position should not be possible when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK or the ACCESSORY position.
(3) If the interlock system, operates in any way
other than as described above, repair of the interlock
system is required. See Adjustment and Repair pro-
cedures in this section for the required procedures.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE
When the factory fill fluid is changed, only fluids
labeled MOPARtATF PLUS 3 (Automatic Transmis-
sion fluid) Type 7176 should be used.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
30,000 MILE TRANSAXLE OIL CHANGE
When a vehicle attains 30,000 miles on its odome-
ter it is recommended that the transaxle oil be
changed. To change the oil, use the procedure that
follows:
It is recommended that a transaxle fluid exchanger
(ATF 2000+ or equivalent) be used to replace the
used fluid in the transaxle. If a fluid exchanger is not
available use a fluid suction pump (Vaculayor equiv-
alent) to draw the fluid out of the dipstick tube. If a
fluid suction pump is not available remove the oil
pan and drain the fluid.
CAUTION: Chrysler Corporation does not recom-
mend using any fluid exchanger that introduces
additives into the transaxle.
TRANSAXLE FLUID EXCHANGER METHOD
(1) To perform the transaxle fluid exchange, the
transaxle must be at operating temperature. Drive
the vehicle till it reaches full operating temperature.
(2) Verify that the fill tank on the transaxle fluid
exchanger (ATF 2000+ or equivalent) is clean and
dry.
(3) Fill the tank to the recommended fill capacity
with Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176.
(4) Hookup the vehicle to the machine following
the manufacturers instructions. Perform the
exchange procedure following the instructions pro-
vided with the machine.
(5) Once machine has completed the fluid
exchange. Check the fluid level and condition and fill
to proper level with Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176.
NOTE: Verify that the transaxle cooler lines are
tightened to proper specifications. Cooler line
torque specification is 2 N²m (18 in. lbs.).DIPSTICK TUBE FLUID SUCTION METHOD
(1) When performing the fluid suction method,
make sure the transaxle is at full operating temper-
ature.
(2) To perform the dipstick tube fluid suction
method, use a suitable fluid suction device (Vaculay
or equivalent).
(3) Insert the fluid suction line into the dipstick
tube.
NOTE: Verify that the suction line is inserted to the
lowest point of the transaxle oil pan. This will
ensure complete evacuation of the fluid in the pan.
(4) Follow the manufacturers recommended proce-
dure and evacuate the fluid from the transaxle.
(5) Remove the suction line from the dipstick tube.
(6) Add 4 Quarts of Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176
transaxle fluid.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(8) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the ADD mark on the dip-
stick.
(9) Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at
normal operating temperature. The level should be in
the HOT range.
TRANSAXLE OIL PAN DROP METHOD
This procedure involves removing the transaxle oil
pan to drain the transaxle fluid.
(1) Bring the vehicle up to normal operating tem-
perature. Drive the vehicle a minimum of 10 miles.
(2) Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
(3) Loosen the transaxle oil pan and drain the
fluid into a suitable container.
(4) Remove the pan and clean all sealant from the
pan and transaxle mating surfaces. Clean the mag-
net and the inside of the pan.
(5) Apply a 1/8 inch bead of Mopar RTV Sealant to
the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Apply
RTV Sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts.
Attach the oil pan to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts
to 19 N²m (165 in. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle and add 4 Quarts of Mopar
ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 transaxle fluid.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to idle for a min-
imum of one minute. With the parking brake applied,
press your foot on the service brake and cycle the
transaxle from park to all gear positions ending in
neutral or park.
(8) Check the transaxle fluid level and add an
appropriate amount to bring the transaxle fluid level
21 - 56 TRANSAXLEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
COMPRESSOR
The compressor used on this vehicle is a Nippon-
denso 10PA17 R-134a. This compressor uses an alu-
minum swash plate, teflon coated pistons and
aluminum sleeved cylinder walls.
CAUTION: A 10PA17 R-12 compressor looks identi-
cal to a 10PA17 R-134a and will bolt up to the vehi-
cle. The 10PA17 R-12 compressor must not be used
on this system. It is extremely important that a
10PA17 R-134a compressor is identified prior to
using compressor in question. Check tag located
on compressor for model number.
NOISE
Excessive noise that occurs when the air condition-
ing is being used may be caused by:
²Loose bolts
²Mounting brackets
²Loose compressor clutch
²Excessive high refrigerant operating pressure
Verify the following before compressor repair is
performed:
(1) Compressor drive belt condition
(2) Proper refrigerant charge
(3) Thermal expansion valve (TXV) operating cor-
rectly
(4) Head pressure is normal
COMPRESSOR FRONT SHAFT SEAL
The compressor front shaft seal is not serviceable.
If a leak is detected at the shaft seal, the compressor
must be replaced as a unit.
CONDENSATION DRAIN TUBE
Condensation that accumulates in the evaporator
housing is drained from a tube through the dash and
on to the ground. This tube must be kept open to
prevent condensate water from collecting in the bot-
tom of the housing.
The tapered end of the drain tube is designed to
keep contaminants from entering the heater A/C unit
housing. If the tube is pinched or blocked, condensate
cannot drain, causing water to back up and spill into
the passenger compartment. It is normal to see con-
densate drainage below the vehicle. If the tube is
damaged, it should be replaced.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
To maintain ample temperature levels from the
heating-A/C system, the cooling system must be in
proper working order. Refer to Group 0, Lubrication
and Maintenance or Group 7, Cooling System of this
manual.
The use of a bug screen is not recommended. Any
obstructions forward of the condenser can reduce the
effectiveness of the air conditioning system.
EVAPORATOR PROBE
The evaporator probe can be replaced without hav-
ing to remove the unit housing from the vehicle.
The evaporator probe is located in the unit housing
and placed in the evaporator fins. The probe prevents
evaporator freeze-up. This is done by cycling the com-
pressor clutch OFF when evaporator temperature
drops below freeze point. It cycles ON when the
evaporator temperature rises above freeze point. The
evaporator probe uses a thermistor probe in a capil-
lary tube. The tube is inserted between the evapora-
tor fins in the heater-A/C unit housing.
HANDLING TUBING AND FITTINGS
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in
the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the
capacity of the entire system. High pressures are pro-
duced in the system when it is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure that all connec-
tions are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter
the system when it is opened for repair or replace-
ment of lines or components. The refrigerant oil will
absorb moisture readily out of the air. This moisture
will convert into acids within a closed system.
Fig. 7 Resistor Block
24 - 4 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
SERVICING REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL
CAUTION: The refrigerant oil used in a R-134a A/C
system is unique. Use only oils which were
designed to work with R-134a refrigerant. The oil
designated for this vehicle is ND8 PAG (polyalka-
lene glycol).
Recovery/recycling equipment will measure the
lubricant being removed. This is the amount of lubri-
cant to be added back to the system. If a new com-
pressor is being installed, drain lubricant from old
compressor, measure the amount drained and discard
old lubricant. Drain the lubricant from the new com-
pressor into a clean container. Return the amount of
lubricant measured from the old compressor, plus the
amount reclaimed from the system back into the new
compressor.
(1) Discharge refrigerant system using recovery/re-
cycling equipment if charge is present.
(2) Disconnect refrigerant lines from A/C compres-
sor. Cap the open lines to prevent moisture from
entering system.
(3) Remove compressor from vehicle.
(4) From suction port on top of compressor, drain
lubricant from compressor.
(5) Add system capacity minus the capacity of
components that have not been replaced. Refer to the
Lubricant Capacity Chart. Add lubricant through the
suction port on compressor. This is not to exceed 200
ml (6.75 oz.) in total.
(6) Install compressor and connect refrigerant
lines. Then evacuate and charge refrigerant system.
SYSTEM LEAK CHECKING
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
LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY
IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY
APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE
REQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE.
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 thistest A/C liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to Empty Refrigerant System Leak Test.
If liquid line pressure is greater than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to low refrigerant level leak test. 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 fittings, 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 procedures as indicated by the
symptoms.
EMPTY REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAK TEST
(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 .284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge
to be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense .284 Kg. (10 oz.) of
refrigerant into the evacuated refrigerant system.
(4) Proceed to Step 2 of Low Refrigerant Level
Leak Test.
LOW REFRIGERANT LEVEL LEAK TEST
(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:
²Transaxle in Park
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 Chrysler approved refrigerant dye.
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 17
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)