1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Battery

(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(13) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(14) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is located in the HVAC housing,
behind the instrument panel. It is a heat exchanger
made of rows of tubes and fins.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through the heater
hoses to the heater core at all times. As the coolant
flows through the heater core, heat is removed from
the engine and is transferred to the heater core fins
and tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks
up the heat from the heater core fins. The blend door
allows control of the heater output air temperature
by regulating the amount of air flowing through the
heater core within the HVAC housing. The blower
motor speed controls the volume of air flowing
through the HVAC housing.
The heater core cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
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.
NOTE: Disassembly of the HVAC housing is not
required to remove heater core.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).(2) Remove the foam seal from the heater core
tubes.
(3) If equipped with the Dual Zone system, remove
the linkage rod from the actuator levers to gain
access to the heater core (Fig. 23).
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the heater
core tube bracket to the HVAC housing.
(5) Remove the heater core tube bracket.
(6) Pull the heater core out of the HVAC housing.
(7) Inspect all foam seals and repair or replace
them as required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the heater core into the HVAC housing.
(2) Position the heater core tube bracket onto the
HVAC housing.
(3) Install the two screws that secure the heater
core bracket to the HVAC housing. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(4) If equipped with the Dual Zone system, install
the linkage rod onto the actuator levers.
(5) Install the foam seal onto the heater core
tubes.
(6) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 23 Heater Core ± Dual Zone Shown, Single
Zone Typical
1 - SCREWS
2 - TUBE BRACKET
3 - HEATER CORE
4 - LINKAGE ROD (IF EQUIPPED)
DRPLUMBING 24 - 63
ACCUMULATOR (Continued)

(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)

cial material for the R-134a system. Use only refrig-
erant oil of the type recommended for the A/C
compressor in the vehicle.
(13) Connect the liquid line to the condenser outlet
port.
(14) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
liquid line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the nut to
20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
(15) Install the plastic cover onto the condenser
outlet stud.
(16) If equipped with the diesel engine, install the
passenger side battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(17) If equipped with the diesel engine, install the
passenger side battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - INSTALLATION).
(18) Reconnect the battery negative cables.
(19) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(20) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning sys-
tem is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a.
Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC),
R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting
chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flam-
mable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas.
Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it
must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type
refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse
gas and can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 added to an R-134a refrigerant
system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil
sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
In addition, the PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG) synthetic
refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system
are not compatible with the mineral-based refriger-
ant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.
R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service
tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have
all been designed with unique fittings to ensure that
an R-134a system is not accidentally contaminated
with the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are alsolabels posted in the engine compartment of the vehi-
cle and on the compressor identifying to service tech-
nicians that the air conditioning system is equipped
with R-134a.
REFRIGERANT LINE COUPLER
DESCRIPTION
Spring-lock type refrigerant line couplers are used
to connect some of the refrigerant lines and other
components to the refrigerant system. These couplers
require a special tool for disengaging the two coupler
halves.
OPERATION
The spring-lock coupler is held together by a garter
spring inside a circular cage on the male half of the
fitting (Fig. 27). When the two coupler halves are
connected, the flared end of the female fitting slips
behind the garter spring inside the cage on the male
fitting. The garter spring and cage prevent the flared
end of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage.
Two O-rings on the male half of the fitting are
used to seal the connection. These O-rings are com-
patible with R-134a refrigerant and must be replaced
with O-rings made of the same material.
Secondary clips are installed over the two con-
nected coupler halves at the factory for added protec-
tion. In addition, some models have a plastic ring
that is used at the factory as a visual indicator to
confirm that these couplers are connected. After the
Fig. 27 Spring-Lock Coupler - Typical
1 - MALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER
2 - FEMALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER
3 - SECONDARY CLIP
4 - CONNECTION INDICATOR RING
5 - COUPLER CAGE
6 - GARTER SPRING
7 - COUPLER CAGE
8 - O-RING SEALS
DRPLUMBING 24 - 67
LIQUID LINE (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)

(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) Remove the nut that secures the suction line
fitting to the compressor inlet port (Fig. 31) or (Fig.
32), depending on application.
(4) Disconnect the suction line from the compres-
sor.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal from the suction line
fitting and discard.
(6) Install plugs in, or tape over the suction line
fitting and compressor inlet port.
(7) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube (Fig. 33).
(8) 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).
(9) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
outlet tube fitting and discard.(10) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and the accumulator outlet tube fitting.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE
(1) If removed, install the A/C pressure transducer
onto the discharge line using a new O-ring seal.
Tighten the transducer securely.
(2) Position the suction/discharge line assembly
into the engine compartment.
(3) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
and the accumulator outlet tube fitting.
(4) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the accumulator out-
let tube 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.
(5) Connect the suction line to the accumulator
outlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COU-
PLER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the secondary retaining clip onto the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube.Fig. 31 A/C Discharge Line - 3.7L Shown, 4.7L
Typical
1 - NUT
2 - FRONT UPPER CROSSMEMBER
3 - A/C CONDENSER
4 - NUT (2)
5 - SUCTION LINE
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
8 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
9 - A/C DISCHARGE LINE
Fig. 32 A/C Suction Line - 5.7L Hemi Engine
1 - DISCHARGE LINE
2 - NUT
3 - CONDENSER
4 - NUT
5 - SUCTION LINE
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - NUT
8 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
24 - 72 PLUMBINGDR
SUCTION LINE (Continued)

(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction and
discharge line fittings and the compressor ports.
(8) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the suction and
discharge line fittings. 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.
(9) Connect the suction/discharge line assembly to
the compressor.
(10) Install and tighten the bolt that secures the
suction/discharge line assembly to the compressor.
Tighten the bolt to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(11) Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge
line fitting and condenser inlet port.
(12) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting. 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.
(13) Connect the discharge line to the condenser
inlet port.(14) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the
nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
(15) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
pressure transducer.
(16) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(17) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(18) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
INSTALLATION - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI
ENGINE
(1) Position the suction line into the engine com-
partment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
fitting and the compressor inlet port.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the suction line fit-
ting. 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 suction line to the compressor.
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
suction line to the compressor. Tighten the nut to 28
N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
and the accumulator outlet tube fitting.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the accumulator out-
let tube 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 suction line to the accumulator
outlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COU-
PLER - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the secondary retaining clip onto the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube.
(10) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(11) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(12) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
Fig. 33 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 - 73
SUCTION LINE (Continued)

Trip Indicator
TheTripis essential for running monitors and
extinguishing the MIL. In OBD II terms, a trip is a
set of vehicle operating conditions that must be met
for a specific monitor to run. All trips begin with a
key cycle.
Good Trip
The Good Trip counters are as follows:
²Specific Good Trip
²Fuel System Good Trip
²Misfire Good Trip
²Alternate Good Trip (appears as a Global Good
Trip on DRB III)
²Comprehensive Components
²Major Monitor
²Warm-Up Cycles
Specific Good Trip
The term Good Trip has different meanings
depending on the circumstances:
²If the MIL is OFF, a trip is defined as when the
Oxygen Sensor Monitor and the Catalyst Monitor
have been completed in the same drive cycle.
²If the MIL is ON and a DTC was set by the Fuel
Monitor or Misfire Monitor (both continuous moni-
tors), the vehicle must be operated in the Similar
Condition Window for a specified amount of time.
²If the MIL is ON and a DTC was set by a Task
Manager commanded once-per-trip monitor (such as
the Oxygen Sensor Monitor, Catalyst Monitor, Purge
Flow Monitor, Leak Detection Pump Monitor, EGR
Monitor or Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor), a good
trip is when the monitor is passed on the next start-
up.
²If the MIL is ON and any other emissions DTC
was set (not an OBD II monitor), a good trip occurs
when the Oxygen Sensor Monitor and Catalyst Mon-
itor have been completed, or two minutes of engine
run time if the Oxygen Sensor Monitor and Catalyst
Monitor have been stopped from running.
Fuel System Good Trip
To count a good trip (three required) and turn off
the MIL, the following conditions must occur:
²Engine in closed loop
²Operating in Similar Conditions Window
²Short Term multiplied by Long Term less than
threshold
²Less than threshold for a predetermined time
If all of the previous criteria are met, the PCM will
count a good trip (three required) and turn off the
MIL.
Misfire Good Trip
If the following conditions are met the PCM will
count one good trip (three required) in order to turn
off the MIL:
²Operating in Similar Condition Window
²1000 engine revolutions with no misfireWarm-Up Cycles
Once the MIL has been extinguished by the Good
Trip Counter, the PCM automatically switches to a
Warm-Up Cycle Counter that can be viewed on the
DRB III. Warm-Up Cycles are used to erase DTCs
and Freeze Frames. Forty Warm-Up cycles must
occur in order for the PCM to self-erase a DTC and
Freeze Frame. A Warm-Up Cycle is defined as fol-
lows:
²Engine coolant temperature must start below
and rise above 160É F
²Engine coolant temperature must rise by 40É F
²No further faults occur
Freeze Frame Data Storage
Once a failure occurs, the Task Manager records
several engine operating conditions and stores it in a
Freeze Frame. The Freeze Frame is considered one
frame of information taken by an on-board data
recorder. When a fault occurs, the PCM stores the
input data from various sensors so that technicians
can determine under what vehicle operating condi-
tions the failure occurred.
The data stored in Freeze Frame is usually
recorded when a system fails the first time for two
trip faults. Freeze Frame data will only be overwrit-
ten by a different fault with a higher priority.
CAUTION: Erasing DTCs, either with the DRB III or
by disconnecting the battery, also clears all Freeze
Frame data.
Similar Conditions Window
The Similar Conditions Window displays informa-
tion about engine operation during a monitor. Abso-
lute MAP (engine load) and Engine RPM are stored
in this window when a failure occurs. There are two
different Similar conditions Windows: Fuel System
and Misfire.
FUEL SYSTEM
²Fuel System Similar Conditions WindowÐ
An indicator that 'Absolute MAP When Fuel Sys Fail'
and 'RPM When Fuel Sys Failed' are all in the same
range when the failure occurred. Indicated by switch-
ing from 'NO' to 'YES'.
²Absolute MAP When Fuel Sys FailÐ The
stored MAP reading at the time of failure. Informs
the user at what engine load the failure occurred.
²Absolute MAPÐ A live reading of engine load
to aid the user in accessing the Similar Conditions
Window.
²RPM When Fuel Sys FailÐ The stored RPM
reading at the time of failure. Informs the user at
what engine RPM the failure occurred.
DREMISSIONS CONTROL 25 - 7
EMISSIONS CONTROL (Continued)

The NVLD device is designed with a normally open
vacuum switch, a normally closed solenoid, and a
seal, which is actuated by both the solenoid and a
diaphragm. The NVLD is located on the atmospheric
vent side of the canister. The NVLD assembly may
be mounted on top of the canister outlet, or in-line
between the canister and atmospheric vent filter. The
normally open vacuum switch will close with about 19
H2O (0.25 KPA) vacuum in the evaporative system.
The diaphragm actuates the switch. This is above the
opening point of the fuel inlet check valve in the fill
tube so cap off leaks can be detected. Submerged fill
systems must have recirculation lines that do not
have the in-line normally closed check valve that pro-
tects the system from failed nozzle liquid ingestion,
in order to detect cap off conditions.
The normally closed valve in the NVLD is intended
to maintain the seal on the evaporative system dur-
ing the engine off condition. If vacuum in the evapo-
rative system exceeds 39to 69H2O (0.75 to 1.5 KPA),
the valve will be pulled off the seat, opening the seal.
This will protect the system from excessive vacuum
as well as allowing sufficient purge flow in the event
that the solenoid was to become inoperative.
The solenoid actuates the valve to unseal the can-
ister vent while the engine is running. It also will be
used to close the vent during the medium and large
leak tests and during the purge flow check. This sole-
noid requires initial 1.5 amps of current to pull the
valve open but after 100 ms. will be duty cycled down
to an average of about 150 mA for the remainder of
the drive cycle.
Another feature in the device is a diaphragm that
will open the seal in the NVLD with pressure in the
evaporative system. The device will9blow off9at
about 0.59H2O (0.12 KPA) pressure to permit the
venting of vapors during refueling. An added benefit
to this is that it will also allow the tank to9breathe9
during increasing temperatures, thus limiting the
pressure in the tank to this low level. This is benefi-
cial because the induced vacuum during a subse-
quent declining temperature will achieve the switch
closed (pass threshold) sooner than if the tank had to
decay from a built up pressure.
The device itself has 3 wires: Switch sense, sole-
noid driver and ground. It also includes a resistor to
protect the switch from a short to battery or a short
to ground. The NGC utilizes a high-side driver to
energize and duty-cycle the solenoid.REMOVAL
The NVLD pump and filter are attached to the
front of the EVAP canister mounting bracket (Fig.
25). This is located near the front of the fuel tank.
The pump and filter are replaced (serviced) as one
unit.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Carefully remove pump hose clamp and hose at
filter.
(3) Carefully remove other vapor/vacuum hose at
pump.
(4) Disconnect 3±way electrical connector at pump.
(5) The NVLD pump snaps onto the EVAP canister
mounting bracket. Press on release tab (Fig. 26)
while sliding pump from bracket.
Fig. 25 NVLD PUMP LOCATION
1 - EVAP CANISTER MOUNTING BRACKET
2 - NVLD PUMP
3 - FILTER
25 - 24 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONSDR
NATURAL VAC LEAK DETECTION ASSY (Continued)