1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Heating and air conditioning

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

ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(3) Remove the air filter housing cover to gain
access to the accumulator (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM).
(4) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube (Fig. 22).
(5) 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).
(6) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
outlet tube fitting and discard.
(7) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and the accumulator outlet tube fitting.
(8) Loosen the bolts that secure the accumulator to
the bracket located on the dash panel.
(9) Remove the secondary retaining clip from the
spring-lock coupler that secures the accumulator to
the evaporator outlet tube.
(10) Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, dis-
connect the accumulator inlet tube fitting from the
evaporator outlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT
LINE COUPLER - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
inlet tube fitting and discard.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened accu-
mulator inlet tube fitting and the evaporator outlet
tube.
(13) Remove the accumulator from the engine com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the accumulator is being replaced, add 60
milliliters (2 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the compressor in the vehi-
cle.
(1) Position the accumulator onto the dash panel
bracket in the engine compartment. Do not tighten
the bolts at this time.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the accumulator
inlet tube fitting and the evaporator outlet tube.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the accumulator inlet
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.
(4) Connect the accumulator inlet tube fitting to
the evaporator outlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING &AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT
LINE COUPLER - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the secondary retaining clip onto the
spring-lock coupler that secures the accumulator
inlet tube fitting to the evaporator outlet tube.
(6) Tighten the accumulator bracket bolts to 4.5
N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
fitting and the accumulator outlet tube.
(8) 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.
(9) Connect the suction line to the accumulator
outlet tube (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT LINE COU-
PLER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the secondary retaining clip onto the
spring-lock coupler that secures the suction line to
the accumulator outlet tube.
(11) Install the air filter housing cover to gain
access to the accumulator (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM).
Fig. 22 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
24 - 62 PLUMBINGDR
ACCUMULATOR (Continued)

(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)

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

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

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

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)

designs. Useonlyrefrigerant oil of the same type as
recommended to service the refrigerant system
(always refer to the specification tagincluded
with the replacement A/C compressor or the under-
hood A/C system specification tag).
OPERATION
After performing any refrigerant recovery or recy-
cling operation, always replenish the refrigerant sys-
tem with the same amount of the recommended
refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant
oil can cause compressor damage, and too much can
reduce air conditioning system performance.
PAG refrigerant oil is much more hygroscopic than
mineral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes
into contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG
oil container should always be kept tightly capped
until it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil
container immediately to prevent moisture contami-
nation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
CAUTION: The refrigerant oil in the R-134a A/C sys-
tem is unique depending on the A/C compressor
used. Use only PAG oils that are designed to work
with R-134a refrigerant and the A/C compressor in
the vehicle. Always refer to the underhood A/C Sys-
tem Specification Label for the correct oil designa-
tion.
It is important to have the correct amount of lubri-
cant in the A/C refrigerant system to ensure proper
lubrication of the A/C compressor. Too little lubricant
will result in damage to the compressor. Too much
lubricant will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C
system and consequently result in higher discharge
air temperatures.
The lubricant used in the compressor is polyalka-
lene glycol PAG lubricant. Only the refrigerant lubri-
cant approved for use with this vehicle should be
used to service the system. Do not use any other
lubricant. The lubricant container should be kept
tightly capped until it is ready for use. Refrigerant
lubricant will quickly absorb any moisture it comes
in contact with.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the
A/C compressor or to add oil, unless there has beenan oil loss. An oil loss may occur due to component
replacement, or a rupture or leak from a refrigerant
line, connector fitting, component or component seal.
If a leak occurs, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of
the recommended refrigerant oil to the refrigerant
system after the repair has been made. Refrigerant
oil loss will be evident at the leak point by the pres-
ence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.
COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
When an air conditioning system is first assembled
at the factory, all components (except the A/C com-
pressor) are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant
system has been charged with (R-134a) refrigerant
and operated, the oil in the A/C compressor is dis-
persed through the lines and components. The A/C
evaporator, A/C condenser, and accumulator will
retain a significant amount of oil. Refer to the A/C
Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities table. When a
component is replaced, the specified amount of refrig-
erant oil must be added. When a new A/C compressor
is being installed, drain the lubricant from the used
compressor, measure the amount drained and discard
the used lubricant. Drain the lubricant from the new
A/C compressor into a clean container. Return the
amount of lubricant measured from the used com-
pressor, plus the amount reclaimed from the system
back into the new A/C compressor. When a line or
component has ruptured and oil has escaped, the
accumulator must be replaced along with the rup-
tured component.
A/C COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL
CAPACITIES
Component ml. oz.
Total System Fill 180 6
Accumulator 60 2
Condenser 30 1
Evaporator 60 2
Compressor Drain and measure
the oil from the old
compressor - see
text.
COMPRESSOR REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
NOTE: Most reclaim/recycling equipment will mea-
sure the lubricant being removed during recovery.
This amount of lubricant should be added back into
the system. Refer to the reclaim/recycling equip-
ment manufacturers instructions.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the system.
DRPLUMBING 24 - 69
REFRIGERANT OIL (Continued)