2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY Engine

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the heater-A/C unit housing against
the dash panel in the passenger compartment with
the four mounting studs located in their proper
mounting holes in the dash panel (Fig. 14).
(2) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the heater-A/C unit housing bracket to the passenger
compartment side of the dash panel. Tighten the
screw to 3 N´m (26 in. lbs.).
(3) Install and tighten the four nuts that secure
the heater-A/C unit housing studs to the engine com-partment side of the dash panel (Fig. 13). Tighten
the nuts to 7 N´m (62 in. lbs.).
(4) Reinstall the floor distribution duct onto the
heater-A/C unit housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - FRONT/
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reinstall the instrument panel into the passen-
ger compartment. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the heater hoses to the heater core
tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the suction line and liquid line to
the expansion valve. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/SUCTION
LINE - INSTALLATION) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/
LIQUID LINE - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(9) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(10) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(11) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 13 Heater-A/C Unit Housing Studs
1 - HEATER-A/C UNIT HOUSING
2 - DASH PANEL
3 - NUT (4)
4 - STUD (4)
Fig. 14 Heater-A/C Unit Housing
1 - HEATER-A/C UNIT HOUSING
2 - SCREW
3 - BRACKET
4 - DASH PANEL
24 - 52 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

system control switch on the front heater-A/C control
is not in the Off position. The blower motor can only
be turned off by turning off the rear system at the
front heater-A/C control. The blower motor receives
battery current whenever the rear blower motor
relay is energized. The rear blower motor relay out-
put circuit is protected by a fuse in the Intelligent
Power Module (IPM) located in the engine compart-
ment near the battery. In the MTC system, the
blower motor speed is controlled by regulating the
path to ground through the blower control switch and
the blower motor resistor. In the ATC system, the
blower motor speed is controlled by an electronic
blower power module, which uses a pulse width mod-
ulated input from the ATC module and feedback from
the blower motor to regulate the blower motor
ground path it provides. The blower motor and wheel
are used to control the velocity of air moving through
the rear heater-A/C unit housing. The blower motor
controls the velocity of the air flowing through the
rear heater-A/C housing by spinning the blower
wheel within the housing at the selected speed or, in
the ATC system, at the selected or programmed
speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR BLOWER
MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
(1) Check the fuse (Fuse 12 - 25 ampere) in the
Intelligent Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the rear heater-A/C control power is
turned on. Check for battery voltage at the fuse
(Fuse 12 - 25 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, proceed to diagnosis of the rear blower
motor relay. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-TIONING/CONTROLS - REAR/BLOWER MOTOR
RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the rear HVAC wire harness connector for
the rear blower motor resistor (Manual Temperature
Control) or the rear blower power module (Automatic
Temperature Control) from the resistor or module
connector receptacle. Reconnect the battery negative
cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the rear heater-A/C control power is
turned on. Check for battery voltage at the fused
rear blower motor relay output circuit cavity of the
rear HVAC wire harness connector for the rear
blower motor resistor (MTC) or the rear blower
power module (ATC). If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
repair the open fused front blower motor relay output
circuit to the IPM as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the rear blower motor pigtail wire connec-
tor from the take out and connector of the rear
HVAC wire harness (MTC) or the connector recepta-
cle of the rear blower power module (ATC). Use
jumper wires to connect a battery and ground feeds
to the blower motor pigtail wire connector. The
blower motor should operate. If OK with MTC, pro-
ceed to diagnosis of the rear blower motor resistor.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
CONTROLS - REAR/BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If OK with ATC, use a
DRBIII scan tool to diagnose the rear blower power
module. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion. If not OK with MTC or ATC, replace the faulty
rear blower motor.
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart (Fig. 4).
24 - 56 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(2) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
(5) Disconnect the underbody refrigerant line seal-
ing plate from the rear heater-A/C unit evaporator
extension line sealing plate that extends through the
rear floor panel behind the right rear wheel housing
(Fig. 6).
(6) Remove the seals from the liquid line and suc-
tion line fittings and discard.
(7) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line and suction line fittings and both ports in the
evaporator extension line sealing plate.
(8) Remove the three nuts that secure the rear
heater-A/C unit mounting studs to the rear floor
panel behind the right rear wheel housing (Fig. 7).
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Remove the right quarter trim panel and
right D-pillar trim panel from the quarter inner
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the rear A/C distribution duct from
the rear heater-A/C unit and the rear roof duct.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION - REAR/AUXILIARY A/C DISTRI-
BUTION DUCT - REMOVAL).
(12) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
for the rear heater-A/C unit housing from the rear
HVAC wire harness connector located near the
expansion valve at the back of the unit.
(13) Remove the two screws that secure the top of
the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the quar-
ter inner panel.(14) Remove the two screws that secure the bottom
of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the
rear heater-A/C unit housing.
(15) Remove the rear heater distribution duct from
the right quarter inner panel. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION -
REAR/REAR HEATER DISTRIBUTION DUCT -
REMOVAL).
(16) Take the proper precautions to protect the
carpeting below the rear heater core from spilled
engine coolant and have absorbent toweling readily
available to clean up any spills.
(17) Disconnect the heater hoses at the rear heater
core. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER HOSE - REMOV-
AL).
(18) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core fittings and both heater hoses.
(19) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(20) Remove the screw that secures the back of the
rear heater-A/C unit housing to the right D-pillar
(Fig. 8).
(21) Remove the screw that secures the front of
the rear heater-A/C unit housing to the right quarter
inner panel.
(22) Lift the rear heater-A/C unit housing up far
enough for the lower mounting studs and the evapo-
rator extension lines to clear the mounting holes in
the rear floor panel.
(23) Remove the rear heater-A/C unit housing from
the vehicle.
(24) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
Fig. 6 Refrigerant Lines
1 - UNDERBODY REFRIGERANT LINE SEALING PLATE
Fig. 7 Rear Heater-A/C Unit Mounting Studs
1 - REAR HEATER-A/C UNIT MOUNTING STUDS
RSDISTRIBUTION - REAR24-59
REAR HEATER-A/C HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the rear heater core or the rear heater-A/C
housing have been removed from the vehicle for
service, the rear heater core may be pre-filled with
the proper engine coolant mixture prior to recon-
necting the heater hoses to the heater core hose fit-
tings. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER CORE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - HEATER CORE FILLING).
(1) Position the rear heater-A/C unit housing into
the vehicle with the evaporator extension line sealing
plate inserted into the rectangular hole in the rear
floor panel behind the right rear wheel house.
(2) Align the rear heater-A/C unit housing lower
mounting studs with the mounting holes in the rear
floor panel and lower the unit to the floor (Fig. 8).(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front of the rear heater-A/C unit housing to the right
quarter inner panel. Tighten the screw to 11 N´m (97
in. lbs.).
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
back of the rear heater-A/C unit housing to the right
D-pillar. Tighten the screw to 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.).
(5) Remove the plugs or tape from both heater core
fittings and both heater hoses.
(6) Reconnect the heater hoses to the rear heater
core. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER HOSE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Reinstall the rear heater distribution duct onto
the right quarter inner panel. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION -
REAR/REAR HEATER DISTRIBUTION DUCT -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 8 Rear Heater-A/C Housing
1 - U-NUT (3)
2 - REAR HEATER-A/C HOUSING
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - EXPANSION VALVE
5 - STUD (3)6 - HEATER LINES
7 - NUT (5)
8 - STUD (2)
24 - 60 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
REAR HEATER-A/C HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(8) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the bottom of the quarter trim panel attaching
bracket to the rear heater-A/C unit housing. Tighten
the screws to 1.7 N´m (15 in. lbs.).
(9) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the top of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to
the quarter inner panel.
(10) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the rear heater-A/C unit housing to the rear HVAC
wire harness connector located near the expansion
valve at the back of the unit.
(11) Reinstall the auxiliary A/C distribution duct
onto the rear heater-A/C unit and the rear roof duct.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION - REAR/AUXILIARY A/C DISTRI-
BUTION DUCT - INSTALLATION).
(12) Reinstall the right quarter trim panel and
right D-pillar trim panel onto the quarter inner
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(13) Raise and support the vehicle.
(14) Install and tighten the three nuts that secure
the rear heater-A/C unit mounting studs to the rear
floor panel behind the right rear wheel housing (Fig.
7). Tighten the nuts to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(15) Remove the tape or plugs from the underbody
liquid line and suction line fittings and both ports in
the rear heater-A/C unit evaporator extension line
sealing plate that extends through the rear floor
panel behind the right rear wheel housing.
(16) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the liquid line and
suction line fittings.
(17) Reconnect the underbody refrigerant line seal-
ing plate to the evaporator extension line sealing
plate (Fig. 6).
(18) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
underbody refrigerant line sealing plate to the evap-
orator extension line sealing plate. Tighten the screw
to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(19) Lower the vehicle.
(20) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(21) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(22) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(23) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).REAR HEATER DISTRIBUTION
DUCT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the trim from the right quarter inner
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/RIGHT
QUARTER TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the rear
heater distribution duct to the right quarter inner
panel (Fig. 9).
(3) Slide the rear heater distribution duct forward
far enough to disengage it from the outlet on the
front of the rear heater-air conditioner unit housing.
(4) Remove the rear heater distribution duct from
the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the inlet end of rear heater distribution
duct with the outlet on the front of the rear heater-
air conditioner unit housing (Fig. 9).
(2) Slide the rear heater distribution duct rear-
ward far enough to fully engage the inlet end of the
duct with the outlet on the front of the rear heater-
air conditioner unit housing.
(3) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the rear heater distribution duct to the right quarter
inner panel. Tighten the screws to 1.6 N´m (14 in.
lbs.).
(4) Reinstall the trim onto the right quarter inner
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/RIGHT
QUARTER TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 9 Rear Heater Distribution Duct
1 - REAR HEATER DISTRIBUTION DUCT
2 - REAR HEATER-A/C UNIT OUTLET
3 - SCREW (2)
RSDISTRIBUTION - REAR24-61
REAR HEATER-A/C HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

PLUMBING - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING - FRONT
WARNING..............................62
CAUTION...............................63
COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION...........................64
OPERATION.............................65
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................65
COMPRESSOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS.........65
REMOVAL..............................65
INSTALLATION...........................66
CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION...........................67
OPERATION.............................67
REMOVAL..............................68
INSTALLATION...........................69
DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL..............................70
INSTALLATION...........................70
EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION...........................71
OPERATION.............................71
REMOVAL..............................71
INSTALLATION...........................73
EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION...........................74
OPERATION.............................74
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................74
EXPANSION VALVE.....................74
REMOVAL..............................75
INSTALLATION...........................75
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION...........................76
OPERATION.............................76
REMOVAL..............................76INSTALLATION...........................79
HEATER HOSE
REMOVAL..............................80
INSTALLATION...........................82
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL..............................82
INSTALLATION...........................84
RECEIVER/DRIER
DESCRIPTION...........................85
OPERATION.............................86
REMOVAL..............................86
INSTALLATION...........................86
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION...........................87
OPERATION.............................87
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................87
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL....87
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS...........89
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................89
SERVICE EQUIPMENT...................89
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE.........90
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE........91
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY...............91
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION...........................91
OPERATION.............................92
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................92
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL................92
SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL..............................92
INSTALLATION...........................93
SERVICE PORTS
REMOVAL..............................94
INSTALLATION...........................95
PLUMBING - FRONT
WARNING
WARNING: THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS
DESIGNED TO DEVELOP INTERNAL PRESSURES
OF 97 TO 123 KILOPASCALS (14 TO 18 POUNDS
PER SQUARE INCH). DO NOT REMOVE OR
LOOSEN THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP, CYLIN-
DER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS, RADIATOR DRAIN,RADIATOR HOSES, HEATER HOSES, OR HOSE
CLAMPS WHILE THE SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING
CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE
HEATED ENGINE COOLANT. ALLOW THE VEHICLE
TO COOL FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES
BEFORE OPENING THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR
SERVICE.
24 - 62 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING: THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CON-
TAINS ANTIFREEZE. ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE
GLYCOL BASED COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF
SWALLOWED OR IF THE VAPORS ARE INHALED. IF
SWALLOWED, DRINK TWO GLASSES OF WATER
AND INDUCE VOMITING. IF VAPORS ARE INHALED,
MOVE TO AN AREA FOR FRESH AIR. SEEK MEDI-
CAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT STORE IN
OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS. WASH SKIN
AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER COMING IN
CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL. KEEP OUT
OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: DISPOSE OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASED COOLANT PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR
DEALER OR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR
THE LOCATION OF AN APPROVED ETHYLENE GLY-
COL COLLECTION AND/OR RECYCLING CENTER IN
YOUR AREA.
WARNING - A/C PLUMBING
WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CON-
TAINS REFRIGERANT UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM
IMPROPER SERVICE PROCEDURES. REPAIRS
SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT
AND REFRIGERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPO-
SURE MAY IRRITATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR
THROAT. WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVIC-
ING THE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM. SERIOUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM
DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT. IF
EYE CONTACT OCCURS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTEN-
TION IMMEDIATELY.
WARNING: DO NOT EXPOSE THE REFRIGERANT
TO OPEN FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED
WHEN REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELEC-
TRONIC LEAK DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
WARNING: IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE
OCCURS, VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE
RESUMING SERVICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF
REFRIGERANT RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK
AREA WILL DISPLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE
SUFFOCATION.
WARNING: THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a
REFRIGERANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ANDALTITUDE IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT,
ANYTHING THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE
REFRIGERANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT
THE SKIN OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT
CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT.
WARNING: THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR
THE VEHICLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD
NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED
WITH COMPRESSED AIR. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR
AND R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUS-
TIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIX-
TURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, AND MAY
RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
CAUTION: Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system
designed to use R-134a. Damage to the system will
result.
CAUTION: R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed
with R-134a refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
CAUTION: Do not use R-12 equipment or parts on
the R-134a system. Damage to the system will
result. All parts, tools, and equipment must be
designed for R-134a refrigerant.
CAUTION: Do not discharge refrigerant into the
atmosphere. Use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/re-
cycling device that meets SAE Standard J2210.
CAUTION: The refrigerant must be recovered com-
pletely from the system before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. If any pres-
sure is noticed as a fitting is loosened, tighten the
fitting and recover the refrigerant from the system
again.
CAUTION: The refrigerant system must always be
evacuated before charging.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-63
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION: Do not overcharge the refrigerant sys-
tem. This will cause excessive compressor head
pressure and can cause noise and system failure.
CAUTION: Do not open the refrigerant system or
remove the sealing caps from a replacement com-
ponent until it is to be installed. This will prevent
contamination in the system.
CAUTION: Before disconnecting a component,
clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to pre-
vent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system.
CAUTION: When it is necessary to open the refrig-
erant system, have everything needed to service
the system ready. Immediately after disconnecting a
component from the refrigerant system, seal the
open fittings with a cap or plug to prevent the
entrance of dirt and moisture. The refrigerant sys-
tem should not be left open to the atmosphere any
longer than necessary.
CAUTION: Before connecting an open refrigerant
fitting, always install a new seal or gasket. All fit-
tings with O-rings need to be coated with refriger-
ant oil before installation. Use only O-rings that are
the correct size and approved for use with R-134a
refrigerant. Failure to do so may result in a leak.
Coat the fitting and seal with clean refrigerant oil
before connecting. Unified plumbing connections
with gaskets cannot be serviced with O-rings. The
gaskets are not reusable and new gaskets do not
require lubrication before installing.
CAUTION: When installing a refrigerant line, avoid
sharp bends that may restrict refrigerant flow. A
good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to
keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the
diameter of the hose. Sharp bends will reduce the
flow of refrigerant.
CAUTION: Position the refrigerant lines away from
exhaust system components or any sharp edges,
which may damage the line. The flexible hose lines
should be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters
(3 inches) from the exhaust manifold. Inspect all
flexible refrigerant system hose lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.CAUTION: High pressures are produced in the
refrigerant system when it is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure that all refrig-
erant system connections are pressure tight.
CAUTION: Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the
specified torque. The aluminum fittings used in the
refrigerant system will not tolerate overtightening.
CAUTION: When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting,
use a wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will
prevent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
CAUTION: Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from
the atmosphere if left uncapped. Do not open a
container of refrigerant oil until you are ready to
use it. Replace the cap on the oil container immedi-
ately after using. Store refrigerant oil only in a
clean, airtight, and moisture-free container.
CAUTION: All tools, including the refrigerant recy-
cling equipment, the manifold gauge set, and test
hoses should be kept clean and dry. Keep the work
area clean. Contamination of the refrigerant system
through careless work habits must be avoided. The
refrigerant system will remain chemically stable as
long as pure, moisture-free R-134a refrigerant and
refrigerant oil is used. Dirt, moisture, or air can
upset this chemical stability. Operational troubles
or serious damage can occur if foreign material is
introduced to the refrigerant system.
COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
The compressor used on this vehicle can be one of
two models, depending upon the air conditioning sys-
tem in the vehicle. All vehicles use the Nippondenso
10S20H compressor. This compressor use an alumi-
num swash plate, teflon coated pistons and alumi-
num sleeveless cylinder walls. This compressor
includes an integral high pressure relief valve. The
compressor is secured low in the right front corner of
the engine compartment to a mounting bracket on
the cylinder block (2.4L engine), or directly to the cyl-
inder block (3.3L and 3.8L engines).is integral to the
compressor. This compressor cannot be repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire compressor must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley, and clutch
coil are available for service replacement.
24 - 64 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com