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
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
Liquid Line Temp. ( 1) Discharge Pressure F ( 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.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
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
VALVES. Connect 2 hoses with shutoff valves to manifold gauge set
center port. Connect one hose to vacuum pump and other hose to
refrigerant container. Weight of refrigerant container before and
after charging can be used to determine amount of refrigerant drawn
into system. Using vacuum pump, purge air from center hoses.
3) Fully open manifold gauge set low-side valve and
refrigerant container valve to allow refrigerant to enter A/C system.
When no more refrigerant is being drawn into A/C system, start engine
and allow to idle. Select MAX A/C, set blower motor speed to maximum
and allow remaining refrigerant to be drawn into A/C system.
NOTE: When ambient air temperature is high, it may be necessary to
use an external cooling fan to blow air through condenser and
radiator.
4) When proper amount of refrigerant has been added, close
refrigerant container valve. Allow any refrigerant remaining in hose
to be drawn into A/C system. When low-side pressure decreases to about
30 psi (2.1 kg/cm
), close center valve on manifold gauge set. Ensure
A/C system is operating properly. Disconnect manifold gauge set.
Install service port caps. Check system for leaks. See LEAK TESTING.
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
Connect recovery/recycling equipment, meeting SAE standard
J1991 or J2210, to vehicle. Charge A/C system to specifications, using
equipment manufacturer's instructions.
LEAK TESTING
TYPES OF LEAK DETECTORS
Bubble Solution Detector
This is a solution applied externally at suspected leak
points. Leaking refrigerant will cause the detector to form bubbles
and foam. A soap and water solution also works well.
Dye Solution
This is a colored solution that may be introduced into the
A/C system. The dye will show up and color components at leak points.
Some manufacturers offer refrigerant containing a Red dye. This dye-
containing refrigerant is installed by normal charging procedures.
Other dye solutions are visible with a Black light only.
Electronic Leak Detector
This instrument will draw in any leaking refrigerant through
a test probe, and then sound an audible signal or create a flashing
light if refrigerant is found. It is the most sensitive of the leak
detectors used. Leak detectors are sensitive to windshield washing
solutions, many solvents and cleaners, and some adhesives. Ensure
surfaces near test areas are clean and dry to prevent false signal or
detector damage. Liquids ingested into detector will damage detector.
See Fig. 24 .
be detected if leak testing is performed too quickly.
BUBBLE DETECTOR LEAK TESTING PROCEDURE
This leak detection method is recommended when it is
impossible or difficult to determine the exact location of the leak
using other methods. Although commercial bubble detectors are more
effective, household soap solutions may be used.
Using the dauber that comes with the commercial soap
solution, apply the solution to all joints, connections, fittings or
controls where a leak might be suspected. If high-suds household
solutions are used, apply them with a small brush. Wherever bubbles
form, leaks are present and must be repaired. check the entire system
as there may be more than one leak.
ELECTRONIC LEAK TESTING PROCEDURE
NOTE: Some electronic leak detectors will function on only R-12
systems or on only R-134a systems, and some will function on
both R-12 and R-134a systems. Familiarize yourself with the
tester being used and know what type of system you are leak
testing.
Electronic leak detectors should be used in well ventilated
areas. Avoid using them around explosive gases. Always follow
manufacturer's instructions for the specific tester being used. If
none are available, proceed as follows:
1) Turn all controls and detector sensitivity knob to OFF
position or zero setting. Connect leak detector to an approved source
of power. Turn switch ON, and allow unit to warm up for approximately
5 minutes.
2) Check operation of tester by positioning probe in a
reference source where refrigerant is known to be present in small
amounts. Adjust controls and sensitivity knob until detector reacts
properly. Move probe away from refrigerant source and the reaction
should stop. If it continues, adjust the sensitivity knob to a lower
setting.
3) When tester reacts properly, leak test air conditioning
system by moving probe UNDER all components, fittings and connections.
Keep the probe moving. To check evaporator insert probe into drain
tube opening or a heater duct. DO NOT allow probe to contact
refrigerant or refrigerant oil. When leaks are found, repair them as
necessary. Keep in mind that there may be more than one leak.
DYE SOLUTION LEAK TESTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION: Dye-charged refrigerant cans are available to be used as
internal leak detectors. The use of this type of solution may
void some manufacturer's warranties. Be sure to check with
the A/C system manufacturer concerning the use of dye-charged
leak detectors. Dyes which work in R-12 systems will not work
in R-134a systems.
The following procedure is for introducing a dye solution,
not dye-charged refrigerant, into A/C system.
1) Connect manifold gauge set to air conditioning system in a
normal manner. Remove center hose from manifold gauge set, and replace
it with a short piece (6" long) of 1/4" tubing using two 1/4" flare
nuts. Connect a container of dye solution to the tubing.
2) Connect one end of gauge set center hose to dye solution
container. Connect a container of refrigerant to the other end of the
hose. Operate engine at idle speed. Set the air conditioning system
for maximum cooling. Slowly open the low-side hand valve to allow the
multiple engine sensors have failed, repair ground between splice and
PCM.
12) Connect jumper wire between OPS connector terminals. If
oil pressure warning indicator illuminates, replace OPS. If oil
pressure warning indicator does not illuminate, go to next step.
13) Do not remove jumper wire. Disconnect PCM Black connector
C2. PCM is located in engine compartment on right inner fender. Using
an external ohmmeter, measure resistance between ground and PCM White
connector C2 terminal No. 23 (Gray/Orange wire). If resistance is less\
than 5 ohms, replace PCM. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open
Gray/Orange wire.
14) Check cooling system operation. If cooling system is
operating properly, go to next step. If cooling system is not
operating properly, repair engine cooling problem.
15) Using scan tool, select PCM MONITOR under SYSTEM TESTS.
If scan tool displays PCM ACTIVE ON BUS, system is currently
functioning properly. If scan tool does not display PCM ACTIVE ON BUS,
go to appropriate VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS article.
16) Using scan tool, select MODULE ENGINE CONTROLLER. Read
PCM DTCs. If scan tool displays any charging system related DTCs, go
to appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section
and repair DTC as necessary. If scan tool does not display any
charging system related DTCs, go to next step.
17) Check charging system operation. If charging system is
operating properly, replace instrument cluster. If charging system is
not operating properly, repair engine charging problem.
18) Using scan tool, select BODY COMPUTER MONITORS. Read CCD
BUS ENGINE INFO. If scan tool displays engine RPM, replace instrument
cluster. If scan tool does not display engine RPM, replace PCM.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE CONCERNS
AVERAGE MPH/FUEL ECON INOPERATIVE OR WRONG (CMTC FAILS TO
RESPOND TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DIMMING, DISTANCE TO EMPTY
INOPERATIVE OR WRONG, ELAPSED TIME INOPERATIVE/WRONG, SWITCH
ON CMTC INOPERATIVE, TRIP ODOMETER INOPERATIVE/WRONG)
NOTE: If any listed symptoms exist, Compass Mini-Trip computer
(CMTC) is defective. Replace CMTC. Perform VERIFICATION TEST
VER- 1A after each repair.
CMTC SHOWS FAILED
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1A after each repair.
Using scan tool, perform AUTO SELF TEST. If CMTC shows
failed, replace CMTC. If CMTC does not show failed, system is
currently functioning properly.
CMTC SEGMENTS FAIL TO LIGHT UP
NOTE: For connector terminal identification and wiring diagrams,
see BODY CONTROL COMPUTER - INTRODUCTION article. Perform
VERIFICATION TEST VER-1A after each repair.
Using scan tool, perform AUTO SELF TEST. If CMTC segments
fail to illuminate, replace CMTC. If CMTC segments all illuminate
properly, system is currently functioning properly.
INCORRECT READING BEYOND +/- 5