2001 DODGE RAM Ac control

heated air. This air conditioning system uses a fixed ori-
fice tube in the middle of the liquid line to meter refrig-
erant flow to the evaporator coil. To maintain minimum
evaporator temperature and prevent evaporator freez-
ing, the a/c low pressure switch on the accumulator
cycles the compressor clutch.
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
PORT
The high pressure service port is located on the liq-
uid line between the condenser and the evaporator,
near the front of the engine compartment. The low
pressure service port is located on the suction line,
near the accumulator outlet.
Each of the service ports has a threaded plastic
protective cap installed over it from the factory. After
servicing the refrigerant system, always reinstall
both of the service port caps.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE
The air conditioning system is designed to provide
the passenger compartment with low temperature
and low humidity air. The evaporator, located in the
HVAC housing on the dash panel below the instru-
ment panel, is cooled to temperatures near the freez-
ing point. As warm damp air passes through the
cooled evaporator, the air transfers its heat to the
refrigerant in the evaporator tubes and the moisture
in the air condenses on the evaporator fins. During
periods of high heat and humidity, an air condition-
ing system will be more effective in the recirculation
mode (Max-A/C). With the system in the recirculation
mode, only air from the passenger compartment
passes through the evaporator. As the passenger com-
partment air dehumidifies, the air conditioning sys-
tem performance levels improve.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the air condition-
ing system. When humidity is high, the evaporator
has to perform a double duty. It must lower the air
temperature, and it must lower the temperature of
the moisture in the air that condenses on the evapo-
rator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air trans-
fers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing.
This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature
of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Wring-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from theirair conditioning system on humid days. A perfor-
mance test is the best way to determine whether the
system is performing up to standard. This test also
provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of
trouble with the air conditioning system.
Before proceeding, (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION). The air temperature in
the test room and in the vehicle must be a minimum
of 21É C (70É F) for this test.
(1)
Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set.
(2) Set the a/c heater mode control switch knob to
the recirculation mode (Max-A/C) position, the tem-
perature control knob to the full cool position, and
the blower motor switch to the highest speed posi-
tion.
(3) Start the engine and hold the idle speed at
1,000 rpm with the compressor clutch engaged. If the
compressor clutch does not engage, (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
(4) The engine should be at operating temperature.
The doors and windows must be closed and the hood
must be mostly closed.
(5)
Insert a thermometer in the driver side center
A/C (panel) outlet. Operate the engine for five minutes.
(6) The compressor clutch may cycle, depending
upon the ambient temperature and humidity. If the
clutch cycles, unplug the a/c low pressure switch wire
harness connector from the switch located on the
accumulator (Fig. 2). Place a jumper wire between
the two cavities of the a/c low pressure switch wire
harness connector.
Fig. 2 A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
1 - A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
2 - ACCUMULATOR
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGBR/BE
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

(7)With the compressor clutch engaged, record the
panel outlet discharge air temperature, the discharge
pressure (high side), and the suction pressure (low side).
(8) Compare the panel outlet discharge air temper-
ature reading to the Performance Temperature and
Pressure chart. If the temperature reading is high,
clamp off both heater hoses (inlet and outlet), wait
five minutes and record the temperature again. Com-
pare the second reading to the Performance Temper-ature and Pressure chart. If the temperature reading
is now OK, see Temperature Control Cable in the
Removal and Installation section and in the Adjust-
ments section of this group. If the temperature read-
ing is still too high, (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING), and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE) in this group.
Performance Temperature and Pressure
Ambient Temperature21É C
(70É F)27É C
(80É F)32É C
(90É F)38É C
(100É F)43É C
(110É F)49É C
(120É F)
Center Panel OutletDischarge
Air Temperature5to7ÉC
(40 to 45É
F)13 to 16É
C
(55 to 60É
F)16 to 21É
C
(60 to 70É
F)21 to 24É
C
(70 to 75É
F)27 to 29É
C
(80 to 85É
F)29 to 32É C
(85 to 90É
F)
*Suction Pressure (Low Side)241 to 276
kPa
(35 to 40
psi)276 to 345
kPa
(40 to 50
psi)345 to 414
kPa
(50 to 60
psi)414 to 483
kPa
(60 to 70
psi)483 to 552
kPa
(70 to 80
psi)552 to 586
kPa
(85 to 90
psi)
*Discharge Pressure (High
Side)931 to
1000 kPa
(135 to
145 psi)1207 to
1482 kPa
(175 to
215 psi)1482 to
1862 kPa
(215 to
270 psi)1862 to
2275 kPa
(270 to
330 psi)2344 to
2551 kPa
(340 to
370 psi)2758 to
2965 kPa
(400 to 430
psi)
*Note: If pressures are lower than shown, but center panel outlet discharge air temperatures are OK, then the A/C
system is OK.
(9) Compare the discharge (high side) and suction
(low side) pressure readings to the Performance Tem-perature and Pressure chart. If the pressures are
abnormal, see the A/C Diagnosis chart.
A/C Diagnosis
Condition Possible Causes Correction
RAPID COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH CYCLING (TEN
OR MORE CYCLES PER
MINUTE).1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. (Refer to Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing - Refrigerant
System Leaks) in this group. Test the refrigerant system
for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Faulty a/c low
pressure switch.2. (Refer to Controls/A/C Low Pressure Switch/Diagnosis
and Testing) in this group. Test the a/c low pressure
switch and replace, if required.
3. Faulty Powertrain
Control Module (PCM).3. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing
the PCM. Test the PCM and replace, if required.
EQUAL PRESSURES,
BUT THE
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DOES NOT ENGAGE.1. No refrigerant in the
refrigerant system.1. (Refer to Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing - Refrigerant
System Leaks) in this group. Test the refrigerant system
for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Center and
the junction block. Repair the shorted circuit or
component and replace the fuses, if required.
BR/BEHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

A/C Diagnosis
Condition Possible Causes Correction
3. Faulty a/c compressor
clutch coil.3. (Refer to Controls/A/C Compressor Clutch Coil/
Diagnosis and Testing) in this group. Test the compressor
clutch coil and replace, if required.
4. Faulty a/c compressor
clutch relay.4. (Refer to Controls/A/C Compressor Clutch Relay/
Diagnosis and Testing) in this group. Test the compressor
clutch relay and relay circuits. Repair the circuits or
replace the relay, if required.
5. Improperly installed or
faulty a/c low pressure
switch.5. (Refer to Controls/A/C Low Pressure Switch/Diagnosis
and Testing) in this group. Test the a/c low pressure
switch and tighten or replace, if required.
6. Faulty a/c high
pressure switch.6. (Refer to Controls/A/C High Pressure Switch/Diagnosis
and Testing) in this group. Test the a/c high pressure
switch and replace, if required.
7. Faulty Powertrain
Control Module (PCM).7. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing
the PCM. Test the PCM and replace, if required.
8. Faulty a/c heater
control.8. (Refer to Controls/A/C Heater Control/Diagnosis and
Testing) in this group. Test the a/c heater control and
replace, if required.
NORMAL PRESSURES,
BUT A/C
PERFORMANCE TEST
AIR TEMPERATURES AT
CENTER PANEL
OUTLET ARE TOO
HIGH.1. Excessive refrigerant
oil in system.1. (Refer to Plumbing/Refrigerant Oil/Standard Procedure
- Refrigerant Oil Level) in this group. Recover the
refrigerant from the refrigerant system and inspect the
refrigerant oil content. Restore the refrigerant oil to the
proper level, if required.
2. Blend door actuator
inoperative or faulty.2. Check the Blend Door Actuator operation. Replace as
required.
3. Blend door
inoperative, obstructed or
sealing improperly.3. (Refer to Distribution/Blend Door/Removal/Installation)
in this group. Inspect the blend door for proper operation
and sealing and correct, if required.
LOW SIDE PRESSURE
IS NORMAL OR
SLIGHTLY LOW, AND
HIGH SIDE PRESSURE
IS TOO LOW.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. (Refer to Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing - Refrigerant
System Leaks) in this group. Test the refrigerant system
for leaks. Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Refrigerant flow
through the accumulator
is restricted.2. (Refer to Plumbing/Accumulator/ Removal/Installation)
in this group. Replace the restricted accumulator, if
required.
3. Refrigerant flow
through the a/c
evaporator is restricted.3. (Refer to Plumbing/A/C Evaporator/ Removal/
Installation) in this group. Replace the restricted
evaporator, if required.
4. Faulty compressor. 4. (Refer to Plumbing/A/C Compressor/ Removal/
Installation) in this group. Replace the compressor, if
required.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGBR/BE
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE
Before performing the following tests, refer to Cool-
ing for the procedures to check the engine coolant
level and flow, engine coolant reserve/recovery sys-
tem operation, accessory drive belt condition and ten-
sion, radiator air flow and the fan drive operation.
Also be certain that the accessory vacuum supply
line is connected at the engine vacuum source.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT
Engine coolant is delivered to the heater core
through two heater hoses. With the engine idling atnormal operating temperature, set the temperature
control knob in the full hot position, the mode control
switch knob in the floor position, and the blower
motor switch knob in the highest speed position.
Using a test thermometer, check the temperature of
the air being discharged at the HVAC housing floor
outlets. Compare the test thermometer reading to the
Temperature Reference chart.
Temperature Reference
Ambient Air Temperature15.5É C
(60É F)21.1É C
(70É F)26.6É C
(80É F)32.2É C
(90É F)
Minimum Air Temperature at
Floor Outlet62.2É C
(144É F)63.8É C
(147É F)65.5É C
(150É F)67.2É C
(153É F)
If the floor outlet air temperature is too low, refer
to Cooling to check the engine coolant temperature
specifications. Both of the heater hoses should be hot
to the touch. The coolant return heater hose should
be slightly cooler than the coolant supply heater
hose. If the return hose is much cooler than the sup-
ply hose, locate and repair the engine coolant flow
obstruction in the cooling system. Refer to Cooling
for the procedures.
An alternate method of checking heater perfor-
mance is to use a DRBIIItscan tool to monitor the
engine coolant temperature. The floor outlet air tem-
perature reading should be no more than 4.5É C (40É
F) lower than the engine coolant temperature read-
ing.
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW Possible loca-
tions or causes of obstructed coolant flow:
²Faulty water pump.
²Faulty thermostat.
²Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
²Improper heater hose routing.
²Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports
at the cooling system connections.
²A plugged heater core.If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is
verified, and heater outlet air temperature is still
low, a mechanical problem may exist.
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS Possible locations or
causes of insufficient heat:
²An obstructed cowl air intake.
²Obstructed heater system outlets.
²A faulty, obstructed or improperly installed
blend door.
²A faulty blower system.
²A faulty a/c heater control.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be
adjusted with the temperature control knob on the
a/c heater control panel, the following could require
service:
²A faulty a/c heater control.
²A faulty blend door actuator.
²A faulty, obstructed or improperly installed
blend door.
²An obstructed cowl air intake.
²The engine cooling system.
24 - 6 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGBR/BE
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

Heater Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
INSUFFICIENT HEATER
OUTPUT.1. Incorrect engine
coolant level.1. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to Cooling for
the procedures.
2. Air trapped in engine
cooling system.2. Check the operation of the coolant reserve/recovery
system. Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
3. Incorrect engine
coolant temperature.3. Check the performance and operation of the engine
cooling system including: thermostat, water pump, fan
drive, accessory drive belt, coolant flow (plugged radiator
or heater core, plugged or kinked coolant hoses), air flow
(missing or improperly installed radiator air seals or fan
shroud). Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
4. Blend door actuator
inoperative or defective.4. (Refer to Controls/Blend Door Actuator) in this group.
5. Blend door not
operating properly.5. Check for a damaged, obstructed or improperly
installed blend door or seals. (Refer to Controls/Blend
Door Actuator) in this group.
6. Insufficient air flow
through heater housing.6. Remove foreign material or obstructions from cowl air
intake.
7. Improper blower motor
operation.7. (Refer to Distribution/Blower Motor/ Diagnosis and
Testing) in this group.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Locate the diode in the harness, and remove
the protective covering.
(3) Remove the diode from the harness, pay atten-
tion to the current flow direction (Fig. 3).(4) Remove the insulation from the wires in the
harness. Only remove enough insulation to solder in
the new diode.
(5) Install the new diode in the harness, making
sure current flow is correct. If necessary refer to the
appropriate wiring diagram for current flow.
(6) Solder the connection together using rosin core
type solder only.Do not use acid core solder.
(7) Tape the diode to the harness using electrical
tape making, sure the diode is completely sealed
from the elements.
(8) Re-connect the battery, and test affected sys-
tems.
Fig. 3 DIODE IDENTIFICATION
1 - CURRENT FLOW
2 - BAND AROUND DIODE INDICATES CURRENT FLOW
3 - DIODE AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS
BR/BEHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
A/C APPLICATION TABLE
Item Description Notes
Vehicle BR/BE - Ram Pickup
System R134a w/orifice tube
Compressor Sanden SD7H15 SP-20 PAG
oil
Freeze±up
ControlA/C Low Pressure
Switchaccumulator
mounted
Low psi
Controlopens < 22-24 psi
resets > 37-43 psi
High psi
Controlswitch - opens > 450
- 490 psi, resets <
270 - 330 psimounted on
discharge
line, near
compressor
A/C Heater
Control Headmanual type
Mode Door vacuum actuatorItem Description Notes
Blend Door electric actuator
Recirculation
Doorvacuum actuator
Blower Motor hardwired to control
headresistor block
Cooling Fan viscous fan
Clutch
Control relay PCM
Draw 2 - 3.9 amps @ 12V60.5V @
70É F
Gap 0.0169- 0.0319
DRB IIIT
Reads TPS, RPM, A/C
switch test
Actuators clutch relay
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH PLATE NUT 14.4 10.5 -
A/C COMPRESOR LINE MANIFOLD
FASTENER22 - 200
A/C COMPRESSOR TO MOUNTING
BRACKET BOLTS24 - 210
ACCUMULATOR RETAINING BAND 4.5 - 40
BLOWER MOTOR SCREWS 2.2 - 20
CHECK VALVE AND NIPPLE UNIT (DIESEL) 24 18 -
CONDENSER MOUNTING SCREWS/NUTS 10.5 - 95
DISCHARGE LINE TO CONDENSER
FASTENER20 - 180
DOOR ACTUATOR SCREWS 2.2 - 20
HVAC HOUSING SCREWS 2.2 - 20
HVAC HOUSING TO DASH PANEL NUTS
(ENGINE SIDE)7-60
HVAC HOUSING TO DASH PANEL NUTS
(PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SIDE)4.5 - 40
24 - 8 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGBR/BE
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CONTROLS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
VACUUM SYSTEM......................10
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION...........................13
OPERATION.............................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL.........13
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BREAK-IN.....13
REMOVAL..............................14
INSPECTION............................16
INSTALLATION...........................16
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................17
OPERATION.............................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................17
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY........17
REMOVAL..............................18
INSTALLATION...........................18
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION...........................18
OPERATION.............................18
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................19
A/C HEATER CONTROL..................19
REMOVAL..............................19
INSTALLATION...........................20
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................20
OPERATION.............................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................20
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH............20
REMOVAL..............................21
INSTALLATION...........................21
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................21
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH............21
REMOVAL..............................21INSTALLATION...........................22
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION...........................22
OPERATION.............................22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................22
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY.................22
REMOVAL..............................23
INSTALLATION...........................23
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................24
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK.......24
REMOVAL..............................24
INSTALLATION...........................24
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................25
BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH...............25
REMOVAL..............................25
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................26
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL..............................26
INSTALLATION...........................27
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL..............................27
INSTALLATION...........................28
VACUUM CHECK VALVE
DESCRIPTION...........................28
OPERATION.............................28
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
VACUUM RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
REMOVAL..............................30
INSTALLATION...........................30
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 9

CONTROLS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM SYSTEM
Vacuum control is used to operate the mode doors
in the heater-only and HVAC housings. Testing of the
heater-only and a/c heater mode control switch oper-
ation will determine if the vacuum, electrical, and
mechanical controls are functioning. However, it is
possible that a vacuum control system that operates
perfectly at engine idle (high engine vacuum) may
not function properly at high engine speeds or loads
(low engine vacuum). This can be caused by leaks in
the vacuum system, or by a faulty or improperly
installed vacuum check valve.
A vacuum system test will help to identify the
source of poor vacuum system performance or vac-
uum system leaks. Before starting this test, stop the
engine and make certain that the problem is not a
disconnected vacuum supply tube at the engine vac-
uum source or the vacuum reservoir.
Use an adjustable vacuum test set (Special Tool
C-3707) and a suitable vacuum pump to test the
HVAC vacuum control system. With a finger placed
over the end of the vacuum test hose probe (Fig. 1),
adjust the bleed valve on the test set gauge to obtain
a vacuum of exactly 27 kPa (8 in. Hg.). Release and
block the end of the probe several times to verify that
the vacuum reading returns to the exact 27 kPa (8
in. Hg.) setting. Otherwise, a false reading will be
obtained during testing.
VACUUM CHECK VALVE
(1) Remove the vacuum check valve. On gasoline
engines, one valve is located in the vacuum supply
tube (black) at the intake manifold tap on the right
side of the engine. A second check valve is located
next to the tee fitting in the vacuum supply tube
(black) near the dash panel in the engine compart-
ment. On diesel engines, the vacuum check valve is
integral to the engine vacuum pump nipple and is
threaded into the vacuum pump. The vacuum check
valve must be removed in order to perform the fol-
lowing tests. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/VACUUM CHECK VALVE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Connect the test set vacuum supply hose to the
a/c heater control side of the valve. When connected
to this side of the check valve, no vacuum should
pass and the test set gauge should return to the 27kPa (8 in. Hg.) setting. If OK, go to step Step 3. If
not OK, replace the faulty valve.
(3) Connect the test set vacuum supply hose to the
engine vacuum side of the valve. When connected to
this side of the check valve, vacuum should flow
through the valve without restriction. If not OK,
replace the faulty valve.
A/C HEATER CONTROLS
(1) Connect the test set vacuum probe to the
HVAC vacuum supply (black) tube in the engine com-
partment. Position the test set gauge so that it can
be viewed from the passenger compartment.
(2) Place the a/c heater mode control switch knob
to each mode position, one position at a time, and
pause after each selection. The test set gauge should
return to the 27 kPa (8 in. Hg.) setting shortly after
each selection is made. If not OK, a component or
vacuum line in the vacuum circuit of the selected
mode has a leak. See Locating Vacuum Leaks below.
CAUTION: Do not use lubricant on the switch ports
or in the holes in the plug, as lubricant will ruin the
vacuum valve in the switch. A drop of clean water
in the connector plug holes will help the connector
slide onto the switch ports.
Fig. 1 ADJUST VACUUM TEST BLEED VALVE
1 - VACUUM PUMP TOOL C-4289
2 - VACUUM TEST SET C-3707
3 - BLEED VALVE
4 - PROBE
24 - 10 CONTROLSBR/BE