1999 DODGE RAM ECO mode

panel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Fig. 6: Removing Cluster Bezel (Ram Pickup)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
ACCUMULATOR
Removal & Installation
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
clutch cycling pressure switch connector.
2) On Dakota, remove nuts securing cruise control servo
mounting bracket to studs on cowl plenum panel (if equipped). Move
servo far enough to access accumulator refrigerant lines.
3) On all models, disconnect refrigerant lines from A/C
compressor and evaporator. Plug or cover all openings in A/C system.
Loosen support bracket screw. Remove accumulator.
4) To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new "O"
rings. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
BLOWER MOTOR
Removal (Dakota & Durango - Front)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove and disassemble
A/C-heater assembly. See A/C-HEATER ASSEMBLY. Disconnect blower motor
lead at bottom of housing. Remove 6 screws and blower motor housing
cover.
2) Remove 3 screws and blower motor and fan assembly. Place
reference marks on blower motor and fan for reassembly reference.
Remove blower fan retainer clip. Pull blower motor fan off blower
motor shaft.
Installation
Align reference marks. Press blower fan hub onto blower motor
shaft. Ensure retainer clip ears are indexed over flats of blower
motor shaft and fan hub. To complete installation, reverse removal

install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup - Front)
Blower motor resistor is located under glove box, attached to
blower motor housing. See Fig. 5. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove blower motor resistor connector. Remove resistor retaining
screws. Remove blower motor resistor. To install, reverse removal
procedure.
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH (REAR)
Removal & Installation (Durango)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Pry above indentations at
outer perimeter of rear blower motor switch. Pull rear blower motor
switch and disconnect electrical connector. Remove rear blower motor
switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.
COMPRESSOR
Removal & Installation
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
refrigerant lines and plug or cover all openings in A/C system.
2) Remove drive belt. Disconnect compressor electrical leads.
Remove compressor mounting nuts and bolts. Remove compressor. Drain
oil from compressor, and record amount of oil drained.
3) To install, reverse removal procedure. Using new
refrigerant oil, add to compressor the same amount of oil drained from
it. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
CONDENSER
NOTE: Before removing condenser, note location of radiator and
condenser air seals. If air seals are not installed properly,
A/C and engine cooling systems will not perform properly.
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
A/C fittings at inlet and outlet of condenser. Plug or cover all
openings in A/C system.
2) On Dakota, remove bolts securing radiator and fan shroud
to inside of upper radiator crossmember. Remove top mounting bolts
securing condenser to upper crossmember. Tilt top of radiator and fan
shroud toward engine.
3) On Ram Pickup (gasoline engine), remove bolts securing
condenser upper mounting brackets to outside of upper radiator
crossmember. Tilt condenser away from engine compartment far enough to
grasp top of condenser with both hands. On Ram Pickup (diesel engine),\
remove bolts securing condenser to charge air cooler. On all models,
lift condenser assembly from vehicle.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new "O" rings
to fittings. Fill cooling system. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
EVAPORATOR CORE & HEATER CORE
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango - Front)
Remove instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANEL. Remove A/C-
heater assembly. See A/C-HEATER ASSEMBLY. With A/C-heater housing
removed, remove housing cover. Remove evaporator core or heater core

BLOWER MOTOR VIBRATION
Possible causes of blower motor vibration include:
* Improper blower motor mounting.
* Improper blower wheel or fan mounting.
* Blower wheel or fan out of balance.
* Blower motor faulty.
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE
Possible causes of blower motor noise include:
* Foreign material in blower motor housing.
* Foreign material in A/C-heater housing.
* Improper blower motor mounting.
* Improper blower wheel or fan mounting.
* Blower motor faulty.
VACUUM CONTROL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
VACUUM CONTROL ONE-WAY CHECK VALVE
NOTE: Some models use brake booster check valve for vacuum source.
These models do not use another in-line vacuum check valve.
1) In engine compartment, locate Black vacuum hose that runs
from brake booster check valve or intake manifold, through firewall
near heater hoses or expansion valve. This supply vacuum hose goes to
A/C-heater control panel vacuum switch.
2) Within Black vacuum hose, disconnect and remove check
valve near intake manifold or brake booster. Connect vacuum gauge to
an external vacuum pump. Start vacuum pump. Plug end of hose probe on
vacuum gauge. Adjust bleed valve on vacuum gauge to obtain an exact
vacuum reading of 8 in. Hg.
3) Unplug and plug end of hose probe on vacuum gauge several
times to ensure exact vacuum reading. Connect vacuum gauge hose probe
to control panel side of check valve. Vacuum gauge reading should be 8
in. Hg. Replace check valve if vacuum leak exists.
4) Connect vacuum gauge hose probe to engine side of check
valve. Vacuum should flow through check valve. Replace check valve if
operation is not as described.
VACUUM CONTROLS
1) This test checks for proper function of control panel
vacuum circuits. Perform steps 1) through 4) under VACUUM CONTROL ONE-\
WAY CHECK VALVE.
2) Connect vacuum gauge hose probe to Black vacuum hose end
that leads to A/C-heater control panel switch. Position vacuum gauge
so gauge reading can be observed from inside vehicle.
3) Operate A/C-heater controls (sliding lever or push
buttons) in all mode positions (floor, defrost, panel, etc.). Pause
after each selection to allow vacuum actuators or motors to energize
and stabilize. Record vacuum gauge reading at each selection.
4) After each selection, vacuum reading should be 7.5-8 in.
Hg. Maximum vacuum reading drop is .75 in. Hg. If proper vacuum
reading cannot be obtained, vacuum leak exists in selected circuit.
5) To check for vacuum leak(s), disconnect 7-way A/C-heater
control panel vacuum harness connector. See Fig. 1. If necessary,
remove control panel from instrument panel to access A/C-heater
control panel vacuum harness connector, or remove lower instrument


A/C S YSTE M G EN ER AL S ER VIC IN G
1999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
1999 GENERAL SERVICING
A/C System General Servicing
All Models
USING R-134a REFRIGERANT
HANDLING/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1) Always work in a well-ventilated, clean area. Refrigerant
is colorless and invisible as a gas. Refrigerant is heavier than
oxygen and will displace oxygen in a confined area. Avoid breathing
refrigerant vapors. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat.
2) Always wear eye protection when working around A/C system
and refrigerant. The system's high pressure can cause severe injury to
eyes and skin if a hose were to burst. If necessary, wear rubber
gloves or other protective clothing.
3) Refrigerant evaporates quickly when exposed to atmosphere,
freezing anything it contacts. If liquid refrigerant contacts eyes or
skin (frostbite), DO NOT rub eyes or skin. Immediately flush affected
area with cool water for 15 minutes and consult a doctor or hospital.
4) Never use R-134a in combination with compressed air for
leak testing. Pressurized R-134a in the presence of oxygen (air
concentrations greater than 60 percent by volume) may form a
combustible mixture. DO NOT introduce compressed air into R-134a
containers (full or empty), A/C system components, or service
equipment.
5) DO NOT expose A/C system components to high temperatures
(steam cleaning for example), as excessive heat will cause refrigerant\
system pressure to increase. Never expose refrigerant directly to open
flame. If refrigerant needs to be warmed, place bottom of refrigerant
tank in warm water. Water temperature MUST NOT exceed 125
F (52C).
CAUTION: When R-134a is exposed to an open flame, drawn into engine,
or detected with a Halide (propane) leak tester, a poisonous
gas is formed. Keep work areas well ventilated.
6) Use care when handling refrigerant containers. DO NOT
drop, strike, puncture, or incinerate containers. Use DOT 4BW or DOT
4BA approved refrigerant containers.
7) Never overfill refrigerant containers. The safe filling
level of a refrigerant container MUST NOT exceed 60\% of the
container's gross weight rating. Store refrigerant containers at
temperatures less than 125
F (52C).
8) R-134a refrigerant is sold and stored in 30- or 50-pound
Light Blue containers, while Freon (R-12) is stored in White colored
containers.
9) Refrigerant R-12 and R-134a must never be mixed, as they
and their desiccants and lubricants are not compatible. If the
refrigerants are mixed, system cross-contamination or A/C system
component failure may occur. Always use separate servicing and
refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.
10) Read and follow equipment manufacturer's instructions for
all service equipment to be used. The Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS), provided by refrigerant manufacturer/supplier, contains
valuable information regarding the safe handling of refrigerants.
IDENTIFYING R-134a SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS

ORIFICE TUBE REPLACEMENT
CHRYSLER CORP.
Removal & Installation (Dakota)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
liquid line at condenser outlet tube. Cover open refrigerant fittings
to protect from moisture and dirt.
2) Using 2 wrenches, loosen tube fitting and separate front
half of liquid line from rear half of liquid line. Using needle nose
pliers, remove fixed orifice tube from rear half of liquid line. Note
fixed orifice tube orientation for correct installation.
3) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure fixed
orifice tube is positioned correctly. Evacuate, charge, and leak test
A/C system. Ensure A/C system operates properly.
NOTE: On Ram Pickup, if the fixed orifice tube is faulty or
plugged, the liquid line and orifice tube must be replaced as
an assembly.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect
liquid line from evaporator inlet and condenser outlet tubes. Cover
open refrigerant fittings to protect from moisture and dirt.
Disconnect liquid line retaining clips. Remove liquid line and orifice
tube. To install, reverse removal procedure. Evacuate, charge, and
leak test A/C system. Ensure A/C system operates properly.
FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Replace orifice tube whenever compressor is replaced. Fixed
orifice tube is located in the condenser-to-evaporator liquid
line.
NOTE: DO NOT use pliers to remove fixed orifice tube or twist
orifice tube in liquid line. Doing so will cause plastic
orifice tube body to break inside condenser-to-evaporator
liquid line.
Fixed Orifice Tube Replacement (Except Continental, Mustang &
Villager)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. On Contour
and Mystique, move power steering fluid reservoir to one side without
disconnecting hoses.
2) On all models, disconnect condenser-to-evaporator
discharge (liquid) line. Remove and discard "O" rings from line. Pour
a small amount of refrigerant oil into inlet to lubricate orifice "O"
rings.
3) Insert orifice tube remover/installer into tube and turn
tool to right to engage tangs on orifice tube. See Fig. 18. Hold "T"
handle of tool and slowly tighten nut down onto discharge line to
slowly pull orifice tube out. If orifice tube breaks off when removal
is attempted, use orifice tube extractor to pull the broken section
out. See Fig. 19.
4) Ensure replacement orifice tube is fitted with "O" ring(s)\
lubricated with clean refrigerant oil. Insert tube with short end
toward evaporator, until seated. Reconnect high pressure line. On
Contour and Mystique, tighten connection to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m).

evaporator inlet line and "O" rings with refrigerant oil. Lubricate
orifice tube and "O" ring with refrigerant oil. Insert orifice tube
into evaporator inlet line with short screen toward condenser.
2) Tighten liquid line nut to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m). To
complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Evacuate, charge,
and test system for proper operation.
Removal ("F" Body)
Discharge A/C system, using approved recovery/recycling
equipment. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect A/C pressure
switch connector. Use a backup wrench to hold evaporator fitting, and
loosen evaporator liquid line fitting. Remove bolt. Disconnect
evaporator liquid line. Remove and discard "O" rings. Using needle-
nose pliers, remove orifice tube from evaporator inlet line.
Installation
1) Clean evaporator line fitting with refrigerant oil. Coat
inside of inlet line and evaporator line "O" rings with refrigerant
oil. Lubricate orifice tube and "O" ring with refrigerant oil and
insert them into inlet line. Insert orifice tube into evaporator inlet
line with long screen inlet end toward condenser.
2) Tighten bolt to 12 ft. lbs. (16 N.m). Tighten evaporator
line fitting to 28 ft. lbs. (38 N.m). To complete installation,
reverse removal procedure. Evacuate, charge, and test system for
proper operation.
Removal ("J" & "N" Body)
1) Locate orifice tube. See ORIFICE TUBE LOCATION &
REMOVER/INSTALLER APPLICATION table. Discharge A/C system, using
approved recovery/recycling equipment. On "J" body, remove upper
closeout panel. On "N" body, raise and support vehicle. On all models,
disconnect condenser-to-evaporator line at condenser outlet and
discard "O" rings.
2) Disconnect condenser-to-evaporator line clip on right side
body rail, behind engine mount. Remove orifice tube using Orifice Tube
Remover/Installer (J-26549-E) or needle-nose pliers.
3) If difficulty is encountered during removal of a plugged
or restricted orifice tube, remove as much residue as possible. Using
a heat gun, carefully apply heat 1/4" from dimples on condenser inlet
line. Be careful not to overheat line.
4) If A/C pressure switch is located near orifice tube,
remove switch to protect it from heat. While heat is being applied,
grip orifice tube using orifice tube remover/installer or needle-nose
pliers. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen
and remove orifice tube.
Installation
1) Coat inside of condenser inlet line and "O" rings with
refrigerant oil. Lubricate orifice tube "O" ring with refrigerant oil
and insert into condenser inlet line. Insert orifice tube into
condenser inlet line with shorter screen toward evaporator.
2) Connect condenser-to-evaporator line clip on right side
body rail. Lubricate "O" rings and connect condenser inlet line.
Tighten condenser inlet line nut to 12 ft. lbs. (16 N.m). Install
closeout panel. Evacuate, charge, and test system for proper
operation.
Removal ("W" Body)
1) Locate orifice tube. See ORIFICE TUBE LOCATION &
REMOVER/INSTALLER APPLICATION table. Remove air cleaner and duct
assembly. Discharge A/C system, using approved recovery/recycling
equipment. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect ABS modulator
and A/C pressure sensor/fan switch electrical connectors.

2) Disconnect liquid line/suction line bracket. Disconnect
liquid line at orifice tube. Remove orifice tube using specified
orifice tube remover/installer. See ORIFICE TUBE LOCATION &
REMOVER/INSTALLER APPLICATION table.
3) If difficulty is encountered during removal of a plugged
or restricted orifice tube, remove as much residue as possible. Using
a heat gun, carefully heat inlet line. If inlet line has small
dimples, apply heat 1/4" from dimples. Be careful not to overheat
line.
4) If A/C pressure switch is located near orifice tube,
remove switch to protect it from heat. While heat is being applied,
grip orifice tube using needle-nose pliers. Use a turning motion along
with a push-pull motion to loosen and remove orifice tube.
Installation
1) Coat inside of inlet line and "O" ring with refrigerant
oil. Lubricate orifice tube and "O" ring with refrigerant oil and
insert them into inlet line. Insert orifice tube into evaporator inlet
line with short screen toward condenser.
2) Tighten liquid line fitting at orifice tube to 20 ft. lbs.
(27 N.m). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
Evacuate, charge, and test system for proper operation.
Removal ("C" & "K" Series)
1) Discharge A/C system, using approved recovery/recycling
equipment. On models equipped with front A/C system only, remove front
grille. Using a backup wrench, loosen condenser-to-evaporator (liquid)\
line fitting at condenser and disconnect line.
2) On models equipped with rear A/C system, loosen condenser-
to-evaporator (liquid) line fitting between junction block and
evaporator. If necessary, remove air cleaner assembly.
3) On all models, remove and discard fitting "O" ring. Using
Orifice Tube Remover/Installer (J-26549-E), remove orifice tube from
liquid line. If difficulty is encountered during removal of a plugged
or restricted orifice tube, remove as much residue as possible.
4) Using a heat gun, carefully apply heat 1/4" from dimples
on liquid line. Be careful not to overheat line. If A/C pressure
switch is located near orifice tube, remove switch to protect it from
heat.
5) While heat is being applied, grip orifice tube using
orifice tube remover/installer. Use a turning motion along with a
push-pull motion to loosen and remove orifice tube.
Installation
1) Clean liquid line fitting with refrigerant oil. Coat
inside of liquid line and "O" ring with refrigerant oil. Lubricate
orifice tube and "O" ring with refrigerant oil and insert them into
liquid line. Insert longer orifice tube screen (inlet end) into
condenser outlet line first, toward condenser.
2) Tighten liquid line fitting to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m). To
complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Evacuate, charge,
and test system for proper operation.
Removal ("G", "L" & "M" Series)
1) Discharge A/C system, using approved recovery/recycling
equipment. Using a backup wrench, loosen evaporator inlet (liquid)
line fitting at evaporator. Disconnect inlet line. Remove and discard
"O" ring(s). Using Orifice Tube Remover/Installer (J-26549-E), remov\
e
orifice tube from liquid line.
2) If difficulty is encountered during removal of a plugged
or restricted orifice tube, remove as much residue as possible. Using
a heat gun, carefully apply heat 1/4" from dimples on liquid line. Be
careful not to overheat line.

Avenger 2.5L & Sebring Coupe 2.5L
Connect approved recovery/recycling equipment to vehicle.
Evacuate A/C system using recovery/recycling equipment according to
manufacturer's instructions.
Dakota, Durango, Ram Pickup & Ram Van/Wagon
1) Connect approved recovery/recycling equipment and manifold
gauge set. Fully open manifold gauge set low-side and high-side
valves, and start vacuum pump. Operate vacuum pump until low-side
vacuum reading of 26 in. Hg or more. Close all valves and turn vacuum
pump off. Observe vacuum gauge and go to next step.
2) If A/C system maintains specified vacuum for 5 minutes,
restart vacuum pump, open low-side and high-side valves, and evacuate
system for an additional 10 minutes. Close all valves. Turn vacuum
pump off and disconnect pump.
3) If A/C system cannot get to or maintain specified vacuum,
check for a defective vacuum pump or a leak in A/C system or gauge
set. See LEAK TESTING. Repair or replace components as necessary.
All Other Models
1) Connect approved recovery/recycling equipment and manifold
gauge set to vacuum pump. Fully open manifold gauge set suction and
discharge valves, and start vacuum pump. Operate vacuum pump at least
45 minutes with a low-side vacuum reading of 26 in. Hg or more (28 in.
Hg or more on Neon). Close all valves. Turn vacuum pump off and
observe vacuum gauge.
2) If A/C system maintains specified vacuum for 30 minutes,
open all valves, start vacuum pump and operate for an additional 10
minutes. Close all valves. Turn vacuum pump off and disconnect pump.
If A/C system cannot get to or maintain specified vacuum for 30
minutes, check for a defective vacuum pump or leak in A/C system or
gauge set. See LEAK TESTING. Repair or replace A/C system components
as necessary.
FORD MOTOR CO.
1) If using approved Recovery/Recycling/Charging Center (023-\
00150) connect to high-side and low-side service valves. See SERVICE
VALVE LOCATIONS under SYSTEM SERVICE VALVES. Connect manifold gauge
set center hose to vacuum pump.
2) Open both valves on manifold gauge set. Operate vacuum
pump until low-side vacuum reading is at least 29.5 in. Hg (as close
to 30 in. Hg as possible). Operate vacuum pump for at least 45
minutes.
3) Close both valves on manifold gauge set. Turn off vacuum
pump. Observe low-side gauge. Any loss of vacuum in 5 minutes
indicates a system leak. Perform leak testing procedure. See LEAK
TESTING. Repair system as necessary and repeat evacuation procedure.
GENERAL MOTORS
Manufacturer recommends using A/C Refrigerant Recovery,
Recycling And Recharging (ACR4) System (J-39500). The ACR4 system ha\
s
one filtering cycle during recovery plus an automatic multiple pass
filtering during evacuation cycle. Follow manufacturer's instructions
provided with ACR4 equipment being used.
JEEP
1) Connect approved recovery/recycling equipment and manifold
gauge set. Fully open manifold gauge set low-side and high-side
valves, and start vacuum pump. Operate vacuum pump until low-side