2000 DODGE NEON Cooling system

(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)

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)

(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)

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

(7) Install the A/C-Heater housing retaining fas-
teners. Torque the fasteners to 20 N´m (177 in. lbs.).
(8) Install the heater core coolant supply hoses on
the heater core (Fig. 5).
(9) Install the expansion valve (Fig. 6), gasket and
retaining bolts. Torque the bolts to 11 N´m (97 in.
lbs.).
(10) Connect the electrical connector on the bottom
of the expansion valve (Fig. 6).
(11) Install the refrigerant lines and retaining bolt
(Fig. 6). Torque the bolt to 23 N´m (203 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: Be certain the refrigerant line sealing
O-rings are well lubricated and free of tears.
(12) Install the instrument panel. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Systems for the procedure.
(13) Charge the refrigerant system.
(14) Fill the cooling system. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for the procedure.
(15) Connect the negative battery cable.
HEATER 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, ORINSTRUMENT 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 SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE.
SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
(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. 7). Remove the refrigerant
lines from the expansion valve.
(6) Disconnect the electrical connector from the
bottom of the expansion valve (Fig. 7).
(7) Remove the expansion valve retaining bolts
and remove the valve from the vehicle.
Fig. 5 Heater Core Coolant Supply Lines
1 ± HEATER CORE COOLANT LINE SUPPORT BRACKETS
BOLTS
2 ± HEATER CORE COOLANT SUPPLY LINES
Fig. 6 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 - 3
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(12) Install the instrument panel. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Systems for the procedure.
(13) Charge the refrigerant system.
(14) Fill the cooling system. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for the procedure.
(15) Connect the negative battery cable.SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
A/C Heater Housing
Bolts.................... 20N´m(177 in. lbs.)
Expansion Valve
Bolts..................... 11N´m(97in.lbs.)
Refrigeration Lines
Bolt..................... 23N´m(203 in. lbs.)
24 - 6 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)