2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

DISCHARGE LINE
WARNING: THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM MUST BE
RECOVERED BEFORE SERVICING ANY PART OF
THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from A/C system.
(2) From the top side of the vehicle, remove line at
compressor (Fig. 32).
(3) From the bottom side of the vehicle, remove
line at condenser.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
EVAPORATOR
This vehicle uses an aluminum plate and fin style
evaporator. It is located in the Evaporator/Blower
module.
The unit housing must be removed from the vehi-
cle before beginning with this procedure. Refer to
Unit Housing in this section for removal procedure.
Use this procedure if any or all of the following
items require service:
²Evaporator
²Air inlet duct
²Heater Core
²Heating and Air Conditioning
DISASSEMBLE
(1) Separate the foam seals at the evaporator line
connection, and the dash panel air distribution out-
lets (Fig. 33).
(2) Disconnect fin sensing probe from harness.
(3) Remove upper to lower case retaining clip and
screws.
(4) Separate the case halves (Fig. 34).
(5) Lift the evaporator out of the module (Fig. 35).
ASSEMBLE
To reassemble, reverse the above procedures.
EVAPORATOR PROBE
The evaporator probe can be removed without
removing the Unit Housing from the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect probe wiring connector from behind
the glove box.
(2) Remove rubber grommet from evaporator/
blower module (Fig. 36).
(3) Note which of the three pilot holes the evapo-
rator probe is located in.
(4) Pull probe out of evaporator fins.
INSTALLATION
(1) There are three pilot holes available for the
probe. The top hole is for service. If top hole was not
used by previous probe, install probe in top hole.
(2) If previous probe was removed from top hole,
use a small plastic stick of approximately 1/8 inch
Fig. 31 Condenser Refrigerant Lines
1 ± LIQUID LINE
2 ± A/C LINE MOUNTING BOLTS
3 ± DISCHARGE LINE
4 ± CONDENSER
Fig. 32 Discharge Line
1 ± DISCHARGE LINE
2 ± A/C COMPRESSOR
3 ± HIGH PRESSURE CUT OUT SWITCH
4 ± SUCTION LINE
24 - 26 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

diameter, and make a new hole. Make the hole 1/4
inch above, or below the original hole in the evapora-
tor core.(3) Insert new probe into hole between evaporator
fins.
(4) Reinstall rubber grommet into evaporator
probe access hole.
EXPANSION VALVE
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST
BE COMPLETELY EMPTY BEFORE PROCEEDING
WITH THIS OPERATION.
Fig. 33 Lower HVAC Housing
1 ± EVAPORATOR AND CONNECTION
2 ± FOAM SEALS
3 ± HEATER CORE AND TUBES
4 ± HVAC HOUSING LOWER CASE
5 ± HOUSING MOUNTING STUDS
6 ± HOUSING DRAIN
7 ± WIRING
8 ± BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL
Fig. 34 Case Separation - Typical
1 ± CASE HALVES
2 ± EVAPORATOR
3 ± BLOWER WHEEL
Fig. 35 Evaporator Removal - Typical
1 ± EVAPORATOR
2 ± BLOWER WHEEL
Fig. 36 Evaporator Probe Location - Typical
1 ± EVAPORATOR PROBE WIRING CONNECTOR
2 ± EVAPORATOR PROBE RUBBER GROMMET
3 ± EVAPORATOR/BLOWER MODULE
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 27
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (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)

HIGH PRESSURE CUT OUT SWITCH
WARNING: THE REFRIGERANT MUST BE
REMOVED FROM THE SYSTEM BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE HIGH PRESSURE CUT OUT SWITCH.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect wiring connector at the switch (Fig.
39).
(2) Remove internal snap ring.
(3) Pull switch out of compressor.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures. Use
a new O-Ring Seal.
HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
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.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from A/C system.
(2) Rotate the high pressure relief valve counter-
clockwise and separate relief valve from the compres-
sor (Fig. 39).
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures
using a new O-Ring Seal. Evacuate and charge the
refrigerant system.
LIQUID LINE
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST
BE COMPLETELY EMPTY BEFORE PROCEEDING
WITH THIS OPERATION.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from A/C system.
(2) Disconnect liquid line at drier.
(3) Disconnect liquid line at condenser.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
LOW PRESSURE CUT OFF SWITCH
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST
BE COMPLETELY RECOVERED BEFORE PRO-
CEEDING WITH THIS OPERATION. REFER TO
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY SECTION.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the wire connector at the cut off
switch.
(2) Using a sender unit removal socket, remove the
switch from the expansion valve (Fig. 40).
Fig. 39 High Pressure Cut Out Switch Location
1 ± DISCHARGE LINE
2 ± A/C COMPRESSOR
3 ± HIGH PRESSURE CUT OUT SWITCH
4 ± SUCTION LINE
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
NOTE: Verify the O-ring condition on the replace-
ment switch.
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
Evacuate and charge the system.
MODE CONTROL CABLE
The Mode Control Cable can be removed and
installed without having to remove the instrument
panel from the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove instrument panel center stack bezel
(Fig. 41).
(2) Remove center air duct (Fig. 42).
(3) Remove heater-A/C control head and disconnect
cable (Fig. 43).
(4) Disconnect cable at heater unit.
(5) Remove cable from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures,
adjust cable and test. Refer to Mode Control Cable
Adjustment at the end of this section.
Fig. 40 Expansion Valve and Low Pressure Cut-Off
Switch
1 ± EXPANSION VALVE
2 ± LOW PRESSURE CUTOFF SWITCH
3 ± LIQUID LINE
4 ± SUCTION LINE
Fig. 41 Instrument Panel Center Bezel & Knobs
1 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER AIR DUCT
2 ± OUTSIDE AIR/RECIRC CONTROL KNOB
3 ± MODE CONTROL KNOB
4 ± BLOWER SPEED KNOB
5 ± TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB
Fig. 42 HVAC Center Air Duct & Control Head
1 ± CENTER AIR DUCT
2 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 ± HVAC CONTROL HEAD
4 ± ATTACHING SCREWS
24 - 30 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
The recirculation door actuator is a vacuum con-
trolled actuator used to control movement of the
recirculation door in air conditioned equipped vehi-
cles.
The instrument panel must be removed from the
vehicle to gain access to the recirculation door actua-
tor.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove instrument panel from vehicle. Refer
to Group 8E, Instrument Panel And Systems for
removal procedures.
(2) Disconnect vacuum line from actuator.
(3) Disconnect actuator from recirculation door
link (Fig. 44).
(4) Release tension on latch, and slide recircula-
tion door actuator off housing.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
SUCTION LINE
WARNING: THE REFRIGERANT MUST BE RECOV-
ERED BEFORE SERVICING ANY PART OF THE
REFRIGERANT SYSTEMS.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from A/C system.
(2) Remove retaining bolt at expansion valve (Fig.
45).
Fig. 43 HVAC Control Head Cables
1 ± HVAC CONTROL HEAD
2 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 ± CONTROL CABLES
4 ± VACUUM HARNESSFig. 44 Recirculation Door Actuator and Linkage
1 ± OUTSIDE AIR/RECIRC DOOR HOUSING
2 ± VACUUM ACTUATOR LINKAGE
3 ± FOAM SEAL
4 ± RECIRC DOOR VACUUM ACTUATOR
5 ± DOOR LEVER
6 ± DOOR LEVER
Fig. 45 Expansion Valve Center Bolt
1 ± EXPANSION VALVE
2 ± LOW PRESSURE CUTOFF SWITCH
3 ± LIQUID LINE
4 ± SUCTION LINE
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 31
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Remove line at expansion valve.
(4) Remove line at compressor (Fig. 46).
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE
The Control Cable can be removed and installed
without having to remove the instrument panel from
the vehicle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove instrument panel center stack bezel
(Fig. 41).
(2) Remove heater-A/C control head (Fig. 42).
(3) Remove center air duct.
(4) Disconnect cable at control panel. Remove con-
trol from instrument panel.
(5) Disconnect cable at heater unit (Fig. 47).
(6) Remove cable from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures,
adjust cable and test. See Temperature Control Cable
Adjustment in this section.
UNIT HOUSING
The instrument panel must be removed in order to
remove the Unit Housing. Refer to group 8E Instru-
ment Panel and Systems for detailed procedure.
WARNING: THE R-134a REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
MUST BE RECOVERED BEFORE SERVICING ANY
PART OF THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a refrigerant recovery machine, remove
the refrigerant from the A/C system, if equipped.
(2) Remove instrument panel from vehicle. Refer
to group 8E Instrument Panel and Systems for
detailed procedure.
(3) Drain cooling system and remove heater hoses
at the dash panel. Place plugs in the heater core out-
lets to prevent coolant spillage during unit housing
removal.
(4) Unfasten coolant recovery container and set
aside.
(5) Remove suction line at expansion valve. Cap
open refrigerant lines to prevent moisture and/or dirt
from entering.
Fig. 46 A/C Compressor Suction Line
1 ± FILTER DRIER
2 ± SERVICE PORTS
3 ± FILTER DRIER MOUNTING GROMMET
4 ± EVAPORATOR LINE BLOCK
5 ± EXPANSION VALVE
6 ± LOW PRESSURE CUT OUT SWITCH CONNECTOR
7 ± HVAC HOUSING DRAIN OUTLET
8 ± CONDENSATE DRAIN TUBE
9 ± EXPANSION VALVE SCREWS
10 ± CONDENSER LIQUID LINE
11 ± COMPRESSOR SUCTION LINE
Fig. 47 HVAC Housing Cables
1 ± VACUUM HARNESS
2 ± DOOR CAM
3 ± HVAC UPPER HOUSING
4 ± HVAC CONTROL HEADS CABLES
5 ± MODE DOOR LEVERS
6 ± DEFROSTER DUCT OUTLET
24 - 32 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Remove expansion valve from evaporator, and
cap fittings.
(7) Remove rubber drain tube extension from con-
densation drain tube.
(8) Disconnect the vacuum harness at the power
brake booster (Fig. 48).
(9) Unsnap and remove the defroster duct (Fig.
49).(10) Remove three retaining nuts located in the
engine compartment, on the dash panel (Fig. 50).
(11) Remove the right side retaining screw (Fig.
51).
(12) Remove remaining nut located on dash panel
stud.
(13) Disconnect the wiring connectors.
(14) Remove assembly from the vehicle.
Fig. 48 HVAC Vacuum Harness
1 ± BRAKE POWER BOOSTER
2 ± A/C VACUUM CHECK VALVE
3 ± VACUUM HARNESS
Fig. 49 HVAC Housing Defroster Duct
1 ± DEFROSTER DUCT
2 ± BODY
3 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 ± HVAC HOUSING
Fig. 50 Dash Panel Retaining Studs
1 ± BLOWER RESISTOR
2 ± EXPANSION VALVE
3 ± DRAIN TUBE
4 ± DASH PANEL
5 ± HEATER HOSES
6 ± RETAINING STUDS
Fig. 51 Housing Screws
1 ± RIGHT SIDE RETAINING SCREW
2 ± EVAPORATOR PROBE GROMMET
3 ± SCREW BOSSES
4 ± DASH PANEL STUD AND NUT
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 33
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)