1999 DODGE RAM brake

knob pointer) is flush with base of A/C-heater control panel.
5) Rotate temperature control knob to its full clockwise
stop. Release knob. Knob pointer should be aimed at end of Red stripe.
If knob is pointed at end of Red stripe, go to next step. If knob is
not pointed at end of Red stripe, go back to step 2) and repeat
adjustment procedure.
6) Rotate temperature control knob to its full
counterclockwise stop. Release knob. If knob springs back, self-
adjuster clip securing temperature control cable to blend-air door
lever is improperly installed. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE R & I. If
knob does not spring back, temperature control cable adjustment is
complete.
TESTING
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and
carefully follow all SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM procedures in AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY
article.
A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL TEST
1) Connect a vacuum gauge in line with Black A/C-heater
vacuum supply hose, located at tee near power brake booster (Dakota)
or in engine compartment (Durango and Ram Pickup). Position gauge so
it can be viewed from passenger compartment.
2) Start engine. While observing gauge, rotate mode control
knob to each mode position (one position at a time). Pause after each
selection. Test gauge should drop, then return to 8 in. Hg shortly
after each selection is made. If gauge reading is as specified, go to
next step. If gauge reading is not as specified, check for vacuum leak
in vacuum lines or A/C-heater control panel.
3) Move temperature control knob quickly to full hot and full
cold positions. A distinct sound of blend-air door hitting its stops
should be heard. No spring-back of knob should exist.
4) If temperature control knob operates as specified,
temperature control system is okay. On Dakota and Durango, if
temperature control knob does not operate as specified, check
condition, routing, installation, and adjustment of temperature
control cable. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENT . Also check
blend air door for proper installation, obstructions, or faulty seals.
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
1) Park vehicle out of direct sunlight. Ensure ambient
temperature is at least 70F (21C). Connect tachometer and manifold
gauge set to vehicle. Turn A/C on. Turn mode control to panel and
recirculated air positions, temperature control lever to maximum
cooling, and blower to high.
2) Start engine and allow it to run at 1000 RPM, with A/C
compressor clutch engaged. Engine should be at operating temperature
with doors, windows, and hood closed. Insert thermometer into left
center air outlet.
3) Run engine and operate system for 5 minutes. The A/C
compressor clutch may cycle, depending on temperature. If A/C
compressor clutch cycles, stop engine and disconnect negative battery
cable. Remove clutch cycling pressure switch connector. Place a jumper
wire across terminals of clutch cycling pressure switch harness
connector.
4) Connect negative battery cable. Turn A/C on. Start and

assembly towards right side of vehicle and remove rear A/C-heater
assembly.
5) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure all wiring
and hoses are clear and not pinched. Tighten bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Removal (Ram Pickup - Front)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system.
In engine compartment, remove coolant hoses from heater core tubes.
Remove coolant overflow bottle.
2) Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant
recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect refrigerant lines from
evaporator and plug or cover all openings in A/C system. Remove
instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANEL. Remove Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) and position aside. DO NOT disconnect 60-pin connector
from PCM.
3) Remove attaching nuts from studs on engine compartment
side of dash panel. Remove defrost duct. Disconnect electrical
connectors. Remove attaching nuts from studs in passenger compartment
side of dash panel. Remove A/C-heater assembly from vehicle. See
Fig. 5 .
4) Place A/C-heater assembly upside-down on work bench.
Remove screw securing floor duct to bottom of A/C-heater assembly and
slide floor duct off of center heat duct adapter. Unsnap center heat
duct adapter from bottom of A/C-heater assembly housing. Remove screw
hidden behind adapter. Remove remaining screws and separate A/C-heater
assembly.
Installation
Ensure mode door pivot pins are properly inserted in holes.
To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL R & I
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. On models equipped with
A/T, unlock ignition switch. Set parking brake and place gear selector
lever in "L" position. If equipped, set tilt steering column in lowest
position.
2) On all models, carefully pry bezel away from instrument
panel to disengage clips. Unplug connectors from cigarette lighter and
auxiliary power outlet. Disconnect fog light switch (if equipped).
Remove A/C-heater control panel screws.
3) Pull control panel outward enough to disconnect wiring
connector, vacuum harness, and temperature control cable. Remove A/C-
heater control panel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust
temperature control cable. See TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENT .
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Reach under driver's
side of instrument panel, near transmission tunnel and unplug A/C-
heater control panel to A/C-heater assembly vacuum harness connector.
Disconnect vacuum harness from center air duct.
2) On models equipped with A/T, unlock ignition switch. Set
parking brake and place gear selector lever in "L" position. If
equipped, set tilt steering column in lowest position.
3) On all models, remove screw securing cluster bezel to
instrument panel. See Fig. 6. Carefully pry bezel away from instrument
panel to disengage clips. Unplug connectors from cigarette lighter and
auxiliary power outlet.
4) Remove 4 screws attaching A/C-heater control panel. Pull
control panel outward enough to disconnect wiring connector, vacuum
harness and temperature control cable. Remove A/C-heater control

from housing. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new "O"
rings to A/C fittings. Evacuate and charge A/C system.
Removal & Installation (Durango - Rear Evaporator Core)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Discharge A/C system,
using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove
headliner from passenger compartment of vehicle. Remove sun visors and
sun visor arm supports.
2) Remove coat hooks, overhead assist handle and dome light.
If equipped, remove overhead console. Remove air outlet bezel from
rear A/C-heater assembly. Remove rear blower motor switch. Remove
upper liftgate opening trim. Disengage "A", "B", "C", and "D" pillar
trim as necessary to prevent trim panel interference.
3) Move second and third row seats to cargo position. Move
front seats to full recline position. Remove headliner fasteners.
Carefully bow headliner and remove through lift gate opening.
4) Disconnect "B" pillar drain hoses from "Y" fittings.
Disconnect "B" pillar refrigerant lines and plug or cover all openings
in A/C system. Remove lower A/C-heater assembly cover. Remove screws
securing refrigerant tube and retaining strap to right side of upper
housing cover. Remove evaporator core. To install, reverse removal
procedure. Install new "O" rings to A/C fittings. Evacuate and charge
A/C system.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup - Front)
1) Remove and disassemble A/C-heater housing. See
A/C-HEATER ASSEMBLY . Separate halves of A/C-heater housing and remove
top half. Remove evaporator or heater core from housing.
2) To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new "O"
rings to A/C fittings. Evacuate and charge A/C system. Fill cooling
system. On 5.9L diesel engine, engine is equipped with a one-way check
valve. DO NOT run engine while filling cooling system. Fill engine
with engine turned off.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Removal & Installation (Dakota & Durango)
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system.
See AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY article. Place front wheels in straight-
ahead position. Remove sill trim from both doorways. Remove kick panel
covers from both sides of vehicle. Remove mounting screws for hood
release handle.
2) Remove steering column trim panel and support bracket.
Remove tilt steering column lever (if equipped). Remove upper and
lower shrouds from steering column. Unplug driver's side air bag
module. Loosen multifunction switch wiring harness connector screw and
disconnect from switch. Screw will remain in connector.
3) Disconnect PRNDL cable. Disconnect shift cable from
steering column. Remove steering coupler lock pin. Remove toe plate
retaining screws. Remove steering column mounting bolts and remove
steering column from vehicle.
4) Remove screw from bulkhead wiring harness connector and
disconnect. Disconnect 2 body wiring harness connectors located next
to bulkhead connector. Disconnect 3 wiring harness connectors, from
junction block, located nearest to dash panel. Disconnect brake light
switch connector. Disconnect Rear Wheel Anti-Lock (RWAL) brake module
(if equipped), located near steering column support brackets.
5) Disconnect plastic retainer clip from parking brake
linkage rod, located at back of parking brake release handle. Remove
rod end from parking brake handle. Remove instrument panel center
support bracket. Unplug vacuum harness connector located at left end
of A/C-heater housing. Disconnect Air Bag Control Module (ACM)
connector.

6) Remove glove box. Reach through glove box opening and
disconnect antenna coaxial cable connector. Disconnect blower motor
connector located above glove box opening, near support brace for A/C-
heater housing. Disconnect radio ground strap. Loosen instrument panel
roll down bracket bolts about 2 turns, located at lower corners on
both sides of instrument panel. Remove 5 screws across top of dash
panel at base of windshield, removing center screw last.
7) Roll down instrument panel and install a temporary support
hook that is about 18" (457 mm) in length. Install hook from center
hole in instrument panel to center hole of dash panel. Pull lower
instrument panel outward until both roll down bracket bolts are in
slotted roll down position. Instrument panel should now be supported
and away from firewall.
8) Disconnect 2 door harness connectors, located on a bracket
near right end of instrument panel. Disconnect blower motor resistor.
Disconnect temperature control cable from A/C-heater housing and
remove from housing. See Fig. 5. Disconnect demister duct flexible
hose from A/C-heater housing.
9) Ensure instrument panel is free and clear for removal.
With the aid of an assistant, remove temporary support hook. Lift
instrument panel off of roll down bracket bolts and remove from
vehicle.
10) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure all wiring
and hoses are clear and not pinched. Tighten bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Enable air bag system. See
AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY article.
Removal & Installation (Ram Pickup)
1) Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY article.
Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cooling system. Remove left
and right kick panel trim. Remove 5 screws and knee bolster/steering
column cover. Remove hood release and parking brake release handle
screws from lower instrument panel support. Remove 6 screws and
instrument panel support. Disconnect air bag connector at lower left
corner of instrument panel.
2) Pull PRNDL cable and twist to remove from position arm.
Push tab on bottom of cable retainer upward, then squeeze sides to
remove retainer from column. Remove tilt lever (tilt column only).
Remove both upper and lower shrouds from column. Remove lower fixed
column shroud. Loosen multifunction switch connector screw. Screw will
remain in connector.
3) Remove remaining steering column electrical connectors.
Remove air bag wiring harness from steering column wiring trough.
Remove wiring trough from steering column. Remove 3 toe plate nuts and
washers.
4) Remove 2 nuts and washers attaching steering column
bracket to instrument panel steering column support bracket. Allow
column to lower and rest on seat. Remove 2 screws from bottom of Air
Bag Control Module (ACM) cover. Remove 4 screws holding ACM to
transmission tunnel.
5) Disconnect wiring at ACM. Disconnect instrument panel left
side wiring connectors. Remove screw holding brake release to bottom
of instrument panel. Disconnect instrument panel right side wiring
connectors, which includes 2 connectors attached to A/C-heater
assembly housing, courtesy light connector, antenna cable and 2 body
connectors. Disconnect vacuum harness from A/C-heater system.
6) Remove 5 screws holding instrument panel to dash. Loosen
lower instrument panel pivot bolts. Roll instrument panel downward.
Remove instrument panel from vehicle.
7) To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure all wiring
and hoses are clear and not pinched. Tighten bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Enable air bag system. See
AIR BAG SYSTEM SAFETY article.

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

vacuum reading of 26 in. Hg or more. Close all valves and turn vacuum
pump off. Observe vacuum gauge, go to next step.
2) If A/C system maintains specified vacuum for 5 minutes,
open low-side and high-side valves, restart vacuum pump and operate
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 leak in A/C system or gauge set.
See LEAK TESTING. Repair or replace components as necessary.
CHARGING A/C SYSTEM
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
CAUTION: During charging of A/C system, refrigerant container must be
in an upright position. If refrigerant container is
upside down, compressor may be damaged by liquid refrigerant
drawn into A/C system.
CHRYSLER CORP.
Avenger 2.0L & Sebring Coupe 2.0L
1) Ensure A/C system has no leaks and has been evacuated. See
EVACUATING A/C SYSTEM and LEAK TESTING. Locate sight glass on
receiver-drier and ensure it is clean. Close low-pressure adapter
valve and remove from manifold gauge set.
2) Connect low-pressure adapter valve to refrigerant
container and open container valve. Ensure Blue charging hose is
properly connected to vehicle low-pressure service valve. Open adapter
valve.
3) If refrigerant is not drawn in, fully close adapter valve
and check for hose connection leaks. If leak is detected, retighten
connections and repeat A/C system evacuation. See EVACUATING A/C
SYSTEM.
4) If refrigerant is drawn in, start engine. Turn A/C on and
set temperature control to maximum cold and blower motor to low speed.
Operate engine at 1500 RPM. As refrigerant is drawn into system, foam
or bubbles will appear in sight glass.
5) System charge will be close to full when sight glass is
clear, compressor clutch is engaged, and compressor suction and
discharge line temperatures are similar. System charge will be
complete when sight glass is clear, compressor clutch is engaged,
compressor discharge line is warm and suction line is cool.
6) When proper amount of refrigerant has been added, stop
engine. Close refrigerant container and adapter valve, and disconnect
gauge set.
Breeze, Cirrus, Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, Stratus & 300M (Scan
Tool Method)
1) Attach Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB) to Data Link Connecto\
r
(DLC). Set DRB (scan tool) to PARTIAL CHARGE TEST. Attach clamp-on
Thermocouple (80PK-1A) to liquid line, as close to condenser outlet as\
possible.
2) Set parking brake, and place transaxle in Park position.
Start engine and allow to idle. Set A/C controls to outside air, panel
mode, full cool, and high blower speed. Turn A/C on, and open vehicle
windows. Operate A/C system for a few minutes to allow system to
stabilize.
3) Place cardboard over front grille area, to block airflow
through part of condenser, to set A/C system pressure to 260 psi (18.3
kg/cm
). This will stop cooling fans from alternating speeds and
maintain constant pressure.

4) Scan tool will automatically calculate system charge.
Depending on system charge condition, corrections are made 2 ounces at
a time. Each time a correction is made, recheck readings to ensure
proper charge. For system refrigerant capacity, see REFRIGERANT OIL &
REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article.
Breeze, Cirrus, Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, Stratus & 300M
(Manifold Gauge Set Method)
1) Attach clamp-on Thermocouple (80PK-1A) to liquid line, as\
close to condenser outlet as possible. Attach manifold gauge set to
vehicle.
2) Set parking brake, and place transaxle in Park position.
Start engine and allow to idle. Set A/C controls to outside air, panel
mode, full cool, and high blower speed. Turn A/C on, and open windows.
Operate system for a few minutes to allow system to stabilize.
3) Place cardboard over front grille area, to block airflow
through part of condenser, to set A/C pressure to 260 psi (18.3
kg/cm
). This will stop cooling fans from alternating speeds and
maintain constant pressure.
4) Record temperature reading at liquid line and discharge
pressure reading on gauges. Compare readings with values in
REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL table.
5) Depending on system charge condition, corrections are made
2 ounces at a time. Each time a correction is made, recheck readings
to ensure proper charge. For system refrigerant capacity, see
REFRIGERANT OIL & REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article.
REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL









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Liquid Line Temp. ( 1) Discharge PressureF (C) psi (kg/cm)
40 (4.4) ........................................... 53-75 (3.7-5.3\
)
60 (15.6) ......................................... 81-104 (5.7-7.3\
)
80 (26.7) ....................................... 111-142 (7.8-10.0\
)
100 (37.8) ..................................... 156-194 (11.0-13.6\
)
120 (48.9) ..................................... 208-259 (14.6-18.2\
)
140 (60.0) ..................................... 272-331 (19.1-23.3\
)
160 (71.1) ..................................... 353-420 (24.8-29.5\
)
180 (82.2) ..................................... 447-516 (31.4-36.3\
)
( 1) - When pressure is lower than specified, system is undercharged.
When pressure is higher than specified, system is overcharged.









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All Other Models
Ensure A/C system has been checked for leaks and evacuated.
See EVACUATING A/C SYSTEM and LEAK TESTING. Charge A/C system to
specifications. For system refrigerant capacity, see REFRIGERANT OIL &
REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article.
FORD MOTOR CO.
1) If using approved Recovery/Recycling/Charging Center (023-\
00105 or 023-00150), connect to high-side and low-side service valves.
See SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS under SYSTEM SERVICE VALVES. Operate
charging center according to manufacturer's instructions. Charge
system with specified amount of refrigerant and refrigerant oil. See
REFRIGERANT OIL & REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article. Check amount of
refrigerant oil in system before adding oil. See COMPRESSOR
REFRIGERANT OIL CHECKING article.
2) If using manifold gauge set, connect to high-side and low-
side service valves. See SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS under SYSTEM SERVICE

damage clockspring and/or require clockspring to be
readjusted.
NOTE: Clockspring is self-centering and will automatically lock in
the centered position when steering wheel is removed.
Adjustment is only required if centering position is
disturbed.
Removal
1) Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2) Clockspring is located behind steering wheel. See Fig. 1.
Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Lock steering
wheel. Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE.
3) Remove steering wheel nut. Using appropriate steering
wheel puller, remove steering wheel. When steering wheel is removed,
self-centering clockspring will automatically lock in place. Remove
upper and lower steering column shrouds to gain access to clockspring
wiring.
4) Remove knee bolster (if equipped). Disconnect Yellow 2-wa\
y
clockspring harness connector between clockspring and instrument panel
wiring harness, at base of steering column. See Fig. 13. Remove
clockspring by releasing 2 tabs on side of clockspring. Clockspring
cannot be repaired and must be replaced if faulty.
Installation
1) Snap clockspring onto steering column. If clockspring
centering adjustment is disturbed, adjust clockspring before
installing steering wheel. See CLOCKSPRING CENTERING under
ADJUSTMENTS. Connect clockspring wiring connectors. Install steering
column covers. Install knee bolster (if removed).
2) Position steering wheel on steering column. Ensure flats
on steering wheel hub fit formations on inside of clockspring. Pull
clockspring, cruise control switch (if equipped) and horn wires
through lower large holes and upper small holes in steering wheel.
3) Install steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to 45 ft.
lbs. (61 N.m). Connect horn and cruise control wires (if equipped).
Connect clockspring wire to air bag module. To ensure complete
connector connection, latching arms must be visible on top of
connector housing. DO NOT connect negative battery cable at this time.
Go to SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .
PASSENGER AIR BAG DISARM (PAD) SWITCH
Removal & Installation
1) Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2) If vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, turn
ignition switch to UNLOCK position, set parking brake and place
transmission selector lever in LOW position. Tilt steering column to
lowest position (if equipped). Using trim stick, gently pry around
perimeter of cluster bezel and remove bezel.
3) Open glove box. Holding glove box door, push center of
glove box bin towards front of vehicle. Flex glove box bin far enough
so glove box stops will clear sides of instrument panel opening. Roll
glove box down until stop bumpers are beyond sides of instrument panel
opening. Release bin. Lift bottom of glove box upward to disengage
hinge hooks form hinge pins.
4) Reach through glove box opening to access and disconnect 2
passenger-side air bag disarm switch harness connectors. Connectors
are attached to bracket located on inboard glove box opening
reinforcement. See Fig. 4. Remove 3 screws retaining passenger-side
air bag disarm switch bezel to instrument panel.