2000 DODGE NEON engine coolant

Pending ConditionsÐThere are not conditions
or situations that prompt conflict or suspension of
testing. The oxygen sensor heater test is not run
pending resolution of MIL illumination due to oxygen
sensor failure.
SuspendÐThere are no conditions which exist for
suspending the Heater Monitor.
CATALYST MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are
equipped with catalytic converters. These converters
reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide.
Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a
catalyst to decay. A meltdown of the ceramic core can
cause a reduction of the exhaust passage. This can
increase vehicle emissions and deteriorate engine
performance, driveability and fuel economy.
The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors
(O2S's) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The
dual O2S strategy is based on the fact that as a cat-
alyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its
efficiency are both reduced. By monitoring the oxy-
gen storage capacity of a catalyst, its efficiency can
be indirectly calculated. The upstream O2S is used to
detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas
before the gas enters the catalytic converter. The
PCM calculates the A/F mixture from the output of
the O2S. A low voltage indicates high oxygen content
(lean mixture). A high voltage indicates a low content
of oxygen (rich mixture).
When the upstream O2S detects a lean condition,
there is an abundance of oxygen in the exhaust gas.
A functioning converter would store this oxygen so it
can use it for the oxidation of HC and CO. As the
converter absorbs the oxygen, there will be a lack of
oxygen downstream of the converter. The output of
the downstream O2S will indicate limited activity in
this condition.
As the converter loses the ability to store oxygen,
the condition can be detected from the behavior of
the downstream O2S. When the efficiency drops, no
chemical reaction takes place. This means the con-
centration of oxygen will be the same downstream as
upstream. The output voltage of the downstream
O2S copies the voltage of the upstream sensor. The
only difference is a time lag (seen by the PCM)
between the switching of the O2S's.
To monitor the system, the number of lean-to-rich
switches of upstream and downstream O2S's is
counted. The ratio of downstream switches to
upstream switches is used to determine whether the
catalyst is operating properly. An effective catalyst
will have fewer downstream switches than it has
upstream switches i.e., a ratio closer to zero. For atotally ineffective catalyst, this ratio will be one-to-
one, indicating that no oxidation occurs in the device.
The system must be monitored so that when cata-
lyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions
increase to over the legal limit, the MIL (check
engine lamp) will be illuminated.
Monitor OperationÐTo monitor catalyst effi-
ciency, the PCM expands the rich and lean switch
points of the heated oxygen sensor. With extended
switch points, the air/fuel mixture runs richer and
leaner to overburden the catalytic converter. Once
the test is started, the air/fuel mixture runs rich and
lean and the O2 switches are counted. A switch is
counted when an oxygen sensor signal goes from
below the lean threshold to above the rich threshold.
The number of Rear O2 sensor switches is divided by
the number of Front O2 sensor switches to determine
the switching ratio.
The test runs for 20 seconds. As catalyst efficiency
deteriorated over the life of the vehicle, the switch
rate at the downstream sensor approaches that of the
upstream sensor. If at any point during the test
period the switch ratio reaches a predetermined
value, a counter is incremented by one. The monitor
is enabled to run another test during that trip. When
the test fails three times, the counter increments to
three, a malfunction is entered, and a Freeze Frame
is stored. When the counter increments to three dur-
ing the next trip, the code is matured and the MIL is
illuminated. If the test passes the first, no further
testing is conducted during that trip.
The MIL is extinguished after three consecutive
good trips. The good trip criteria for the catalyst
monitor is more stringent than the failure criteria. In
order to pass the test and increment one good trip,
the downstream sensor switch rate must be less than
80% of the upstream rate (60% for manual transmis-
sions). The failure percentages are 90% and 70%
respectively.
Enabling ConditionsÐThe following conditions
must typically be met before the PCM runs the cat-
alyst monitor. Specific times for each parameter may
be different from engine to engine.
²Accumulated drive time
²Enable time
²Ambient air temperature
²Barometric pressure
²Catalyst warm-up counter
²Engine coolant temperature
²Accumulated throttle position sensor
²Vehicle speed
²MAP
²RPM
²Engine in closed loop
²Fuel level
25 - 22 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SER-
VICING THE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM. SERIOUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT
FROM EYE CONTACT WITH REFRIGERANT. IF EYE
CONTACT IS MADE, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC TYPE
LEAK DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT RELEASED
IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DISPLACE THE
OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF REFRIGERANT AT
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE IS
EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING THAT
COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT
WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT SKIN OR DELI-
CATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH
REFRIGERANT. R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR
VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRES-
SURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COM-
PRESSED AIR.
SOME MIXTURES OF AIR and R-134a HAVE BEEN
SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED
PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR
EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL BASE
COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR
INHALED. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDI-
ATELY IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.
DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE
ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: The engine cooling system is designed
to develop internal pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to
18 psi). Allow the vehicle to cool a minimum of 15
minutes before opening the cooling system. Refer
to Group 7, Cooling System.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
A/C REFRIGERANT LINES
DISCHARGE LINE
The discharge line is the line that goes from the
compressor to the condenser (Fig. 3). It has no ser-
viceable parts except the rubber O-rings. If the line
is found to be leaking or is damaged it must be
replaced as an assembly.
LIQUID LINE
The liquid line is the line that goes from the con-
denser to drier (Fig. 3). It has no serviceable parts
except the rubber O-rings. If the line is found to be
leaking or is damaged it must be replaced as an
assembly.
SUCTION LINE
The suction line is the large line that connects to
the expansion valve and goes to the compressor (Fig.
3). It also has a small line that goes to the filter/
drier. The suction line uses a gasket on the expan-
sion valve side and rubber O-rings on all other
connections.
There are no serviceable parts on the suction line
other than the rubber O-rings and expansion valve
gasket. If the line is found to be leaking or is dam-
aged it must be replaced as an assembly.
Fig. 3 A/C Compressor Lines
1 ± CONDENSER LIQUID LINE
2 ± SUCTION LINE
3 ± COMPRESSOR MANIFOLD SCREWS
4 ± COMPRESSOR
5 ± DISCHARGE LINE
24 - 4 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

WARNING: PROTECT SKIN AND EYES FROM CON-
TACTING CO2 PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
(7) If suction side low pressure is within specified
range, freeze the expansion valve control head (Fig.
13) for 30 seconds. Use a super cold substance (liquid
CO2).Do not spray refrigerant on the expansion
valve for this test.Suction side low pressure should
drop to 34.5 kPa (5 psi) If not, replace expansion
valve.(8) Allow expansion valve to thaw. The low pres-
sure gauge reading should stabilize at 103 to 241
kPa (15 to 35 psi). If not, replace expansion valve.
(9) When expansion valve test is complete, test
A/C overall performance. Refer to the Heater and A/C
Performance Test in this section. Remove all test
equipment before returning vehicle to use.
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST
PRE-DIAGNOSTIC PREPARATIONS
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings in this
group before performing the following procedures.
Check the coolant level, drive belt tension, vacuum
line connections, radiator air flow and fan operation.
Start engine and allow to warm up to normal tem-
perature.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP
WHEN ENGINE IS HOT, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
If vehicle has been run recently, wait 15 minutes
before removing cap. Place a rag over the cap and
turn it to the first safety stop. Allow pressure to
escape through the overflow tube. When the system
stabilizes, remove the cap completely.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT: TEST AND ACTION
Engine coolant is provided to the heater system by
two 16 mm (5/8 inch inside diameter) heater hoses.
With engine idling at normal running temperature,
set the control to maximum heat, floor, and high
blower setting. Using a test thermometer, check the
air temperature coming from the floor outlets, refer
to Temperature Reference chart.
If the floor outlet air temperature is insufficient,
refer to Group 7, Cooling Systems for specifications.
Both heater hoses should be HOT to the touch (cool-
ant return hose should be slightly cooler than the
supply hose). If coolant return hose is much cooler
than the supply hose, locate and repair engine cool-
ant flow obstruction in heater system.
Fig. 12 Evaporator Probe Harness Connector
1 ± PIN #3
2 ± PIN #2
3 ± PIN #1
Fig. 13 Expansion Valve & Low Pressure Cut-Off
Switch - Typical
1 ± EXPANSION VALVE
2 ± LOW PRESSURE CUT OFF SWITCH
3 ± SUCTION LINE
4 ± CONTROL HEAD
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE CHART
Ambient Temp. Minimum
FloorOutlet
Temp.
Celsius Fahrenheit Celsius Fahrenheit
15.5É 60É 62.2É 144É
21.1É 70É 63.8É 147É
26.6É 80É 65.5É 150É
32.2É 90É 67.2É 153É
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

POSSIBLE LOCATIONS OR CAUSE OF
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW
(1) Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
(2) Improper heater hose routing.
(3) Plugged heater hoses or supply and return
ports at cooling system connections, refer to Group 7,
Cooling System.
(4) Plugged heater core.
(5) Air locked heater core.
(6) If coolant flow is verified and outlet tempera-
ture is insufficient, a mechanical problem may exist.
POSSIBLE LOCATION OR CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT
HEAT
(1) Obstructed cowl air intake.
(2) Obstructed heater system outlets.
(3) Blend-air door not functioning properly.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If temperature cannot be adjusted with the TEMP
lever on the control panel, the following could require
service:
(1) Blend-air door binding.
(2) Faulty blend-air door cable.
(3) Improper engine coolant temperature.
(4) Faulty Instrument Panel Control.
LOW PRESSURE CUT OFF SWITCH
The work area must not be below 21ÉC (70ÉF) to
test the compressor clutch circuit.
(1) With gear selector in park or neutral and park
brake set, start engine and allow to idle.
(2) Raise hood and disconnect low pressure cut off
switch connector boot.
(3) Using a suitable jumper wire, jump across the
terminals inside wire connector boot.
(4) If the compressor clutch does not engage, the
cycling clutch switch, wiring, relay, or fuse can be
defective. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(5) If clutch engages, connect manifold gauge set.
Read low pressure gauge. At pressure above 97 kPa
(14 psi) and above, low pressure out off switch will
complete the clutch circuit. If the low pressure gauge
reads below 140 kPa (20 psi), the system is low on
refrigerant charge or empty due to a leak. Refer to
Service Procedures, System Leak Checking in this
section.
(6) Install connector boot on switch and repeat
Step 3. If the clutch does not engage, replace the low
pressure cut off switch.
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST
The procedure below should be used to check
and/or fill the refrigerant charge in the air condition-
ing system.
WARNING: 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.
R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C
SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR
LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. MIXTURE
OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELE-
VATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
NOTE: The maximum amount of R-134a refrigerant
that the air conditioning system holds is 765 grams
(27 oz. or 1.69 lbs.)
It is recommended to use the gauges or reclaim/re-
cycle equipment.
(1) Use a manifold gauge and check the liquid line
pressure.
(2) Attach a clamp-on thermocouple (P. S. E.
66-324-0014 or 80PK-1A) or equivalent to the liquid
line near the filter/drier.
(3) The vehicle must be in the following modes:
²Automatic transaxle in park or manual tran-
saxle in neutral.
²Engine at idle
²A/C controls set to outside air
²Panel mode
²A/C ON full cool
²Blower motor ON high speed
²Vehicle windows closed
(4) Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow
the system to stabilize.
(5) Observe filter/drier pressure and Liquid line
temperature. Using the Charge Determination Chart
(Fig. 14) determine where the system is currently
operating. If the system is not in the proper range,
reclaim all the refrigerant and recharge per A/C
label.
24 - 14 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Remove the wire connector from the low pres-
sure cut-off switch.
(2) Remove the center bolt of refrigerant line
plumbing sealing plate (Fig. 37).
(3) Carefully pull the refrigerant line-sealing plate
assembly from the expansion valve towards front of
vehicle. Do not scratch the expansion valve sealing
surfaces with pilot tubes.
(4) Cover the openings on A/C line-sealing plate
assembly to prevent contamination.
(5) Remove two screws securing the expansion
valve to the evaporator sealing plate.
(6) Carefully remove valve.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove and replace the aluminum gasket on
the evaporator sealing plate.
(2) Carefully hold the expansion valve to the evap-
orator sealing plate so not to scratch the sealing sur-
face. Install two screws and tighten to 1163 N´m
(100630 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove and replace the aluminum gasket on
the refrigerant line- sealing plate assembly.
(4) Carefully hold the refrigerant line-sealing plate
assembly to the expansion valve. Install bolt and
tighten to 2363 N´m (200630 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect wires to low pressure cut-off switch.
(6) Evacuate and recharge system.
(7) After expansion valve is installed, system is
charged, and leaks have been checked, repeat A/C
performance check.
HEATER CORE
Refer to HVAC Housing Disassembly and Assembly
in this section for heater core removal procedure.
HEATER HOSES
CAUTION: When removing hoses from heater core
inlet or outlet nipples DO NOT exert excess pres-
sure. The heater core may become damaged and
leak engine coolant.
NOTE: Review Cooling System Precautions before
proceeding with this operation.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain engine cooling system. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System.
(2) Using spring tension clamp pliers, remove
clamps at end of heater hose to be removed (Fig. 38).
(3) Carefully rotate hose back and forth while pull-
ing away from connector nipple.INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
Fig. 37 Expansion Valve - Typical
1 ± ALUMINUM N-GASKET
2 ± PLUMBING SEALING PLATE
3 ± LOW/DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE CUT-OFF SWITCH
4 ± DASH PANEL
5 ± H-VALVE
6 ± EVAPORATOR SEALING PLATE
7 ± H-VALVE
Fig. 38 Heater Hoses and Clamps
1 ± COWL PANEL
2 ± HEATER HOSE AND CLAMPS
3 ± HEATER CORE TUBES
4 ± HEATER HOSE SUPPLY AND RETURN TUBES
24 - 28 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EVAPORATOR CORE ± R. H. D...............1
HEATER CORE ± R. H. D....................3SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS..................6
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EVAPORATOR CORE ± R. H. D.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M ± PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
WARNING: DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR DRAIN-
COCK OR DISCONNECT COOLANT HOSES WHEN
THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER PRES-
SURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
WARNING: READ ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS
OPERATION.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Drain the cooling system. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for the procedure.
(3) Evacuate the refrigerant system.
(4) Remove the instrument panel. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Systems for the procedure.
(5) Remove the refrigerant line retaining bolt from
the expansion valve (Fig. 1). Remove the refrigerant
lines from the expansion valve.
(6) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
bottom of the expansion valve (Fig. 1).
(7) Remove the expansion valve retaining bolts
and remove the valve from the vehicle.
(8) Remove the heater core coolant supply hoses
from the heater core (Fig. 2).(9) Working from inside the engine compartment,
remove the A/C-Heater housing retaining fasteners
from the bulkhead.
(10) Remove the A/C-Heater housing drain tube.
Remove the spring clip and pull the hose from the
housing nipple.
(11) Working from inside the vehicle, remove the
defroster duct from the A/C-Heater housing and body
attachment point.
(12) Remove the A/C-Heater housing retaining
bolts.
(13) Disconnect the electrical connectors from the
A/C-Heater housing.
(14) Remove the A/C-Heater housing from the
vehicle and place the assembly on a bench.
Fig. 1 Refrigerant Lines at Bulkhead
1 ± EXPANSION VALVE
2 ± REFRIGERANT LINE MANIFOLD RETAINING BOLT
3 ± BATTERY
4 ± LOW PRESSURE CUTOUT SWITCH ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1

(15) Remove the heater core cover from the hous-
ing assembly.
(16) Remove the coolant lines from the heater core.
(17) Remove the screws necessary to disassemble
the A/C-Heater housing assembly.
(18) Remove the evaporator coil from the A/C-
Heater housing (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When the evaporator coil is replaced, some
refrigerant oil will remain in the old evaporator. This
oil must be replaced before the system is operated.
(1) Install the evaporator coil in the A/C-Heater
housing (Fig. 4). Be certain all seals are replaced in
there original positions.
(2) Reassemble the A/C-Heater housing.
(3) Install the housing in the vehicle and install
the retaining bolts. Torque the bolts to 20 N´m (177
in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the electrical connectors on the A/C-
Heater housing.
(5) Install the defroster duct on the A/C-Heater
housing and secure at the body attachment point.
(6) Working from inside the engine compartment,
install the A/C-Heater housing drain tube and retain-
ing clip.
Fig. 2 Heater Core Coolant Supply Lines
1 ± HEATER CORE COOLANT LINE SUPPORT BRACKETS
BOLTS
2 ± HEATER CORE COOLANT SUPPLY LINES
Fig. 3 A/C - Heater Housing
1 ± BLOWER MOTOR
2 ± EVAPORATOR COIL
3 ± HEATER CORE
4 ± A/C - HEATER HOUSING
Fig. 4 A/C - Heater Housing
1 ± BLOWER MOTOR
2 ± EVAPORATOR COIL
3 ± HEATER CORE
4 ± A/C - HEATER HOUSING
24 - 2 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(8) Remove the heater core coolant supply hoses
from the heater core (Fig. 8).
(9) Working from inside the engine compartment,
remove the A/C-Heater housing retaining fasteners
from the bulkhead.
(10) Remove the A/C-Heater housing drain tube.
Remove the spring clip and pull the hose from the
housing nipple.
(11) Working from inside the vehicle, remove the
defroster duct from the A/C-Heater housing and body
attachment point.
(12) Remove the A/C-Heater housing retaining
bolts.
(13) Disconnect the electrical connectors from the
A/C-Heater housing.
(14) Remove the A/C-Heater housing from the
vehicle and place the assembly on a bench.
(15) Remove the heater core cover from the hous-
ing assembly.
(16) Remove the heater core coolant lines from the
heater core.
(17) Remove the screws necessary to disassemble
the A/C-Heater housing assembly (Fig. 9).
(18) Remove the heater core from the A/C-Heater
housing (Fig. 9).
Fig. 7 Expansion Valve Position & Orientation
1 ± EXPANSION VALVE
2 ± REFRIGERANT LINE MANIFOLD RETAINING BOLT
3 ± BATTERY
4 ± LOW PRESSURE CUTOUT SWITCH ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR
Fig. 8 Heater Core Coolant Supply Lines
1 ± HEATER CORE COOLANT LINE SUPPORT BRACKETS
BOLTS
2 ± HEATER CORE COOLANT SUPPLY LINES
Fig. 9 Heater - A/C Housing
1 ± BLOWER MOTOR
2 ± EVAPORATOR COIL
3 ± HEATER CORE
4 ± A/C - HEATER HOUSING
24 - 4 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)