1999 DODGE RAM lock

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

A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (RAM PICKUP)








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Ambient Temp. High Side Low SideF (C) psi (kg/cm) psi (kg/cm)
70 (21) .............. 135-145 (9.5-10.2) ........ 35-40 (2.5-2\
.8)
80 (27) .............. 175-215 (12.3-15.1) ....... 40-50 (2.8-3\
.5)
90 (32) .............. 215-270 (15.1-19.0) ....... 50-60 (3.5-4\
.2)
100 (38) ............. 270-330 (19.0-23.2) ....... 60-70 (4.2-4\
.9)
110 (43) ............. 340-370 (23.9-26.0) ....... 70-80 (4.9-5\
.6)
120 (49) ............. 400-430 (28.1-30.2) ....... 85-90 (6.0-6\
.3)









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BLOWER MOTOR RELAY, HIGH SPEED BLOWER MOTOR RELAY &
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
NOTE: Relays appear different, but testing procedures for blower
motor, high speed blower motor, and compressor clutch relays
are identical.
1) Front blower motor relay and compressor clutch relay are
located in Power Distribution Center (PDC). On Durango, high speed
blower motor relay is located in fuse/relay block under left side of
instrument panel.
2) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove blower motor or
compressor clutch relay. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity
between terminals No. 87A and 30 of relay. See Fig. 1 or 2. If
continuity does not exist, replace relay. If continuity exists, go to
next step.
3) Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between terminals
No. 30 and 87 of relay. If continuity exists, replace relay. If
continuity does not exist, go to next step.
4) Measure resistance between terminals No. 85 and 86 of
relay. Reading should be 70-80 ohms. If reading is not as specified,
replace relay. If reading is as specified, go to next step.
5) Using jumper wires, connect battery voltage to terminal
No. 86 and ground terminal No. 85. See Fig. 1 or 2. Check that
continuity exists between terminals No. 30 and 87. Check that
continuity does not exist between terminals No. 87A and 30. If
continuity is not as specified, replace relay. If continuity is as
specified, relay is okay.
Fig. 1: Identifying Blower Motor Relay Terminals (Typical)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.

controls to A/C. Start and operate engine at idle speed.
3) Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between switch
terminals. Continuity should exist when suction pressure reading is
above 38 psi (2.7 kg/cm
) on Dakota; 43 psi (3.0 kg/cm) on Ram
Pickup. Continuity should not exist when suction pressure reading
drops below 20.5 psi (1.4 kg/cm
) on Dakota; 25 psi (1.8 kg/cm) on
Ram Pickup. If switch is okay, test and repair clutch control circuit
as needed. If switch is not okay, replace faulty clutch cycling
pressure switch.
ELECTRONIC CYCLING CLUTCH SWITCH
Durango
1) Locate electronic cycling clutch switch on thermal
expansion valve in engine compartment. Ensure system pressure is
correct. See A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE test. Ensure low pressure cut-out
switch and high pressure cut-out switch are working properly. See
LOW PRESSURE CUT-OUT SWITCH TEST and HIGH PRESSURE CUT-OUT SWITCH
test.
2) Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect electronic
cycling clutch switch and high pressure cut-out switch connectors.
Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity in Light Green/White wire
between electronic cycling clutch switch and high pressure cut-out
switch. If continuity exists in Light Green/White wire, go to next
step. If continuity does not exist in Light Green/White wire, repair
wire as necessary.
3) Disconnect low pressure cut-out switch connector. Using an
ohmmeter, check for continuity in Dark Blue/Yellow wire between
electronic cycling clutch switch and low pressure cut-out switch. If
continuity exists in Dark Blue/Yellow wire, go to next step. If
continuity does not exist in Dark Blue/Yellow wire, repair wire as
necessary.
4) Connect low pressure cut-out switch and high pressure cut-
out switch connectors. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition
on. Using voltmeter, check for battery voltage at electronic cycling
clutch switch connector terminal No. 2 (White wire). If battery
voltage exists, go to step 6).
5) If battery voltage does not exist, check fuse No. 7 (15-
amp) at junction block located at bottom left of instrument panel. If
fuse is okay, check for short or open in White wire between electronic
cycling clutch switch connector and fuse No. 7 (15-amp) at junction
block.
6) Connect electronic cycling clutch switch connector. Ensure
ambient temperature is between 68-90
F (20-30C). Start engine and
turn A/C on. If compressor clutch cycles 2-3 times per minute, replace
faulty electronic cycling clutch switch. If compressor clutch does not
cycle, check PCM for proper operation. See appropriate G - TESTS
W/CODES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.
HIGH PRESSURE CUT-OUT SWITCH
1) Locate high pressure cut-out switch on compressor
discharge line, near compressor. Ensure system pressure is correct.
See A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE test. Disconnect negative battery cable.
Disconnect high pressure cut-off switch connector.
2) Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between switch
terminals. If continuity exists, test and repair clutch control
circuit as needed. If continuity does not exist, replace faulty
switch.
LOW PRESSURE CUT-OUT SWITCH TEST
Durango

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.

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.

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