2002 DODGE RAM refrigerant type

(1) Disconnect the negative cable(s) from the bat-
tery.
(2) Inspect air cleaner, induction system, and
intake manifold to ensure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(3) Place a shop towel around the fuel injectors to
catch any fluid that may possibly be under pressure
in the cylinder head. Remove the fuel injectors (Refer
to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL
INJECTOR - REMOVAL).
(4) With all injectors removed, rotate the crank-
shaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(5) Identify the fluid in the cylinders (coolant, fuel,
oil, etc.).
(6) Be sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders.
(7) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from occurring again.
(8) Squirt a small amount of engine oil into the
cylinders to lubricate the walls. This will prevent
damage on restart.
(9) Install new fuel injectors (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/FUEL INJECTOR -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Drain engine oil. Remove and discard the oil
filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL FIL-
TER - REMOVAL).
(11) Install the drain plug. Tighten the plug to 34
N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(12) Install a new oil filter (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL FILTER - INSTALLATION).
(13) Fill engine crankcase with the specified
amount and grade of oil (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).
(14) Connect the negative cable(s) to the battery.
(15) Start the engine and check for any leaks.
REMOVAL
REMOVALÐENGINE
(1) Disconnect both battery negative cables.
(2) Recover A/C refrigerant (if A/C equipped) (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Remove engine oil drain plug and drain engine
oil.
(6) Lower vehicle.
(7) Remove radiator upper hose.
(8) Remove the cooling fan shroud-to-radiator
mounting bolts.(9) Remove viscous fan/drive assembly (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
Remove the cooling fan and shroud together.
(10) Disconnect the coolant recovery bottle hose
from the radiator filler neck and remove bottle from
fan shroud (Fig. 2).
(11) Disconnect heater core supply and return
hoses from the cylinder head fitting and coolant pipe.
(12) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(13) Remove transmission and transfer case (if
equipped.).
(14) Disconnect exhaust pipe from turbocharger
extension pipe (Fig. 3).
(15) Remove starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL).
(16) Disconnect A/C suction/discharge hose from
the rear of the A/C compressor.
(17) Lower vehicle.
(18) Disconnect lower radiator hose from radiator
outlet.
(19)Automatic Transmission models:Discon-
nect transmission oil cooler lines from radiator using
special tool #6931.
(20) Remove radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/RADIATOR - REMOVAL).
(21) Remove upper radiator support panel.
Fig. 2 Coolant Recovery Bottle
1 - T-SLOTS
2 - ALIGNMENT PIN
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - COOLANT RESERVE/OVERFLOW TANK
BR/BEENGINE 5.9L DIESEL 9 - 123
ENGINE 5.9L DIESEL (Continued)

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION...........................1
OPERATION.............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE........................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE........................6STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT.........................7
SPECIFICATIONS.........................7
CONTROLS.............................9
DISTRIBUTION..........................30
PLUMBING.............................40
HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
All vehicles are equipped with a common HVAC
housing assembly (Fig. 1). The system combines air
conditioning, heating, and ventilating capabilities in
a single unit housing mounted under the instrument
panel. On heater-only systems, the evaporator coil
and recirculation door are omitted from the housing.
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
To maintain the performance level of the HVAC
system, the engine cooling system must be properly
maintained. The use of a bug screen is not recom-
mended. Any obstructions in front of the radiator orcondenser will reduce the performance of the air con-
ditioning and engine cooling systems.
The engine cooling system includes the heater core
and the heater hoses. Refer to Engine Cooling for
more information before the opening of, or attempt-
ing any service to the engine cooling system.
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
SERVICE PORT
The two refrigerant system service ports are used
to charge, recover/recycle, evacuate, and test the air
conditioning refrigerant system. Unique service port
coupler sizes are used on the R-134a system, to
ensure that the refrigerant system is not accidentally
contaminated by the use of the wrong refrigerant
(R-12), or refrigerant system service equipment.
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
The heater and optional air conditioner are blend-
air type systems. In a blend-air system, a blend door
controls the amount of unconditioned air (or cooled
air from the evaporator on models with air condition-
ing) that is allowed to flow through, or around, the
heater core. A temperature control knob on the A/C
Heater control panel determines the discharge air
temperature by controlling an electric actuator,
which moves the blend door. This allows an almost
immediate control of the output air temperature of
the system.
The mode control knob on the heater-only or A/C
Heater control panel is used to direct the conditioned
air to the selected system outlets. Both mode control
switches use engine vacuum to control the mode
doors, which are operated by vacuum actuators.
On air conditioned vehicles, the outside air intake
can be shut off by selecting the Recirculation Mode
with the mode control knob. This will operate a vac-
uum actuated recirculation door that closes off the
outside fresh air intake and recirculates the air that
is already inside the vehicle.
Fig. 1 COMMON BLEND-AIR HEATER-AIR
1 - HEATER CORE
2 - BLEND DOOR
3 - EVAPORATOR (A/C ONLY)
4 - RECIRCULATION DOOR (A/C ONLY)
5 - FLOOR/PANEL DOOR
6 - FLOOR/DEFROST DOOR
BR/BEHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1

OPERATION
The compressor clutch assembly provides the
means to engage and disengage the compressor from
the engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the clutch hub bearing, which is
part of the pulley. The compressor clutch and coil are
the only serviced parts on the compressor.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the a/c heater mode control
switch, the a/c loss of charge switch, the a/c pressure
transducer, the compressor clutch relay, the evapora-
tor temperature sensor and the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM may delay compressor
clutch engagement for up to thirty seconds(Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.(2) With the a/c heater mode control switch in any
A/C mode, and the blower motor switch in the lowest
speed position, start the engine and run it at normal
idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of the
compressor clutch circuit. The following components
must be checked and repaired as required before you
can complete testing of the clutch coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC)
²A/C Heater mode control switch
²Compressor clutch relay
²A/C High Pressure Switch
²A/C Low Pressure Switch
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is 2.0 to 3.9
amperes with the electrical system voltage at 11.5 to
12.5 volts. This should only be checked with the work
area temperature at 21É C (70É F). If system voltage
is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turn-
ing on electrical accessories until the system voltage
drops below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is four
amperes or more, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C Heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
to 2000 rpm. This procedure (burnishing) will seat
the opposing friction surfaces and provide a higher
compressor clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, pulley, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) On models with the diesel engine option,
remove the compressor from the engine. Do not
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - TYPICAL
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY
3 - PULLEY
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 13
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

(4) Reinstall the cluster bezel to the instrument
panel(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reach under the instrument panel to reinstall
the a/c heater control vacuum harness retainer to the
side of the center distribution duct.
(6) Plug in the two halves of the a/c heater control
to HVAC housing vacuum harness connector.
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The a/c high pressure switch is located on the dis-
charge line near the compressor. The switch is
screwed onto a fitting that contains a Schrader-type
valve, which allows the switch to be serviced without
discharging the refrigerant system. The discharge
line fitting is equipped with an O-ring to seal the
switch connection.
OPERATION
The a/c high pressure switch is connected in series
electrically with the a/c low pressure switch between
ground and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The switch contacts open and close causing the PCM
to turn the compressor clutch on and off. This pre-
vents compressor operation when the discharge line
pressure approaches high levels.
The a/c high pressure switch contacts are open
when the discharge line pressure rises above about3100 to 3375 kPa (450 to 490 psi). The switch con-
tacts will close when the discharge line pressure
drops to about 1860 to 2275 kPa (270 to 330 psi).
When checking refrigerant system pressures with a
manifold gauge set, keep in mind that the indicated
pressures will be about 172 kpa (25 psi) below the
actual switch pressure values due to the pressure
drop that occurs in the refrigerant system between
the switch and the high pressure service port.
The a/c high pressure switch is a factory-calibrated
unit. The switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C HIGH
PRESSURE SWITCH
Before performing diagnosis of the a/c high pres-
sure switch, verify that the refrigerant system has
the correct refrigerant charge. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the a/c high pressure switch wire har-
ness connector from the switch on the refrigerant
system fitting.
(3) On the four terminal high pressure switch,
check for continuity between terminals C and D. On
the two terminal switch, check for continuity
between both terminals of the a/c high pressure
switch. There should be continuity. If OK, test and
repair the A/C switch sense circuit as required. If not
OK, replace the faulty switch.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c
high pressure switch, which is mounted to a fitting
on the discharge line between the compressor and
the condenser inlet.
(3) Unscrew the a/c high pressure switch from the
discharge line fitting.
(4) Remove the a/c high pressure switch from the
vehicle.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal from the discharge line
fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the discharge line fitting.
Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a
special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the com-
pressor in the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
Fig. 19 A/C HEATER CONTROL REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - HEATED MIRROR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW
4 - HEATER-A/C CONTROL
24 - 20 CONTROLSBR/BE
A/C-HEATER CONTROL (Continued)

AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT
OIL - DESCRIPTION)
(2) Install and tighten the high pressure cut-off
switch on the discharge line fitting. The switch
should be hand-tightened onto the discharge line fit-
ting.
(3) Plug the wire harness connector into the high
pressure cut-off switch.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The a/c low pressure switch is located on the top of
the accumulator. The switch is screwed onto an accu-
mulator fitting that contains a Schrader-type valve,
which allows the switch to be serviced without dis-
charging the refrigerant system. The accumulator fit-
ting is equipped with an O-ring to seal the switch
connection.
OPERATION
The a/c low pressure switch is connected in series
electrically with the a/c high pressure switch and the
a/c heater control, between ground and the Power-
train Control Module (PCM). The switch contacts
open and close causing the PCM to turn the compres-
sor clutch on and off. This regulates the refrigerant
system pressure and controls evaporator tempera-
ture. Controlling evaporator temperature prevents
condensate water on the evaporator fins from freez-
ing and obstructing air conditioning system air flow.
The a/c low pressure switch contacts are open
when the suction pressure is about 152-165 kPa
(22-24 psi) or lower. The switch contacts will close
when the suction pressure rises to about 255-296 kPa
(37-43 psi) or above. Lower ambient temperatures,
below about -1É C (30É F), will also cause the switch
contacts to open. This is due to the pressure/temper-
ature relationship of the refrigerant in the system.
The a/c low pressure switch is a factory-calibrated
unit. It cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C LOW
PRESSURE SWITCH
Before performing diagnosis of the a/c low pressure
switch, be certain that the switch is properly
installed on the accumulator fitting. If the switch is
too loose it may not open the Schrader-type valve in
the accumulator fitting, which will prevent the
switch from correctly monitoring the refrigerant sys-
tem pressure. Also verify that the refrigerant system
has the correct refrigerant charge. (Refer to 24 -HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - A/C PERFORMANCE)
Remember that lower ambient temperatures, below
about -1É C (30É F), during cold weather will open the
switch contacts and prevent compressor operation
due to the pressure/temperature relationship of the
refrigerant. For circuit descriptions and diagrams,
(Refer to Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the a/c low pressure switch wire har-
ness connector from the switch on the accumulator
fitting.
(3) Install a jumper wire between the two cavities
of the a/c low pressure switch wire harness connector.
(4) Connect a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system service ports. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
EQUIPMENT)
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Place the a/c heater mode control switch knob
in any A/C position and start the engine.
(7) Check for continuity between the two terminals
of the low pressure cycling clutch switch. There
should be continuity with a suction pressure reading
of 296 kPa (43 psi) or above, and no continuity with a
suction pressure reading of 172 kPa (25 psi) or below.
If OK, test and repair the A/C switch sense circuit as
required. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c
low pressure switch on the top of the accumulator
(Fig. 20).
(3) Unscrew the a/c low pressure switch from the
fitting on the top of the accumulator.
(4) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the accumulator fitting.
Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a
special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the com-
pressor in the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT
OIL - DESCRIPTION)
(2) Install and tighten the a/c low pressure switch
on the accumulator fitting. The switch should be
hand-tightened onto the accumulator fitting.
(3) Plug the wire harness connector into the a/c
low pressure switch.
BR/BECONTROLS 24 - 21
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH (Continued)

PLUMBING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION..........................40
OPERATION............................41
WARNING..............................42
CAUTION..............................42
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS.......................43
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE
COUPLERS...........................44
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT...........45
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY...........................45
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE....................46
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE......................46
SPECIFICATIONS........................46
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................46
OPERATION............................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR........................47
REMOVAL..............................47
INSTALLATION..........................48
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION..........................49
OPERATION............................49
REMOVAL..............................49
INSTALLATION..........................50
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL..............................51
INSTALLATION..........................52LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL..............................52
INSTALLATION..........................52
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION..........................53
OPERATION............................53
REMOVAL..............................53
INSTALLATION..........................53
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION..........................54
OPERATION............................54
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FIXED
ORIFICE TUBE.........................54
REMOVAL..............................54
INSTALLATION..........................54
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION..........................55
OPERATION............................55
REMOVAL..............................55
INSTALLATION..........................55
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION..........................56
OPERATION............................56
REMOVAL..............................56
INSTALLATION..........................56
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION..........................56
OPERATION............................57
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION..........................57
OPERATION............................57
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
OIL LEVEL............................57
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - A/C LINE COUPLERS
Spring-lock type refrigerant line couplers are used
to connect many of the refrigerant lines and other
components to the refrigerant system. These couplers
require a special tool for disengaging the two coupler
halves.
DESCRIPTION- REFRIGERANT LINES
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry
the refrigerant between the various air conditioning
system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber lay-
ers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on
this vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further contain
the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecu-
lar structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
24 - 40 PLUMBINGBR/BE

Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. 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.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION - A/C LINE COUPLERS
The spring-lock coupler is held together by a garter
spring inside a circular cage on the male half of the
fitting (Fig. 1). When the two coupler halves are con-
nected, the flared end of the female fitting slips
behind the garter spring inside the cage on the male
fitting. The garter spring and cage prevent the flared
end of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage.
Two O-rings on the male half of the fitting are
used to seal the connection. These O-rings are com-
patible with R-134a refrigerant and must be replaced
with O-rings made of the same material.
Secondary clips are installed over the two con-
nected coupler halves at the factory for added blowoff
protection. In addition, some models have a plastic
ring that is used at the factory as a visual indicator
to confirm that these couplers are connected. After
the coupler is connected, the plastic indicator ring is
no longer needed; however, it will remain on the
refrigerant line near the coupler cage.
OPERATION- REFRIGERANT LINES
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice toinspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled with
other components of the HVAC system with peanut-
block style fittings. A stat-O seal type flat steel gas-
ket with a captured compressible O-ring, is used to
mate plumbing lines with A/C components to ensure
the integrity of the refrigerant system.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
Fig. 1 SPRING-LOCK COUPLER - TYPICAL
1 - MALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER
2 - FEMALE HALF SPRING-LOCK COUPLER
3 - SECONDARY CLIP
4 - CONNECTION INDICATOR RING
5 - COUPLER CAGE
6 - GARTER SPRING
7 - COUPLER CAGE
7-9O9RINGS
BR/BEPLUMBING 24 - 41
PLUMBING (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)