). The elec-
tromagnetic coil and the pulley bearing and pulley
assembly are each retained on the nose of the com-
pressor front housing with snap rings. The clutch
plate is keyed to the compressor shaft and secured
with a nut. These components provide the means toengage and disengage the compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor clutch provides the means to
engage and disengage the A/C compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the pulley bearing, which is
part of the pulley assembly. The compressor clutch
DRCONTROLS 24 - 9

and coil are the only serviced parts on the compres-
sor.
A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the A/C-heater control, A/C pres-
sure transducer, A/C compressor clutch relay, evapo-
rator temperature sensor and the powertrain control
module (PCM). The PCM may delay compressor
clutch engagement for up to thirty seconds (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the A/C-heater controls in any A/C mode,
and the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, start the engine and run it at normal idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of thecompressor clutch circuit and PCM control. The fol-
lowing components must be checked and repaired as
required before you can complete testing of the clutch
coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the power distri-
bution center (PDC)
²A/C-heater control
²A/C compressor clutch relay
²A/C pressure transducer
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²Powertrain control module (PCM)
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is within
specifications with the electrical system voltage at
11.5 to 12.5 volts (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - SPECIFICATIONS). This should
only be checked with the work area temperature at
21É C (70É F). If system voltage is more than 12.5
volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical
accessories until the system voltage drops below 12.5
volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is above
specifications, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C-heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
to 2000 rpm. This procedure (burnishing) will seat
the opposing friction surfaces and provide a higher
compressor clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, rotor, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the compressor clutch coil wire har-
ness connector.
(4) Remove the bolts that secure the compressor to
the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the compressor from the mounting
bracket. Support the compressor in the engine com-
partment while servicing the clutch.
Fig. 1 Compressor Clutch - Typical
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY (not used on KJ)
3 - ROTOR
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
24 - 10 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

NOTE: The air gap is determined by the spacer
shims. When installing an original, or a new clutch
assembly, try the original shims first. When install-
ing a new clutch onto a compressor that previously
did not have a clutch, use a 1.0, 0.50, and 0.13 mil-
limeter (0.040, 0.020, and 0.005 inch) shims from the
new clutch hardware package that is provided with
the new clutch.
(9) To complete the procedure (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The A/C compressor clutch relay (Fig. 10) is a
International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-re-
lay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO
micro-relay terminal functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-relay
terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The A/C compressor clutch relay is located in the
intergrated power module (IPM) in the engine com-
partment. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the inside surface of the IPM cover for A/C com-
pressor clutch relay identification and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Fivemale spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of
the base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical
system, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal. The
ISO terminal designations are as follows:
²30 (Common Feed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the movable contact point of the relay.
²85 (Coil Ground)- This terminal is connected
to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
²86 (Coil Battery)- This terminal is connected
to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
²87 (Normally Open)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally open fixed contact point of the
relay.
²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor clutch relay is an electrome-
chanical switch that uses a low current input from
the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine con-
trol module (ECM) depending on engine application,
to control the high current output to the compressor
clutch electromagnetic coil. The movable common
feed contact point is held against the fixed normally
closed contact point by spring pressure. When the
relay coil is energized, an electromagnetic field is
produced by the coil windings. This electromagnetic
field draws the movable relay contact point away
from the fixed normally closed contact point, and
holds it against the fixed normally open contact
point. When the relay coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns the movable contact point back
against the fixed normally closed contact point. The
resistor or diode is connected in parallel with the
relay coil in the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage
Fig. 9 Check Clutch Air Gap - Typical
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 10 A/C Compressor Clutch Micro-Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
DRCONTROLS 24 - 13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

The A/C pressure transducer cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The A/C pressure transducer monitors the pres-
sures in the high side of the refrigerant system
through its connection to a fitting on the discharge
line. The transducer will change its internal resis-
tance in response to the pressures it monitors. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the Engine
Control Module (ECM) depending on engine applica-
tion, provides a five volt reference signal and a sen-
sor ground to the transducer, then monitors the
output voltage of the transducer on a sensor return
circuit to determine refrigerant pressure. The PCM/
ECM is programmed to respond to this and other
sensor inputs by controlling the operation of the air
conditioning compressor clutch and the radiator cool-
ing fan to help optimize air conditioning system per-
formance and to protect the system components from
damage. The A/C pressure transducer input to the
PCM/ECM will also prevent the air conditioning com-
pressor clutch from engaging when ambient temper-
atures are below about 10É C (50É F) due to the
pressure/temperature relationship of the refrigerant.
The Schrader-type valve in the discharge line fitting
permits the A/C pressure transducer to be removed
or installed without disturbing the refrigerant in the
system. The A/C pressure transducer is diagnosed
using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is tested using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. Before testing the A/C pressure
transducer, be certain that the transducer wire har-
ness connection is clean of corrosion and properly
connected. For the air conditioning system to operate,
an A/C pressure transducer voltage reading between
0.451 and 4.519 volts is required. Voltages outside
this range indicate a low or high refrigerant system
pressure condition to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) depending
on engine application. The PCM/ECM is programmed
to respond to a low or high refrigerant system pres-
sure by suppressing operation of the compressor.
Refer to the A/C Pressure Transducer Voltage chart
for the possible conditions indicated by the trans-
ducer voltage reading.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
CHART
Voltage Possible Indication
0.0 1. No sensor supply voltage from
PCM/ECM.
2. Shorted sensor circuit.
3. Faulty transducer.
0.150 TO 0.450 1. Ambient temperature below
10É C (50É F).
2. Low refrigerant system
pressure.
0.451 TO 4.519 1. Normal refrigerant system
pressure.
4.520 TO 4.850 1. High refrigerant system
pressure.
5.0 1. Open sensor circuit.
2. Faulty transducer.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Note: It is not necessary to discharge the
refrigerant system to replace the A/C pressure
transducer.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
A/C pressure transducer.
(3) Remove the A/C pressure transducer from the
fitting on the discharge line (Fig. 15).
(4) Remove the O-ring seal from the A/C pressure
transducer fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Replace the O-ring seal before installing the
A/C pressure transducer.
(1) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the A/C pressure
transducer fitting. Use only the specified O-rings as
they are made of a special material for the R-134a
system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recom-
mended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
(2) Install and tighten the A/C pressure transducer
onto the discharge line fitting. The transducer should
be hand-tightened securely onto the discharge line
fitting.
(3) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
pressure transducer.
24 - 16 CONTROLSDR
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)

REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION.........................68
OPERATION...........................69
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
OIL LEVEL...........................69
SERVICE PORT VALVE CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................70
REMOVAL - SERVICE PORT VALVE CORES . . 70
INSTALLATION.........................70
SUCTION LINE
DESCRIPTION.........................70REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........70
REMOVAL - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI
ENGINE.............................71
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.....72
INSTALLATION - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI
ENGINE.............................73
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry
the refrigerant between the various air conditioning
system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber lay-
ers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on
this vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further contain
the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecu-
lar structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from an exhaust manifold.
OPERATION- REFRIGERANT LINES
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled with
other components of the HVAC system with either
O-rings or dual plane seals.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING: THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS
DESIGNED TO DEVELOP INTERNAL PRESSURES
OF 97 TO 123 KILOPASCALS (14 TO 18 POUNDS
PER SQUARE INCH). DO NOT REMOVE OR
LOOSEN THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP, CYLIN-
DER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS, RADIATOR DRAIN,
RADIATOR HOSES, HEATER HOSES, OR HOSE
CLAMPS WHILE THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS
HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING CAN RESULT IN SERI-
OUS BURNS FROM THE HEATED ENGINE COOL-
ANT. ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL FOR A
MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES BEFORE OPENING THE
COOLING SYSTEM FOR SERVICE.
24 - 42 PLUMBINGDR

A/C SYSTEM
WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CON-
TAINS REFRIGERANT UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM
IMPROPER SERVICE PROCEDURES. REPAIRS
SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT AND
REFRIGERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE
MAY IRRITATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR THROAT.
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE
AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERI-
OUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM DIRECT
CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CON-
TACT OCCURS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMME-
DIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC LEAK
DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING
SERVICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT
RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DIS-
PLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a REFRIGER-
ANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE
IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING
THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGER-
ANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT THE SKIN
OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT
WITH THE REFRIGERANT.
THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR THE VEHI-
CLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE
PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COM-
PRESSED AIR. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR AND
R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE
AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, AND MAY RESULT IN
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
A/C SYSTEM
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to
use R-134a and do not use R-12 equipment or parts
on the R-134a system. Damage to the system will
result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134arefrigerant oil. They are not compatible and damage
to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. Over-
charging will cause excessive compressor head
pressure and can cause noise and system failure.
Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
If equipped, do not remove the secondary retention
clip from any spring-lock coupler connection while
the refrigerant system is under pressure. Recover
the refrigerant before removing the secondary
retention clip. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. This will prevent contamination in
the system. Before disconnecting a component,
clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to pre-
vent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system. Immediately after disconnecting a compo-
nent from the refrigerant system, seal the open fit-
tings with a cap or plug.
Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of
refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace
the cap on the oil container immediately after using.
Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and
moisture-free container.
Keep service tools and the work area clean. Con-
tamination of the refrigerant system must be
avoided.
CAUTION: The use of A/C system sealers may
result in damage to A/C refrigerant recovery/evacu-
ation/recharging equipment and/or A/C systems.
Many federal, state/provincial and local regulations
prohibit the recharge of A/C systems with known
leaks. DaimlerChrysler recommends the detection
of A/C system leaks through the use of approved
leak detectors and fluorescent leak detection dyes.
Vehicles found with A/C system sealers should be
treated as contaminated and replacement of the
entire A/C refrigerant system is recommended. A/C
systems found to be contaminated with A/C system
sealers, A/C stop-leak products or seal conditioners
voids the warranty for the A/C system.
DRPLUMBING 24 - 43
PLUMBING (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHI-
CLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE
TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED
AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COM-
BUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIX-
TURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY
RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRI-
CANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE
EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED
SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIRE-
MENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCI-
DENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE.
NOTE: The refrigerant system does come from the
factory with a yellow tracer dye already installed to
aid in detection of leaks.
If the A/C system is not cooling properly, determine
if the refrigerant system is fully charged with
R-134a. This is accomplished by performing a system
Charge Level-Check or Fill. If while performing this
test A/C liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to System Empty procedure. If liquid
line pressure is greater than 345 kPa (50 psi) proceed
to System Low procedure. If the refrigerant system is
empty or low in refrigerant charge, a leak at any line
fitting or component seal is likely. A review of the fit-
tings, lines and components for oily residue is an
indication of the leak location. To detect a leak in the
refrigerant system, perform one of the following pro-
cedures as indicated by the symptoms.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.). Deter-
mine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If
vacuum is held, a leak is probably not present. If sys-
tem will not maintain vacuum level, proceed with
this procedure.(2) Prepare a 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge
to be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) of
refrigerant into the evacuated refrigerant system.
(4) Proceed to Step 2 of System Low procedure.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Determine if there is any (R-134a) refrigerant
in the system.
(2) Position the vehicle in a wind free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run for five minutes with the system
set to the following:
²Transmission in Park or Neutral with parking
brake set
²Engine idling at 700 rpm
²A/C controls set in 100 percent outside air
²Blower switch in the high A/C position
²A/C in the ON position
²Open all windows
CAUTION: A leak detector designed for R-12 refrig-
erant (only) will not detect leaks in a R-134a refrig-
erant system.
(4) Shut off the vehicle and wait 2 to 7 minutes.
Then use an Electronic Leak Detector that is
designed to detect R-134a type refrigerant and search
for leaks. Fittings, lines, or components that appear
to be oily usually indicates a refrigerant leak. To
inspect the evaporator core for leaks, insert the leak
detector probe into the drain tube opening or a heat
duct. A R-134a dye is available to aid in leak detec-
tion, use only DaimlerChrysler approved refrigerant
dye.
24 - 44 PLUMBINGDR
PLUMBING (Continued)