2000 DODGE NEON warning

gauge should return to the calibrated setting of 27
kPa (8 in. Hg.). If not there is a leak in the Actuator
Feed line.
(8) If there is no leak in the Supply line, Control,
or the Actuator Feed line, the leak must be in the
Actuator itself. Connect the Vacuum hose from the
Vacuum Test Gauge directly to the Actuator to verify
the leak.
LOCATING PINCHED VACUUM LINES
The operation of the Circulation door can be
viewed by removing the blower motor and looking up
into the unit inlet. See Blower Motor Wheel and
Assembly removal and installation in this section for
service procedures.
(1) Connect the test vacuum probe to the vehicles
(Black) supply hose. Position the vacuum test gauge
so it can be viewed from the passenger compartment.
(2) Place the Mode in the Panel position and the
Circulation control in the Recirculation position.
(3) Remove the center instrument panel bezel.
(4) Remove the center vent duct.
(5) Remove the Supply (Black) vacuum line at the
control. The test gauge should drop indicating free
flow through the Supply line. If not, there is a block-
age in the Supply line.
(6) If there is no blockage in the Supply line,
reconnect it to the Control. Remove the Actuator
Feed (Red) line from the Control. The test gauge
should drop indicating free flow through the Supply
line and Control. If not the vacuum switches on the
Control are not functioning.
(7) If there is no blockage in the Supply line or the
Control, reconnect the Actuator Feed (Red) line to the
control. Remove the Actuator Feed (Red) line at the
Actuator. The Actuator vacuum port is accessible
behind and above the Glove Box. The test gauge
should drop indicating free flow through the supply
line, Control, and the Actuator Feed line. If not,
there is a blockage in the Actuator Feed line.
(8) If there is no blockage in the Supply line, Con-
trol, or the Actuator Feed line, the Actuator must
have failed. Connect the Vacuum hose from the Vac-
uum Test Gauge directly to the Actuator to verify the
Actuator has failed.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CHARGING A/C SYSTEM
PARTIAL CHARGE
This vehicle does not have a sight glass. It is not
possible to determine the amount of (R-134a) charge
in the system. Therefore it is necessary to completely
evacuate and recover the system, and then recharge
the system fully.
EVACUATION
Before adding refrigerant, all air must be evacu-
ated from the system.
²Connect a manifold gauge set to the A/C service
ports (Fig. 16).
²Use a vacuum pump or charging station and
evacuate system to 95 kPa (28 inches Hg) for 30 min-
utes.
²Go to Charging A/C System below.
CHARGING A/C SYSTEM
The procedure below should be used to fill the
refrigerant charge in the air conditioning system.
This A/C system does not have or use a sight glass to
check or charge the system.
WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN THIS GROUP BEFORE CHARGING
THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM.
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.
Fig. 16 A/C Service Ports
1 ± A/C SERVICE PORTS
2 ± FILTER/DRIER
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CAUTION: Do not overcharge refrigerant system,
as excessive compressor head pressure can cause
noise and system failure.
After the system has been tested for leaks and
evacuated, a refrigerant (R-134a) charge can be
injected into the system.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) If using a separate vacuum pump close all
valves before disconnecting pump. Connect manifold
gauge set to the A/C service ports (Fig. 16).
NOTE: The air conditioning system in this vehicle
holds (27 oz. or 1.69 lbs.) of R-134a refrigerant.
(2) Measure refrigerant (refer to capacities). Refer
to the instructions provided with the equipment
being used.
(3) Verify engine is shut off. Open the suction and
discharge valves. Open the charge valve to allow the
refrigerant to flow into the system. When the trans-
fer of refrigerant has stopped, close the suction and
discharge valve.
(4) If all of the charge did not transfer from the
dispensing device, put vehicle controls into the fol-
lowing mode:
²Automatic transaxle in park or manual tran-
saxle in neutral
²Engine idling at 700 rpm
²A/C control set in 100 percent outside air
²Panel mode
²Blower motor ON high speed
²Vehicle windows closed
If the A/C compressor does not engage, test the
compressor clutch control circuit and correct any fail-
ure. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(5) Open the suction valve to allow the remaining
refrigerant to transfer to the system.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO OPEN THE DIS-
CHARGE (HIGH-PRESSURE) VALVE AT THIS TIME.
(6) Close all valves and test the A/C system perfor-
mance.
(7) Disconnect the charging station or manifold
gauge set. Install the service port caps.
EVACUATING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
NOTE: Special effort must be used to prevent mois-
ture from entering the A/C system oil. Moisture in
the oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a
reliability problem with the compressor.If a compressor designed to use R-134a refrigerant
is left open to the atmosphere for an extended period
of time. It is recommended that the refrigerant oil be
drained and replaced with new oil or a new compres-
sor be used. This will eliminate the possibility of con-
taminating the refrigerant system.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the
atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system
can be filled. Moisture and air mixed with the refrig-
erant will raise the compressor head pressure above
acceptable operating levels. This will reduce the per-
formance of the air conditioner and damage the com-
pressor. Moisture will boil at near room temperature
when exposed to vacuum. To evacuate the refrigerant
system:
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant
recovery machine, and a manifold gauge set with
vacuum pump (Fig. 17).
(2) Open the suction and discharge valves and
start the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should
run a minimum of 45 minutes prior to charge to
eliminate all moisture in system. When the suction
gauge reads -88 kPa (- 26 in. Hg) vacuum or greater
for 45 minutes, close all valves and turn off vacuum
pump. If the system fails to reach specified vacuum,
the refrigerant system likely has a leak that must be
corrected. If the refrigerant system maintains speci-
fied vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vac-
uum pump, open the suction and discharge valves.
Fig. 17 Refrigerant Recovery Machine Hookup -
Typical
1 ± LOW SIDE CONNECTOR
2 ± HIGH SIDE CONNECTOR
3 ± TO MANIFOLD SET
24 - 18 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(1) Discharge refrigerant system using recovery/re-
cycling equipment if charge is present.
(2) Disconnect refrigerant lines from A/C compres-
sor. Cap the open lines to prevent moisture from
entering system.
(3) Remove compressor from vehicle.
(4) From suction port on top of compressor, drain
lubricant from compressor.
(5) Add system capacity minus the capacity of
components that have not been replaced. Refer to the
Lubricant Capacity Chart. Add lubricant through the
suction port on compressor. This is not to exceed 180
ml (6.10 oz.) in total.
(6) Install compressor and connect refrigerant
lines. Then evacuate and charge refrigerant system.
SYSTEM LEAK CHECKING
WARNING: R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHI-
CLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE
TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED
AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COM-
BUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIX-
TURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY
RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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.
If the A/C system is not cooling properly, determine
if the refrigerant system is fully charged with
R-134a. This is accomplished by performing a system
Charge Level-Check or Fill. If while performing this
test A/C liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to Empty Refrigerant System Leak Test.
If liquid line pressure is greater than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to low refrigerant level leak test. If the
refrigerant system is empty or low in refrigerant
charge, a leak at any line fitting or component seal is
likely. A review of the fittings, lines and components
for oily residue is an indication of the leak location.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures as indicated by the
symptoms.
EMPTY REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAK TEST
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.). Deter-
mine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If
vacuum is held, a leak is probably not present. If sys-tem will not maintain vacuum level, proceed with
this procedure.
(2) Prepare a.284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge to
be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense.284 Kg. (10 oz.) of refrig-
erant into the evacuated refrigerant system.
(4) Proceed to Step 2 of Low Refrigerant Level
Leak Test.
LOW REFRIGERANT LEVEL LEAK TEST
(1) Determine if there is any (R-134a) refrigerant
in the system.
(2) Position the vehicle in a wind free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run for five minutes with the system
set to the following:
²Transaxle in Park
²Engine Idling at 700 rpm
²A/C Controls Set in 100 percent outside air
²Blower switch in the high A/C position
²A/C in the ON position
²Open all windows
CAUTION: A leak detector designed for R-12 refrig-
erant (only) will not detect leaks in a R-134a refrig-
erant system.
(4) Shut off the vehicle and wait 2 to 7 minutes.
Then use an Electronic Leak Detector that is
designed to detect R-134a type refrigerant and search
for leaks. Fittings, lines, or components that appear
to be oily usually indicates a refrigerant leak. To
inspect the evaporator core for leaks, insert the leak
detector probe into the drain tube opening or a heat
duct. A R-134a dye is available to aid in leak detec-
tion, use only Chrysler approved refrigerant dye.
If a thorough leak check has been completed with-
out indication of a leak, proceed to System Charge
Level.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
A/C FILTER/DRIER
The filter/drier is mounted in a rubber grommet on
the right side of the engine compartment. The refrig-
erant must be recovered from the A/C system before
replacing the filter/drier assembly.
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST
BE COMPLETELY RECOVERED BEFORE PRO-
CEEDING WITH THIS OPERATION.
24 - 20 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
CAUTION: Stay clear of the blower motor and resis-
tor block (Hot). Do not operate the blower motor
with the resistor block removed.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove windshield wipers.
(2) Remove cowl top screen.
(3) Disconnect the resistor block wiring connector
(Fig. 22).
(4) Remove/unsnap resistor block from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
BLOWER MOTOR WHEEL
The blower motor wheel is only serviced with the
blower motor. The wheel and the motor are balanced
as an assembly. If the blower motor wheel requires
replacement, the blower motor must also be replaced.
Refer to blower motor for replacement procedure.
COMPRESSOR
CAUTION: Add only new lubricant when system
requires additional lubricant. Do not use old
reclaimed lubricant.
REMOVAL
The A/C compressor may be unbolted and reposi-
tioned without discharging the refrigerant system.
Discharging is not necessary if removing the com-
pressor clutch/coil assembly, engine, cylinder head, or
alternator.
WARNING: REFRIGERANT PRESSURES REMAIN
HIGH EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE MAY BE
TURNED OFF. DO NOT TWIST OR KINK THE
REFRIGERANT LINES WHEN REMOVING A FULLY
CHARGED COMPRESSOR. SAFETY GLASSES
MUST BE WORN.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Loosen and remove drive belts, refer to Group
7, Engine Cooling.
(3) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from A/C system. If the com-
pressor is being replaced.
(4) Disconnect compressor clutch wire lead.
(5) Remove refrigerant lines from compressor, if
necessary (Fig. 23).
(6) If system is left open place plug/cap over open
lines.
(7) Remove compressor attaching bolts (Fig. 24).
Fig. 22 Blower Motor Resistor Block
1 ± RESISTOR BLOCK
2 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 23 A/C Compressor Lines
1 ± CONDENSER LIQUID LINE
2 ± SUCTION LINE
3 ± COMPRESSOR MANIFOLD SCREWS
4 ± COMPRESSOR
5 ± DISCHARGE LINE
24 - 22 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

obtained, add or subtract shims until desired read-
ing is obtained.
(8) Install compressor shaft bolt. Tighten to 17.56
2 N´m (155620 in. lbs.) torque.
NOTE: Shims may compress after tightening shaft
nut. Check air gap in four or more places to verify if
air gap is still correct. Spin pulley for final check.
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After new clutch installation, cycle the A/C clutch
20 times (5 seconds on and 5 seconds off). During
this procedure, set the system to the A/C mode,
engine rpm at 1500 - 2000, and high blower speed.
This procedure (burnishing) will seat the opposing
friction surfaces and provide a higher clutch torque
capability.
CONDENSATION DRAIN TUBE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Locate rubber drain tube on right side of dash
panel (Fig. 30).
(3) Squeeze clamp and remove drain tube.
INSTALLATION
To install, reverse the preceding operation. Check
the drain tube nipple on the heater-A/C housing for
any obstructions.
CONDENSER
The condenser is located in front of the engine
radiator. It has no serviceable parts. If damaged or
leaking, the condenser assembly must be replaced.
WARNING: THE REFRIGERANT MUST BE
REMOVED FROM THE SYSTEM BEFORE REMOV-
ING THE CONDENSER.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a R-134a refrigerant recovery machine,
remove the refrigerant from the A/C system.
(2) Remove battery support strut.
(3) Remove refrigerant lines from condenser (Fig.
31).
(4) Remove upper radiator mounts.
(5) Remove condenser to radiator mounting
screws.
(6) Tilt radiator back and remove condenser.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
²Tighten the condenser refrigerant lines to 5 N´m
(45 in lbs).
Fig. 29 Installing Pulley Assembly
1 ± PULLEY ASSEMBLY
2 ± WOOD BLOCK
Fig. 30 Condensate Water Drain Tube ± Typical
1 ± DASH PANEL (UNDER HOOD RIGHT SIDE)
2 ± CLAMP
3 ± CONDENSATE DRAIN TUBE
4 ± NIPPLE-A/C HEATER HOUSING
PLHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 25
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

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)

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)