2002 DODGE RAM heating

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) If the vehicle is not equipped with air condi-
tioning, go to Step 6. If the vehicle is equipped with
air conditioning, recover the refrigerant from the sys-
tem. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
Refer to Instrument Panel System for the procedures.
(4) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line fit-
ting from the evaporator inlet tube. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COUPLERS)
Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrig-
erant line fittings.
(5) Remove the accumulator. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/ACCU-
MULATOR - REMOVAL) Install plugs in, or tape
over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(6) Drain the engine cooling system(Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE) and (Refer
to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
core tubes. Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
Install plugs in, or tape over the opened heater core
tubes.
(8) Remove the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
from the dash panel and set it aside, but do not
unplug the PCM wire harness connectors. Refer to
Electronic Control Modules for the procedures.
(9) Remove the nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs on the engine compartment side of
the dash panel.
(10) Remove the nuts that secure the HVAC hous-
ing to the mounting studs on the passenger compart-
ment side of the dash panel (Fig. 8).
(11) Pull the HVAC housing rearward far enough
for the mounting studs and the evaporator conden-
sate drain tube to clear the dash panel holes.
(12) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
REMOVAL - HVAC HOUSING INLET BAFFLE
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Slide the HVAC housing inlet baffle (Fig. 9) all
the way to one side of the cowl plenum opening.
(3) Pull downwards sharply and firmly on the
opposite side of the HVAC housing inlet baffle to dis-
engage the snap features from the cowl plenum open-
ing.
(4) Remove the HVAC housing inlet baffle from the
cowl plenum panel.DISASSEMBLY
(1) Place the HVAC housing upside down on a
work bench.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the floor duct to
the bottom of the HVAC housing and slide the floor
duct off of the center heat duct adaptor.
(3) Unsnap the center heat duct adaptor from the
bottom of the HVAC housing and remove the screw
that was hidden by the adaptor.
(4) Remove the remaining screws on the bottom of
the HVAC housing that secure the two housing
halves together.
Fig. 8 HVAC HOUSING REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - BODY ASSEMBLY
2 - HVAC HOUSING
Fig. 9 HVAC HOUSING INLET BAFFLE REMOVE/
INSTALL
1 - RIGHT A-PILLAR
2 - INLET BAFFLE
3 - COWL PLENUM OPENING
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 35
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

(5) Place the HVAC housing right side up on the
work bench.
(6) Separate the top half of the HVAC housing
from the bottom half and set it aside.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position the top half of the HVAC housing over
the bottom half. Be certain that the mode door pivot
pins are properly inserted in their pivot holes.
(2) Place the HVAC housing upside down on the
work bench.
(3) Install and tighten the screws on the bottom of
the HVAC housing that secure the two housing
halves together. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.).
(4) Snap the center heat duct adaptor onto the bot-
tom of the HVAC housing.
(5) Slide the floor duct onto the center heat duct
adaptor and secure it with a screw to the bottom of
the HVAC housing. Tighten the mounting screw to
2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the HVAC housing to the dash panel.
Be certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
and the housing mounting studs are inserted into
their correct mounting holes.
(2) Install the nuts that secure the HVAC housing
to the mounting studs on the passenger compartment
side of the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.).
(3) Install and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC
housing mounting studs on the engine compartment
side of the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 7 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
(4) Unplug or remove the tape from the heater
core tubes. Connect the heater hoses to the heater
core tubes and fill the engine cooling system(Refer to
7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE) and
(Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) If the vehicle is not equipped with air condi-
tioning, go to Step 10. If the vehicle is equipped with
air conditioning, install the accumulator. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
ACCUMULATOR - INSTALLATION) Connect the
accumulator inlet tube coupler to the evaporator out-
let tube. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
A/C LINE COUPLERS)
(6) Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid line
and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect the
liquid line coupler to the evaporator inlet tube. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLERS)(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)
(9) Reinstall the PCM to the dash panel. Refer to
Electronic Control Modules for the procedures.
(10) Reinstall the instrument panel in the vehi-
cle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Connect the battery negative cable.
(12) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
INSTALLATION - HVAC HOUSING INLET
BAFFLE
(1) Install the HVAC housing inlet baffle in the
cowl plenum panel.
(2) Slide the HVAC housing inlet baffle to engage
the snap features.
(3) Make certain that the snap features on each
side of the adapter are fully engaged with the sides
of the plenum panel opening. This must be a water
tight connection to prevent leaks.
(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
DEMISTER DUCTS
REMOVAL
The defroster duct and the main demister duct are
a single molded plastic unit. The defroster outlet
grilles are heat-staked to the defroster outlets and
cannot be serviced separately. The demister tubes on
each end of the main demister duct are only serviced
in the instrument panel assembly. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
DEFROSTER DUCTS - REMOVAL)
INSTALLATION
The defroster duct and the main demister duct are
a single molded plastic unit. The defroster outlet
grilles are heat-staked to the defroster outlets and
cannot be serviced separately. The demister tubes on
each end of the mail demister duct are only serviced
in the instrument panel assembly(Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
DEFROSTER DUCTS - INSTALLATION).
24 - 36 DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL
The panel and center distribution ducts (Fig. 10)
are only serviced as part of the instrument panel
assembly. Refer to Instrument Panel System for the
service procedures.
INSTALLATION
The panel and center distribution ducts are only
serviced as part of the instrument panel assembly.
Refer to Instrument Panel System for the service
procedures.
BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL
(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 blend door pivot shaft out of the pivot
hole in the bottom of the HVAC housing (Fig. 11).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the blend door pivot shaft in the bottom
of the HVAC housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
Fig. 10 PANEL AND CENTER DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
1 - BRACKET
2 - SCREW
3 - CENTER DISTRIBUTION DUCT
4 - SCREW
5 - PANEL DUCTS
Fig. 11 BLEND DOOR
1 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
2 - TEMP/BLEND AIR DOOR
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 37

WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR
CONDITIONING, REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND
CAUTIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING
THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION)
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove the heat/defrost door actuator from the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the heat/defrost door from the HVAC
housing.
REMOVAL - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel assembly from
the vehicle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PAN-
EL/INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Remove the panel/defrost door actuator from
the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR
ACTUATOR - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the defroster and demister duct
adapter from the HVAC housing. ***L***
(5) Lift the panel/defrost door out of the top open-
ing of the HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Install the heat/defrost door in the HVAC hous-
ing.(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the heat/defrost door actuator on the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
- INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Install the panel/defrost door through the top
opening of the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the defroster and demister duct adapter
on the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/DEFROSTER
DUCTS - INSTALLATION)
(3) Install the panel/defrost door actuator on the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
- REMOVAL)
(4) Install the instrument panel assembly in the
vehicle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
RECIRCULATION DOOR
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR
CONDITIONING, REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND
CAUTIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING
THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION)
24 - 38 DISTRIBUTIONBR/BE
MODE DOOR (Continued)

(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Unsnap the recirculation door vacuum actuator
link clip and disengage the link from the recircula-
tion door lever. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/CONTROLS/RECIRCULATION DOOR
ACTUATOR - REMOVAL)
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the retainer off of the
recirculation door pivot shaft.
(4) Remove the recirculation door through the out-
side air intake opening on the top of the HVAC hous-
ing.INSTALLATION
(1) Install the recirculation door through the out-
side air intake opening on the top of the HVAC hous-
ing.
(2) Install the retainer on the recirculation door
pivot shaft.
(3) Engage the recirculation door vacuum actuator
link clip with the recirculation door lever. (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR - INSTALLA-
TION)
(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
BR/BEDISTRIBUTION 24 - 39
RECIRCULATION DOOR (Continued)

CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/
TUBES PRECAUTIONS
Kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing
will reduce the capacity of the entire system. High
pressures are produced in the system when it is oper-
ating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that all refrigerant system connections are pressure
tight.
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. The flexible hose lines should be
routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches)
from the exhaust manifold. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible refrigerant system hose lines at
least once a year to make sure they are in good con-
dition and properly routed.
There are two types of refrigerant fittings:
²All fittings with O-rings need to be coated with
refrigerant 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.
²Unified plumbing connections with gaskets can-
not be serviced with O-rings. The gaskets are not
reusable and new gaskets do not require lubrication
before installing.
Using the proper tools when making a refrigerant
plumbing connection is very important. Improper
tools or improper use of the tools can damage the
refrigerant fittings. Always use two wrenches when
loosening or tightening tube fittings. Use one wrench
to hold one side of the connection stationary, while
loosening or tightening the other side of the connec-
tion with a second wrench.
The refrigerant must be recovered completely from
the system before opening any fitting or connection.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the refrig-
erant has been recovered. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, tighten the fitting and
recover the refrigerant from the system again.
Do not discharge refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling device
that meets SAE Standard J2210.
The refrigerant system will remain chemically sta-
ble 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
present in the refrigerant system.
When it is necessary to open the refrigerant sys-
tem, have everything needed to service the system
ready. The refrigerant system should not be left open
to the atmosphere any longer than necessary. Cap or
plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened
to prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture. All linesand components in parts stock should be capped or
sealed until they are to be installed.
All tools, including the refrigerant recycling equip-
ment, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should
be kept clean and dry. All tools and equipment must
be designed for R-134a refrigerant.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION) BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING
OPERATION.
If the air conditioning system is not cooling prop-
erly, determine if the refrigerant system is fully-
charged. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
A/C PERFORMANCE) If the refrigerant system is
low or empty; a leak at a refrigerant line, connector
fitting, component, or component seal is likely.
An electronic leak detector designed for R-134a
refrigerant, or a fluorescent R-134a leak detection
dye and a black light are recommended for locating
and confirming refrigerant system leaks. Refer to the
operating instructions supplied by the equipment
manufacturer for proper care and use of this equip-
ment.
An oily residue on or near refrigerant system lines,
connector fittings, components, or component seals
can indicate the general location of a possible refrig-
erant leak. However, the exact leak location should
be confirmed with an electronic leak detector prior to
component repair or replacement.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system with an
electronic leak detector, perform one of the following
procedures:
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(2) Connect and dispense 0.283 kilograms (0.625
pounds or 10 ounces) of R-134a refrigerant into the
evacuated refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
CHARGE)
(3) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(4) With the engine not running, use a electronic
R-134a leak detector and search for leaks. Because
R-134a refrigerant is heavier than air, the leak detec-
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 43
PLUMBING (Continued)

tor probe should be moved slowly along the bottom
side of all refrigerant lines, connector fittings and
components.
(5) To inspect the evaporator for leaks, insert the
electronic leak detector probe into the center instru-
ment panel outlet. Set the blower motor switch to the
lowest speed position, and the mode control switch in
the recirculation mode.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(2) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run with the air conditioning system
turned on for five minutes.
(3) With the engine not running, use a electronic
R-134a leak detector and search for leaks. Because
R-134a refrigerant is heavier than air, the leak detec-
tor probe should be moved slowly along the bottom
side of all refrigerant lines, connector fittings and
components.
(4) To inspect the evaporator coil for leaks, insert
the electronic leak detector probe into the center
instrument panel outlet. Set the blower motor switch
to the lowest speed position, and the mode control
switch in the recirculation mode.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE
COUPLERS
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)
REMOVAL
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(2) Remove the secondary clip from the spring-lock
coupler.
(3) Fit the proper size A/C line disconnect tool
(Special Tool Kit 7193) over the spring-lock coupler
cage (Fig. 2).
(4) Close the two halves of the A/C line disconnect
tool around the spring-lock coupler.
(5) Push the A/C line disconnect tool into the open
side of the coupler cage to expand the garter spring.
Once the garter spring is expanded and while still
pushing the disconnect tool into the open side of the
coupler cage, pull on the refrigerant line attached tothe female half of the coupler fitting until the flange
on the female fitting is separated from the garter
spring and cage on the male fitting within the dis-
connect tool.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check to ensure that the garter spring is
located within the cage of the male coupler fitting,
and that the garter spring is not damaged.
(a) If the garter spring is missing, install a new
spring by pushing it into the coupler cage opening.
(b) If the garter spring is damaged, remove it
from the coupler cage with a small wire hook (DO
NOT use a screwdriver) and install a new garter
spring.
(2) Clean any dirt or foreign material from both
halves of the coupler fitting.
(3) Install new O-rings on the male half of the cou-
pler fitting.
CAUTION: Use only the specified O-rings as they
are made of a special material for the R-134a sys-
tem. The use of any other O-rings may allow the
connection to leak intermittently during vehicle
operation.
(4) Lubricate the male fitting and O-rings, and the
inside of the female fitting with clean R-134a refrig-
erant oil. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recom-
mended for the compressor in the vehicle.
(5) Fit the female half of the coupler fitting over
the male half of the fitting.
Fig. 2 REFRIGERANT LINE SPRING-LOCK
COUPLER DISCONNECT
24 - 44 PLUMBINGBR/BE
PLUMBING (Continued)

(6) Push together firmly on the two halves of the
coupler fitting until the garter spring in the cage on
the male half of the fitting snaps over the flanged
end on the female half of the fitting.
(7) Ensure that the spring-lock coupler is fully
engaged by trying to separate the two coupler halves.
This is done by pulling the refrigerant lines on either
side of the coupler away from each other.
(8) Reinstall the secondary clip over the spring-
lock coupler cage.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
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)
When servicing the air conditioning system, a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used.
Contact an automotive service equipment supplier for
refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging equipment.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied by the
equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of
this equipment.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 3). The
service hoses on the gauge set being used should
have manual (turn wheel), or automatic back-flow
valves at the service port connector ends. This will
prevent refrigerant from being released into the
atmosphere.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.
LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE The low pressure
hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to the suction
service port. This port is located on the suction line
between the accumulator outlet and the compressor.
HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE The high pres-
sure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the dis-
charge service port. This port is located on the
discharge line between the compressor and the con-
denser inlet.
RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/CHARG-
ING HOSE The center manifold hose (Yellow, or
White, with Black stripe) is used to recover, evacu-
ate, and charge the refrigerant system. When the low
or high pressure valves on the manifold gauge setare opened, the refrigerant in the system will escape
through this hose.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY
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)
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for the proper
care and use of this equipment.
Fig. 3 MANIFOLD GAUGE SET - TYPICAL
1 - HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE
2 - VALVE
3 - VACUUM/REFRIGERANT HOSE (YELLOW W/ BLACK
STRIPE)
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE (RED W/ BLACK STRIPE)
5 - LOW PRESSURE HOSE (BLUE W/ BLACK STRIPE)
6 - VALVE
7 - LOW PRESSURE GAUGE
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 45
PLUMBING (Continued)