1998 DODGE RAM 1500 No fire

WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS.
INSPECT FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH
A SHEET OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION
PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF
CONTACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HIGH-PRESSURE
FUEL LINE LEAKS
High-pressure fuel line leaks can cause starting
problems and poor engine performance.
WARNING: DUE TO EXTREME FUEL PRESSURES
OF UP TO 160,000 kPa (23,206 PSI), USE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN INSPECTING FOR HIGH-PRES-
SURE FUEL LEAKS. DO NOT GET YOUR HAND OR
A FINGER NEAR A SUSPECTED LEAK. INSPECT
FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LEAKS WITH A SHEET
OF CARDBOARD. HIGH FUEL INJECTION PRES-
SURE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY IF CON-
TACT IS MADE WITH THE SKIN.
Start the engine. Move the cardboard (Fig. 13) over
the suspected high-pressure fuel line leak, and check
for fuel spray onto the cardboard. If line is leaking,
retorque line. Replace damaged, restricted or leaking
high-pressure fuel lines with the correct replacement
line.
CAUTION: The high-pressure fuel lines must be
clamped securely in place in the holders. The lines
cannot contact each other or other components. Do
not attempt to weld high-pressure fuel lines or to
repair lines that are damaged. Only use the recom-
mended lines when replacement of high-pressure
fuel line is necessary.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Disconnect both negative battery cables from
both batteries. Cover and isolate ends of cables.(2) Thoroughly clean fuel lines at both ends.
(3) If removing fuel line at either #1 or #2 cylinder,
the intake manifold air heater elements must first be
removed from top of intake manifold. Refer to Intake
Air Heater Removal / Installation for procedures.
(4) If removing fuel line at #6 cylinder, a bracket
(Fig. 14) is located above fuel line connection at cyl-
inder head. Two bolts secure this bracket to rear of
cylinder head. The upper bolt hole is slotted. Loosen
(but do not remove) these 2 bracket bolts. Tilt
bracket down to gain access to #6 fuel line connec-
tion.
(5) Remove engine lift bracket (if necessary).
(6) Remove necessary insulated fuel line support
clamps (Fig. 15) and bracket bolts at intake manifold.
DO NOT remove insulators from fuel lines.
(7) Place shop towels around fuel lines at fuel rail
and injectors. If possible, do not allow fuel to drip
down side of engine.
CAUTION: WHEN LOOSENING OR TIGHTENING
HIGH-PRESSURE LINES ATTACHED TO A SEPA-
RATE FITTING (Fig. 16) , USE A BACK-UP WRENCH
ON FITTING. DO NOT ALLOW FITTING TO ROTATE.
DAMAGE TO BOTH FUEL LINE AND FITTING WILL
RESULT.
(8) Carefully remove each fuel line from engine.
Note position of each while removing.Do not bend
lines while removing.
Fig. 13 TYPICAL TEST FOR LEAKS USING
CARDBOARD
1 - HIGH-PRESSURE LINE
2 - CARDBOARD
3 - TYPICAL HIGH-PRESSURE FITTING
14 - 58 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESELDR
FUEL LINES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect fuel pressure sensor sealing surface.
(2) Lubricate sensor threads with clean diesel fuel.
(3) Install sensor into fuel rail.
(4) To prevent leaks, sensormustbe tightened to
prescribed torque. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(5) Connect electrical connector to sensor.
(6) Start engine and check for fuel leaks.
FUEL PRESSURE LIMITING
VA LV E
DESCRIPTION
The fuel pressure limiting valve is located on the
top of the fuel rail.
OPERATION
Fuel pressure at the fuel rail is monitored by the
fuel rail pressure sensor. If fuel pressure becomes
excessive, the pressure limiting valve opens and
vents excess pressure into the fuel drain circuit.
REMOVAL
The fuel pressure limiting valve is located on the
top of the fuel rail (Fig. 18).
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.
Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Thoroughly clean area at pressure limiting
valve.
(2) Remove banjo bolt (Fig. 18) at banjo fitting.
(3) Remove pressure limiting valve from fuel rail.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure both top of manifold and limiting valve
are clean.
(2) Install valve. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(3) Assemble banjo bolt and new sealing washers
to limiting valve.
(4) Tighten banjo bolt. Refer to Torque Specifica-
tions.
Fig. 18 FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR/FUEL
PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE
1 - ELEC. CONNECTOR
2 - BANJO BOLT
3 - FUEL PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE
4 - FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
5 - TOP OF INTAKE HEATER MANIFOLD
DRFUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL 14 - 61
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR (Continued)

The torquing force of this threaded nut (fitting)
provides a sealing pressure between the fuel line con-
nector and the fuel injector.Retaining nut torque
is very critical.If the nut (fitting) is under torqued,
the mating surfaces will not seal and a high-pressure
fuel leak will result. If the fitting is over torqued, the
connector and injector will deform and also cause a
high-pressure fuel leak. This leak will be inside the
cylinder head and will not be visible. The result will
be a possible fuel injector miss-fire and low power, or
a no-start condition.
The fuel injectors use hole type nozzles. High-pres-
sure flows into the side of the injector, the ECM acti-
vates the solenoid causing the injector needle to lift
and fuel to be injected. The clearances in the nozzle
bore are extremely small and any dirt or contami-
nants will cause the injector to stick. Because of this,
it is very important to do a thorough cleaning of any
lines before opening up any fuel system component.
Always cover or cap any open fuel connections before
a fuel system repair is performed.
Each fuel injector connector tube contains an edge
filter that is designed to beak up small contaminants
before entering the fuel injector.The edge filters
are not a substitute for proper cleaning andcovering of all fuel system components during
repair.
The bottom of each fuel injector is sealed to the
cylinder head with a1.5mmthick copper shim (gas-
ket). The correct thickness shim must always be re-
installed after removing an injector.
Fuel pressure in the injector circuit decreases after
injection. The injector needle valve is immediately
closed and fuel flow into the combustion chamber is
stopped. Exhaust gases are prevented from entering
the injector nozzle by the needle valve.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Refer to Cleaning Fuel System Parts.
Six individual, solenoid actuated high-pressure fuel
injectors are used (Fig. 14). The injectors are verti-
cally mounted into a bored hole in the top of the cyl-
inder head. This bored hole is located between the
intake/exhaust valves. High-pressure connectors (Fig.
15), mounted into the side of the cylinder head, con-
nect each fuel injector to each high-pressure fuel line.
(1) Disconnect both negative battery cables from
both batteries. Cover and isolate ends of cables.
(2) Remove breather assembly.
Fig. 15 HIGH-PRESSURE CONNECTOR
1 - HIGH-PRESSURE CONNECTOR (TO FUEL INJECTOR)
2 - O-RING
3 - CONNECTOR RETAINER4 - FUEL RAIL
5 - HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES
6 - LOCATING PINS
DRFUEL INJECTION - DIESEL 14 - 75
FUEL INJECTOR (Continued)

(6) Install injector into cylinder head with male
connector port facing the intake manifold. Push down
on fuel injector mounting flange to engage o-ring and
seat injector.
(7) Tightening Sequence:
(a) Install fuel injector holdown clamp (mount-
ing flange) bolts.Do a preliminary tightening
of these bolts to 5 N´m (44 in. lbs.) torque.
This preliminary tightening insures the fuel
injector is seated and centered.
(b) After tightening, relieve bolt torque, but
leave both bolts threaded in place.
(c) Install high-pressure connector and retaining
nut. Do a preliminary tightening to 15 N´m (11 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(d) Alternately tighten injector holdown bolts to
10 N´m (89 in. lbs.) torque.
(e) Do a final tightening of the high-pressure
connector and retaining nut. Tighten to 50 N´m (37
ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect injector solenoid wires and nuts to top
of injectors (Fig. 18). Tighten connector nuts to 1.25
N´m (11 in. lbs.) torque.Be very careful not to
overtighten these nuts as damage to fuel injec-
tor will occur.
(9) Install exhaust rocker arm assembly. Refer to
Engine.
(10) Set exhaust valve lash. Refer to Engine.
(11) Install high pressure fuel line. Refer to Torque
Specifications.Be sure to use a secondary
back-up wrench on the connector nut (fitting)
while torquing fuel line fitting.Refer to Fuel Line
Installation for additional information.
(12) Install valve cover. Refer to Engine.
(13) Install breather assembly.
(14) Connect negative battery cables to both bat-
teries.
FUEL INJECTOR RAIL
DESCRIPTION
The fuel injector rail is bolted to the top of the
intake manifold.
OPERATION
The fuel rail is used as a distribution device to
supply high-pressure fuel to the high-pressure fuel
lines.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Cleanliness cannot be overemphasized
when handling or replacing diesel fuel system com-
ponents. This especially includes the fuel injectors,
high-pressure fuel lines and fuel injection pump.Very tight tolerances are used with these parts. Dirt
contamination could cause rapid part wear and pos-
sible plugging of fuel injector nozzle tip holes. This
in turn could lead to possible engine misfire.
Always wash/clean any fuel system component
thoroughly before disassembly and then air dry.
Cap or cover any open part after disassembly.
Before assembly, examine each part for dirt, grease
or other contaminants and clean if necessary. When
installing new parts, lubricate them with clean
engine oil or clean diesel fuel only.
(1) Disconnect both negative battery cables at both
batteries. Isolate ends of both cables.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector at fuel pressure
sensor.
(3) Remove banjo bolt at fuel limiting valve.
(4) Disconnect necessary wiring harness retention
clips from intake manifold.
(5) Lift 2 rubber covers to gain access to positive
(+), intake heater cable nuts. Remove 2 nuts and
remove 2 cables from studs.
(6) Carefully remove 4 high-pressure fuel lines
from top of injector rail engine. Note position of each
line while removing.Do not bend lines while
removing.
CAUTION: WHEN LOOSENING OR TIGHTENING
HIGH-PRESSURE LINES ATTACHED TO A SEPA-
RATE FITTING, USE A BACK-UP WRENCH ON FIT-
TING. DO NOT ALLOW FITTING TO ROTATE.
DAMAGE TO BOTH FUEL LINE AND FITTING WILL
RESULT.
(7) Carefully remove 2 high-pressure fuel lines at
each end of injector rail. Note position of each line
while removing.Do not bend lines while remov-
ing.
(8) Remove fuel line connecting injector pump to
fuel rail.
(9) Remove 3 injector rail mounting bolts (Fig. 22).
(10) Remove rail from top of intake manifold.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean any dirt/debris from top of intake mani-
fold and bottom of fuel rail.
(2) Position fuel rail to top of manifold and install
3 mounting bolts. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(3) Install all high-pressure lines to rail. Refer to
Fuel Lines for procedures.
(4) Reposition wiring harness to intake manifold
and install new tie wraps.
(5) Install and tighten fuel limiting valve banjo
bolt. Refer to Torque Specifications.
(6) Connect electrical connector to fuel pressure
sensor.
(7) Position 2 positive (+) cables to intake heater
studs. Install 2 nuts.
14 - 78 FUEL INJECTION - DIESELDR
FUEL INJECTOR (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIND NOISE . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUZZ, SQUEAK
& RATTLE...........................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE..............12SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................14
TAILGATE..............................15
DOOR - FRONT.........................18
DOORS - REAR.........................28
EXTERIOR.............................36
HOOD.................................46
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................49
INTERIOR..............................62
PAINT.................................73
SEATS................................75
STATIONARY GLASS.....................86
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS...................91
BODY STRUCTURE......................95
BODY
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
²AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched
in an inner body panel, verify depth of space to the
outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other compo-
nents. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
²Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use
when welding.
²Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from
the battery when servicing electrical components
that are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to
electrical system can result.²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
²Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage
to finish or color can result.
²Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
DRBODY 23 - 1

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)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY
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).
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for the proper
care and use of this equipment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE
NOTE: Special effort must be used to prevent mois-
ture from entering the A/C system oil. Moisture in
the oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a
reliability problem with the compressor.
If a compressor designed to use R-134a refrigerant
is left open to the atmosphere for an extended period
of time. It is recommended that the refrigerant oil be
drained and replaced with new oil or a new compres-
sor be used. This will eliminate the possibility of con-
taminating the refrigerant system.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the
atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system
can be filled. Moisture and air mixed with the refrig-
erant will raise the compressor head pressure above
acceptable operating levels. This will reduce the per-
formance of the air conditioner and damage the com-
pressor. Moisture will boil at near room temperature
when exposed to vacuum. To evacuate the refrigerant
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) Recover the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant
recovery machine or a manifold gauge set with vac-
uum pump and refrigerant recovery equipment.
(3) Open the suction and discharge valves and
start the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should
run a minimum of 45 minutes prior to charge to
eliminate all moisture in system. When the suction
gauge reads -88 kPa (- 26 in. Hg) vacuum or greaterfor 30 minutes, close all valves and turn off vacuum
pump. If the system fails to reach specified vacuum,
the refrigerant system likely has a leak that must be
corrected. If the refrigerant system maintains speci-
fied vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vac-
uum pump, open the suction and discharge valves.
Then allow the system to evacuate an additional 10
minutes.
(4) Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the
vacuum pump.
(5) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE
WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN THIS GROUP BEFORE CHARGING
THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM.
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.
R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C
SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR
LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. MIXTURE
OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELE-
VATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION: Do not overcharge refrigerant system, as
excessive compressor head pressure can cause
noise and system failure.
CAUTION: A small amount of refrigerant oil is
removed from the A/C system each time the refrig-
erant system is recovered and evacuated. Before
charging the A/C system, you MUST replenish any
oil lost during the recovery process. Refer the
equipment manufacturer instructions for more infor-
mation.
The procedure below should be used to fill the
refrigerant charge in the air conditioning system.
This A/C system does not have or use a sight glass to
check or charge the system.
DRPLUMBING 24 - 47
PLUMBING (Continued)