2001 DODGE RAM Heat

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
After the refrigerant system has been tested for
leaks and evacuated, a refrigerant charge can be
injected into the system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - SPECIFICA-
TIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY)
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to charge the refrigerant system with R-134a
refrigerant. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care
and use of this equipment.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle is: 0.907 kilograms (32 ounces).
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The air conditioning system uses a Sanden
SD7H15 seven cylinder, reciprocating wobble plate-
type compressor on all models. This compressor has a
fixed displacement of 150 cubic centimeters (9.375
cubic inches), and has both the suction and discharge
ports located on the cylinder head. A label identifying
the use of R-134a refrigerant is located on the com-
pressor.
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
A high pressure relief valve is located on the com-
pressor cylinder head, which is at the rear of the
compressor. This mechanical valve is designed to
vent refrigerant from the system to protect against
damage to the compressor and other system compo-
nents, caused by condenser air flow restriction or an
overcharge of refrigerant.
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The compressor is driven by the engine through an
electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement.
The compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that iscirculated throughout the refrigerant system with the
refrigerant.
The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant
vapor from the evaporator through its suction port. It
then compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure,
high-temperature refrigerant vapor, which is then
pumped to the condenser through the compressor dis-
charge port.
The compressor cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire compressor assembly must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley and clutch
coil are available for service.
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The high pressure relief valve vents the system
when a discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPa (500
to 600 psi) or above is reached. The valve closes with
a minimum discharge pressure of 2756 kPa (400 psi)
is reached.
The high pressure relief valve vents only enough
refrigerant to reduce the system pressure, and then
re-seats itself. The majority of the refrigerant is con-
served in the system. If the valve vents refrigerant, it
does not mean the valve is faulty.
The high pressure relief valve is a factory-cali-
brated unit. The valve cannot be adjusted or
repaired, and must not be removed or otherwise dis-
turbed. The valve is only serviced as a part of the
compressor assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
When investigating an air conditioning related
noise, you must first know the conditions under
which the noise occurs. These conditions include:
weather, vehicle speed, transmission in gear or neu-
tral, engine speed, engine temperature, and any
other special conditions. Noises that develop during
air conditioning operation can often be misleading.
For example: What sounds like a failed front bearing
or connecting rod, may be caused by loose bolts, nuts,
mounting brackets, or a loose compressor clutch
assembly.
Drive belts are speed sensitive. At different engine
speeds and depending upon belt tension, belts can
develop noises that are mistaken for a compressor
noise. Improper belt tension can cause a misleading
noise when the compressor clutch is engaged, which
may not occur when the compressor clutch is disen-
gaged. Check the serpentine drive belt condition and
tension as described in Cooling before beginning this
procedure.
(1) Select a quiet area for testing. Duplicate the
complaint conditions as much as possible. Switch the
compressor on and off several times to clearly iden-
tify the compressor noise. Listen to the compressor
while the clutch is engaged and disengaged. Probe
24 - 46 PLUMBINGBR/BE
PLUMBING (Continued)

the compressor with an engine stethoscope or a long
screwdriver with the handle held to your ear to bet-
ter localize the source of the noise.
(2) Loosen all of the compressor mounting hard-
ware and retighten. Tighten the compressor clutch
mounting nut. Be certain that the clutch coil is
mounted securely to the compressor, and that the
clutch plate and pulley are properly aligned and have
the correct air gap. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH - INSTALLATION)
(3) To duplicate a high-ambient temperature condi-
tion (high head pressure), restrict the air flow
through the condenser. Install a manifold gauge set
to be certain that the discharge pressure does not
exceed 2760 kPa (400 psi).
(4) Check the refrigerant system plumbing for
incorrect routing, rubbing or interference, which can
cause unusual noises. Also check the refrigerant lines
for kinks or sharp bends that will restrict refrigerant
flow, which can cause noises. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION)
(5) If the noise is from opening and closing of the
high pressure relief valve, recover, evacuate, and
recharge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE) If the high pressure relief valve still
does not seat properly, replace the compressor.
(6) If the noise is from liquid slugging on the suc-
tion line, replace the accumulator. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/AC-
CUMULATOR - REMOVAL) Check the refrigerant oil
level and the refrigerant system charge. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL) (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - SPECI-
FICATIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY) If the liquid
slugging condition continues following accumulator
replacement, replace the compressor.
(7) If the noise continues, replace the compressor
and repeat Step 1.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
The compressor may be removed and repositioned
without disconnecting the refrigerant lines or dis-
charging the refrigerant system. Discharging is not
necessary if servicing the compressor clutch or clutch
coil, the engine, the cylinder head, or the generator.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the serpentine drive belt. Refer to
Cooling for the procedures.
(4) Unplug the compressor clutch coil wire harness
connector.
(5) Remove the bolt that secures the refrigerant
line manifold to the compressor. Install plugs in, or
tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(6) Remove the four bolts that secure the compres-
sor to the mounting bracket (Fig. 4) or (Fig. 5).
(7) Remove the a/c compressor from the mounting
bracket.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being
installed, be certain to check the refrigerant oil
level. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE) Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - DESCRIPTION)
(1) Install the compressor to the mounting bracket.
Tighten the four mounting bolts to 24 N´m (210 in.
lbs.).
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from all of the
opened refrigerant line fittings. Install the suction
and discharge line manifold to the compressor. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/A/C SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE -
INSTALLATION)
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 47
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)

(3) Install the serpentine drive belt. Refer to Cool-
ing for the procedures.
(4) Plug in the compressor clutch coil wire harness
connector.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(7) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION
The condenser is located in the air flow in front of
the engine cooling radiator. The condenser is a heat
exchanger that allows the high-pressure refrigerant
gas being discharged by the compressor to give up itsheat to the air passing over the condenser fins, thus
causing the refrigerant to change to a liquid state.
OPERATION
When the refrigerant gas gives up its heat, it con-
denses. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser, it
has become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The
volume of air flowing over the condenser fins is crit-
ical to the proper cooling performance of the air con-
ditioning system. Therefore, it is important that
there are no objects placed in front of the radiator
grille openings in the front of the vehicle or foreign
material on the condenser fins that might obstruct
proper air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or
shrouds must be properly reinstalled following radia-
tor or condenser service.
The condenser cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR REMOVE/INSTALL - GASOLINE ENGINE
1 - BRACKET
2 - A/C COMPRESSOR
3 - BOLT AND WASHER4 - BRACE
5 - BOLT
24 - 48 PLUMBINGBR/BE
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)

REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Remove the nut that secures the block fitting
to the stud on the condenser inlet, and disconnect the
discharge line from the condenser. Install plugs in, or
tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(4) Disconnect the refrigerant line fitting that
secures the liquid line to the condenser outlet. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLER) Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings.
(5) On gasoline engine models:(a) Remove the two screws that secure the con-
denser upper mounting brackets to the outside of
the upper radiator crossmember (Fig. 6).
(b) Tilt the condenser away from the engine
compartment far enough to grasp the top of the
condenser with both hands.
(c) Lift the condenser far enough to remove the
two lower condenser locators from the isolators in
the holes of the lower crossmember.
(d) Remove the condenser from the vehicle.
(6) On diesel engine models:
(a) Remove the two screws that secure the
brackets on the passenger side end of the con-
denser to the charge air cooler (Fig. 7).
(b) Remove the two nuts that secure the driver
side end of the condenser to the studs on the
charge air cooler.
(c) Remove the condenser from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
Fig. 5 COMPRESSOR REMOVE/INSTALL - DIESEL
ENGINE
1 - ENGINE
2 - BRACKET
3 - A/C COMPRESSOR
4 - BOLTS
Fig. 6 CONDENSER REMOVE/INSTALL - GASOLINE
ENGINE
1 - CONDENSER
2 - LOCATOR
3 - ISOLATOR
4 - SCREW
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 49
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)

(1) On gasoline engine models:
(a) Insert the two lower condenser locators into
the isolators in the holes of the lower crossmember.
(b) Tilt the condenser up towards the engine
compartment far enough to align the upper mount-
ing bracket holes with the holes in the upper radi-
ator crossmember.
(c) Install the two screws that secure the con-
denser upper mounting brackets to the outside of
the upper radiator crossmember. Tighten the
mounting screws to 10.5 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(2) On diesel engine models:
(a) Install the driver side condenser mounting
brackets over the two studs on the charge air
cooler.
(b) Install the two screws that secure the brack-
ets on the passenger side end of the condenser to
the charge air cooler. Tighten the mounting screws
to 10.5 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(c) Install the two nuts that secure the driver
side end of the condenser to the studs on the
charge air cooler. Tighten the mounting nuts to
10.5 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove the plugs or tape from the refrigerant
line fittings on the liquid line and the condenser out-
let. Connect the liquid line to the condenser outlet.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE
COUPLERS)
(4) Install a new gasket and the discharge line
block fitting over the stud on the condenser inlet.
Tighten the mounting nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
(5) Check that all of the condenser and radiator
air seals are in their proper locations.(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
NOTE: If the condenser is replaced, add 30 millili-
ters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refriger-
ant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - DESCRIPTION)
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE
LINE
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c
high pressure switch.
(4) Disconnect the suction line refrigerant line cou-
pler at the accumulator. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLER) Install plugs
in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fit-
tings.
(5) Remove the nut that secures the block fitting
to the stud on the condenser inlet and disconnect the
discharge line from the condenser. Install plugs in, or
tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(6) On models with a gasoline engine, remove the
nut that secures the refrigerant line support bracket
to the stud on the compressor mounting bracket.
(7) Remove the bolt that secures the refrigerant
line manifold to the compressor (Fig. 8) or (Fig. 9).
Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrig-
erant line fittings.
Fig. 7 CONDENSER REMOVE/INSTALL - DIESEL
ENGINE
1 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
2 - NUT
3 - CONDENSER
4 - SCREW
24 - 50 PLUMBINGBR/BE
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)

(8) Remove the suction and discharge line assem-
bly from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from all of the refrig-
erant line fittings. Connect the suction line refriger-
ant line coupler to the accumulator. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(2) Install a new gasket and the discharge line
block fitting over the stud on the condenser inlet.
Tighten the mounting nut to 20 N´m (180 in. lbs.).
Fig. 8 SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE REMOVE/INSTALL - GASOLINE ENGINE
1 - CLIP
2 - ACCUMULATOR
3 - BOLT
4 - MANIFOLD
5 - A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
7 - CONDENSER8 - NUT
9 - DISCHARGE LINE
10 - SUCTION LINE
11 - NUT
12 - STUD
Fig. 9 SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE REMOVE/
INSTALL - DIESEL ENGINE
1 - DISCHARGE LINE (TO CONDENSER)
2 - COMPRESSOR
3 - BOLT
4 - MANIFOLD
5 - SUCTION LINE (FROM ACCUMULATOR)
6 - A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 51
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)

(3) Install the refrigerant line manifold to the com-
pressor. Tighten the mounting bolt to 22 N´m (200 in.
lbs.).
(4) On models with a gasoline engine, install the
nut that secures the refrigerant line support bracket
to the stud on the compressor mounting bracket.
Tighten the mounting nut to 22 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(5) Plug in the wire harness connector to the a/c
high pressure switch.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line cou-
plers at the condenser outlet and the evaporator
inlet. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C
LINE COUPLERS) Install plugs in, or tape over all
of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(4) Disengage any clips that secure the liquid line
to the inner fender shield and the dash panel (Fig.
10).
(5) Remove the liquid line from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(1) Install the liquid line into any clips on the
inner fender shield and the dash panel.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant
line fittings on the liquid line, the condenser outlet,
and the evaporator inlet. Connect the liquid line to
the condenser and the evaporator. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(5) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The a/c evaporator is located in the HVAC housing,
under the instrument panel. The evaporator coil is
positioned in the HVAC housing so that all air that
enters the housing must pass over the fins of the
evaporator before it is distributed through the sys-
tem ducts and outlets. However, air passing over the
evaporator coil fins will only be conditioned when the
Fig. 10 LIQUID LINE REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - TO EVAPORATOR INLET
2 - CLIP
3 - EVAPORATOR INLET
4 - CONDENSER OUTLET
5 - CLIP
6 - TO CONDENSER OUTLET
7 - LIQUID LINE
8 - CLIPS
24 - 52 PLUMBINGBR/BE
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)

compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant
through the evaporator coil tubes.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the evaporator from the fixed
orifice tube as a low-temperature, low-pressure liq-
uid. As air flows over the fins of the evaporator, the
humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and the
heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat
absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and vapor-
ize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas when
it leaves the evaporator.
The evaporator coil cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle,
and disassemble the housing halves. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL) (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Lift the a/c evaporator out of the HVAC hous-
ing (Fig. 11).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(1) Insert the evaporator coil into the bottom of the
HVAC housing.
(2) Reassemble and reinstall the HVAC housing in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
NOTE: If the evaporator is replaced, add 60 millili-
ters (2 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the refrig-
erant system.
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION
The fixed orifice tube is installed in the liquid line
between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of
the evaporator. The fixed orifice tube is only serviced
as an integral part of the liquid line.
OPERATION
The inlet end of the fixed orifice tube has a nylon
mesh filter screen, which filters the refrigerant and
helps to reduce the potential for blockage of the
metering orifice by refrigerant system contaminants
(Fig. 12). The outlet end of the tube has a nylon
mesh diffuser screen. The O-rings on the plastic body
of the fixed orifice tube seal the tube to the inside of
the liquid line and prevent the refrigerant from
bypassing the fixed metering orifice.
The fixed orifice tube is used to meter the flow of
liquid refrigerant into the evaporator coil. The high-
pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser
expands into a low-pressure liquid as it passes
through the metering orifice and diffuser screen of
the fixed orifice tube.
The fixed orifice tube cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or plugged, the liquid line assembly must be
replaced.
Fig. 11 A/C EVAPORATOR LOCATION IN HVAC
HOUSING (UPSIDE DOWN)
1 - EVAPORATOR LOCATION
2 - BOTTOM HALF OF HVAC HOUSING
3 - TOP HALF OF HVAC HOUSING
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 53
A/C EVAPORATOR (Continued)