2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN engine oil

DRBIIItscan tool to perform further diagnosis. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
TESTS
(1) Verify the battery state of charge. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(2) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale
selected) in series with the clutch coil feed terminal.
Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 volt scale selected) to
measure voltage across the battery and the clutch
coil.
(3) With the heater-A/C control in the A/C mode
and the blower at low speed, start the engine and
allow it to run at a normal idle speed.
(4) The compressor clutch should engage immedi-
ately, and the clutch coil voltage should be within
two volts of the battery voltage. If the coil voltage is
not within two volts of battery voltage, test the
clutch coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop. If
the compressor clutch does not engage, use a
DRBIIItscan tool to perform further diagnosis. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(5) With the ambient temperature at 21É C (70É F),
the compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the current
draw is 2.0 to 3.7 amperes at 11.5 to 12.5 volts at the
clutch coil. If the voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add
electrical loads by turning on electrical accessories
until the voltage reads below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the compressor clutch coil current reading
is zero, the coil is open and must be replaced.
(b) If the compressor clutch coil current reading
is four amperes or more, the coil is shorted and
must be replaced.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 17) is a Interna-
tional Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay.
Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO
micro-relay terminal functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the ISO micro-relay
terminal pattern (or footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The compressor clutch relay is located in the Intelli-
gent Power Module (IPM), which is in the engine
compartment near the battery. See the fuse and relay
layout map molded into the inner surface of the IPM
cover for compressor clutch relay identification and
location.The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the compressor clutch relay. Five male
spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of the
base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch relay is an electromechani-
cal switch that uses a low current input from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to control the high
current output to the compressor clutch electromag-
netic coil. The movable common feed contact point is
held against the fixed normally closed contact point
by spring pressure. When the relay coil is energized,
an electromagnetic field is produced by the coil wind-
ings. This electromagnetic field draws the movable
relay contact point away from the fixed normally
closed contact point, and holds it against the fixed
normally open contact point. When the relay coil is
de-energized, spring pressure returns the movable
contact point back against the fixed normally closed
contact point. The resistor or diode is connected in
parallel with the relay coil in the relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic interfer-
ence that can be generated as the electromagnetic
field of the relay coil collapses.
The compressor clutch relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
The inputs and outputs of the compressor clutch
relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from a fuse in the IPM through a
fused B(+) circuit at all times.
²The coil ground terminal (85) receives a ground
input from the PCM through the compressor clutch
relay control circuit only when the PCM electroni-
cally pulls the control circuit to ground.
²The coil battery terminal (86) receives a battery
current input from the PCM through a fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit only when the igni-
tion switch is in the On or Start positions.
²The normally open terminal (87) provides a bat-
tery current output to the compressor clutch coil
through the compressor clutch relay output circuit
only when the compressor clutch relay coil is ener-
gized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the compressor
clutch relay coil is de-energized.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-21
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices, and grounds.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 17) is located in
the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is in the
engine compartment near the battery. See the fuse
and relay layout map molded into the inner surface
of the IPM cover for compressor clutch relay identifi-
cation and location. Remove the relay from the IPM
to perform the following tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75   5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, use a DRBIIItscan tool to perform
further diagnosis of the relay circuits. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information. If not OK,
replace the faulty relay.
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unlatch and remove the cover from the Intelli-
gent Power Module (IPM).
(3) See the fuse and relay layout map molded into
the inner surface of the IPM cover for compressor
clutch relay identification and location.
(4) Remove the compressor clutch relay from the
IPM by pulling it straight up.
INSTALLATION
(1) See the fuse and relay layout map molded into
the inner surface of the Intelligent Power Module
(IPM) cover for compressor clutch relay identification
and location.
(2) Position the compressor clutch relay to the
proper receptacle in the IPM.
(3) Align the compressor clutch relay terminals
with the terminal cavities in the IPM relay recepta-
cle.
(4) Push down firmly on the compressor clutch
relay until the terminals are fully seated in the ter-
minal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(5) Install and latch the cover onto the IPM.
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 17 Compressor Clutch Relay
Fig. 18 Evaporator Temperature Sensor
1 - RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER
2 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
3 - EXPANSION VALVE
4 - DASH PANEL
5 - RETAINER
24 - 22 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(9) 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).
(10) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(11) Perform the heater-A/C control calibration
procedure. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS - FRONT/A/C-HEATER CON-
TROL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C
CONTROL CALIBRATION).
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
TERMINAL LEGEND
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL BATTERY
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
The blower motor relay (Fig. 5) is a International
Standards Organization (ISO) mini-relay. Relays con-
forming to the ISO specifications have common phys-
ical dimensions, current capacities, terminal
patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO mini-relay
terminal functions are the same as a conventional
ISO relay. However, the ISO mini-relay terminal pat-
tern (or footprint) is different, the current capacity is
lower, and the physical dimensions are smaller than
those of the conventional ISO relay. The blower
motor relay is located in the Intelligent Power Mod-
ule (IPM), which is in the engine compartment near
the battery. See the fuse and relay layout mapmolded into the inner surface of the IPM cover for
compressor clutch relay identification and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the blower motor relay. Five male
spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of the
base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, and the ISO designation for each terminal is
molded into the base adjacent to each terminal. The
ISO terminal designations are as follows:
²30 (Common Feed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the movable contact point of the relay.
²85 (Coil Ground)- This terminal is connected
to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
²86 (Coil Battery)- This terminal is connected
to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
²87 (Normally Open)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally open fixed contact point of the
relay.
²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
The factory-installed blower motor relay cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If the relay is damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The blower motor relay is an electromechanical
switch that uses a low current input from the Front
Control Module (FCM) to control the high current
output to the blower motor resistor (manual heater-
A/C control) or blower power module (automatic heat-
er-A/C control). The movable common feed contact
point is held against the fixed normally closed con-
tact point by spring pressure. When the relay coil is
energized, an electromagnetic field is produced by the
coil windings. This electromagnetic field draws the
movable relay contact point away from the fixed nor-
mally closed contact point, and holds it against the
fixed normally open contact point. When the relay
coil is de-energized, spring pressure returns the mov-
able contact point back against the fixed normally
closed contact point. The resistor or diode is con-
nected in parallel with the relay coil in the relay, and
helps to dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic
interference that can be generated as the electromag-
netic field of the relay coil collapses.
The blower motor relay terminals are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a receptacle in
the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The inputs and
outputs of the compressor clutch relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) receives a bat-
tery current input from the battery through a B(+)
circuit at all times.
²The coil ground terminal (85) receives a ground
input through the front/rear blower motor relay con-
Fig. 5 Blower Motor Relay
24 - 32 CONTROLS - REARRS
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

trol circuit only when the FCM electronically pulls
the control circuit to ground.
²The coil battery terminal (86) receives a battery
current input from the battery through a B(+) circuit
at all times.
²The normally open terminal (87) provides a bat-
tery current output to the blower motor resistor
(manual heater-A/C control) or blower power module
(automatic heater-A/C control) through a fuse in the
IPM on the fused rear blower motor relay output cir-
cuit only when the blower motor relay coil is ener-
gized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the blower motor
relay coil is de-energized.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The
wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper
wire and connector repair procedures, further details
on wire harness routing and retention, as well as
pin-out and location views for the various wire har-
ness connectors, splices, and grounds.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
RELAY
The rear blower motor relay (Fig. 6) is located in
the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), which is in the
engine compartment near the battery. See the fuse
and relay layout map molded into the inner surface
of the IPM cover for rear blower motor relay identi-
fication and location. Remove the relay from the IPM
to perform the following tests:(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75   5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, use a DRBIIItscan tool to perform
further diagnosis of the relay circuits. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information. If not OK,
replace the faulty relay.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unlatch and remove the cover from the Intelli-
gent Power Module (IPM) (Fig. 7).
(3) See the fuse and relay layout map molded into
the inner surface of the IPM cover for rear blower
motor relay identification and location.
(4) Remove the rear blower motor relay from the
IPM.
INSTALLATION
(1) See the fuse and relay layout map molded into
the inner surface of the Intelligent Power Module
Fig. 6 Blower Motor Relay
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION
30 COMMON FEED
85 COIL GROUND
86 COIL GROUND
87 NORMALLY OPEN
87A NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 7 Intelligent Power Module
1 - BATTERY THERMAL GUARD
2 - INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
RSCONTROLS - REAR24-33
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(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.
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.
(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).
(24) Run the HVAC Cooldown test to verify proper
operation(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).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.
(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 - REAR24-59
REAR HEATER-A/C HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

PLUMBING - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING - FRONT
WARNING
WARNING...........................61
WARNING - A/C PLUMBING.............61
CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING...............61
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................63
OPERATION...........................63
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE DIAGNOSIS....................63
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - COMPRESSOR - 2.4/3.3/3.8L
ENGINES............................64
REMOVAL - COMPRESSOR MOUNTING
BRACKET - 2.4L ENGINE...............65
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - COMPRESSOR..........65
INSTALLATION - COMPRESSOR
MOUNTING BRACKET - 2.4L ENGINE......66
CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION.........................66
OPERATION...........................66
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................67
DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL.............................68
INSTALLATION.........................69
EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................69
OPERATION...........................70
REMOVAL.............................70
INSTALLATION.........................71
EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION.........................72
OPERATION...........................72
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EXPANSION
VALVE ..............................72
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................74
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................74
OPERATION...........................74
REMOVAL
REMOVAL- HEATER CORE EXTENSION
TUBES.............................75REMOVAL - HEATER CORE.............76
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION- HEATER CORE
EXTENSION TUBES...................77
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE..........78
HEATER HOSE
REMOVAL.............................78
INSTALLATION.........................80
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL.............................80
INSTALLATION.........................82
RECEIVER/DRIER
DESCRIPTION.........................83
OPERATION...........................84
REMOVAL.............................84
INSTALLATION.........................84
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION.........................85
OPERATION...........................85
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL...............85
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS......................86
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT..........87
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE.....................88
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE...................89
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY..........................89
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION.........................90
OPERATION...........................90
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
OIL LEVEL...........................90
SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL.............................90
INSTALLATION.........................91
SERVICE PORTS
REMOVAL.............................92
INSTALLATION.........................93
24 - 60 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
ProCarManuals.com

PLUMBING - FRONT
WARNING
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.
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/ORTHROAT. 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 AND
ALTITUDE 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.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-61
ProCarManuals.com

A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles use the Nippondenso 10S20 compres-
sor. This compressor use an aluminum swash plate,
teflon coated pistons and aluminum sleeveless cylin-
der 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 cylinder block (3.3L and
3.8L engines) is integral to the compressor. This com-
pressor 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.
OPERATION
The compressor is driven by the engine through an
electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement.
The compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that is
circulated throughout the refrigerant system with the
refrigerant. The compressor draws in low-pressure
refrigerant vapor from the evaporator through its
suction port. It then compresses the refrigerant into
a high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor.
The compressor pumps high-pressure refrigerant
vapor to the condenser through the compressor dis-
charge port. The mechanical high pressure relief
valve is designed to vent refrigerant from the system
to protect against damage to the compressor or other
system components, caused by condenser air flow
restrictions or an overcharge of refrigerant. The valve
only vents enough refrigerant to reduce the system
pressure, then re-seats itself. The valve opens at a
discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPA (500 to 600
psi) or above, and closes when a minimum discharge
pressure of 2756 kPa (400 psi) is reached.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Excessive noise while the air conditioning compres-
sor is operating can be caused by loose compressor
mounts, a loose compressor clutch, or high operating
pressures in the refrigerant system. Verify compres-
sor drive belt condition, proper compressor mounting,
correct refrigerant charge level, and compressor head
pressure before compressor repair is performed.
With the close tolerances within the compressor, it
is possible to experience a temporary lockup. The
longer the compressor is inactive, the more likely the
condition is to occur. This condition is the result of
normal refrigerant migration within the refrigerant
system caused by ambient temperature changes. Therefrigerant migration may wash the refrigerant oil
out of the compressor.
NOTE: Prior to a vehicle being removed from ser-
vice or stored for more than two weeks, the com-
pressor should be operated to ensure adequate
refrigerant oil distribution throughout the system
components. Turn on the air conditioner for a min-
imum of five minutes with outside air and the high-
est blower speed selected.
BELT NOISE
If the compressor drive belt slips at initial start-up,
it does not necessarily mean the compressor has
failed. The following procedure can be used to iden-
tify a compressor drive belt noise problem.
A. Start the vehicle and run at idle.
B. Turn the air conditioner On and listen for belt
squeal.
C. If belt squeal is heard, turn the air conditioner
Off immediately.
If the belt squeal stops when the air conditioner is
turned Off, perform the following repair procedures.
(1) Using an appropriate sized oil filter wrench or
a strap wrench, grasp the outer diameter of the com-
pressor clutch hub. While facing the compressor,
rotate the hub clockwise, then counterclockwise. If
the hub rotates, proceed to the next step. If the hub
will not rotate, the compressor is internally damaged,
and must be replaced.
(2) Turn the hub clockwise five complete revolu-
tions and remove the tool.
(3) Start the vehicle and run at idle.
(4) Turn the air conditioner On. Observe the com-
pressor and the system for normal operation, noting
cooling performance and noise levels. Operate for five
minutes before turning the air conditioner Off. If
acceptable cooling performance is observed during
compressor operation, the compressor does not need
to be replaced.
(5) Inspect the drive belt for wear, damage, and
proper tension. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY
DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-63
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