2003 DODGE RAM engine system

If the floor outlet air temperature is too low, refer
to Cooling to check the engine coolant temperature
specifications. Both of the heater hoses should be hot
to the touch. The coolant return heater hose should
be slightly cooler than the coolant supply heater
hose. If the return hose is much cooler than the sup-
ply hose, locate and repair the engine coolant flow
obstruction in the cooling system. Refer to Cooling
for the procedures.
An alternate method of checking heater perfor-
mance is to use a DRBIIItscan tool to monitor the
engine coolant temperature. The floor outlet air tem-
perature reading should be no more than 4.5É C (40É
F) lower than the engine coolant temperature read-
ing.
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW Possible loca-
tions or causes of obstructed coolant flow:
²Faulty water pump.
²Faulty thermostat.
²Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
²Improper heater hose routing.
²Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports
at the cooling system connections.
²A plugged heater core.If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is
verified, and heater outlet air temperature is still
low, a mechanical problem may exist.
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS Possible locations or
causes of insufficient heat:
²An obstructed cowl air intake.
²Obstructed heater system outlets.
²A faulty, obstructed or improperly installed
blend door.
²A faulty blower system.
²A faulty a/c heater control.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be
adjusted with the temperature control knob on the
a/c heater control panel, the following could require
service:
²A faulty a/c heater control.
²A faulty blend door actuator.
²A faulty, obstructed or improperly installed
blend door.
²An obstructed cowl air intake.
²The engine cooling system.
Heater Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
INSUFFICIENT HEATER
OUTPUT.1. Incorrect engine
coolant level.1. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to Cooling for
the procedures.
2. Air trapped in engine
cooling system.2. Check the operation of the coolant reserve/recovery
system. Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
3. Incorrect engine
coolant temperature.3. Check the performance and operation of the engine
cooling system including: thermostat, water pump, fan
drive, accessory drive belt, coolant flow (plugged radiator
or heater core, plugged or kinked coolant hoses), air flow
(missing or improperly installed radiator air seals or fan
shroud). Refer to Cooling for the procedures.
4. Blend door actuator
inoperative or defective.4. (Refer to Controls/Blend Door Actuator) in this group.
5. Blend door not
operating properly.5. Check for a damaged, obstructed or improperly
installed blend door or seals. (Refer to Controls/Blend
Door Actuator) in this group.
6. Insufficient air flow
through heater housing.6. Remove foreign material or obstructions from cowl air
intake.
7. Improper blower motor
operation.7. (Refer to Distribution/Blower Motor/ Diagnosis and
Testing) in this group.
24 - 6 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGDR
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable and iso-
late it. If vehicle has a dual batterys remove both
negative cables.
(2) Locate the diode in the harness, and remove
the protective covering.
(3) Remove the diode from the harness, pay atten-
tion to the current flow direction (Fig. 2).
(4) Remove the insulation from the wires in the
harness. Only remove enough insulation to solder in
the new diode.
(5) Install the new diode in the harness, making
sure current flow is correct. If necessary refer to the
appropriate wiring diagram for current flow.
(6) Solder the connections together using rosin
core type solder only.Do not use acid core solder.
(7) Tape the diode to the harness using electrical
tape making, sure the diode is completely sealed
from the elements.
(8) Re-connect the battery negative cable(s), and
test affected systems.
SPECIFICATIONS
A/C APPLICATION TABLE
Item Description Notes
Vehicle DR- Ram Truck
System R134a w/ fixed
orifice tube
Compressor Saden SD-7 SP-15 PAG oil
Freeze±up
ControlA/C Fin Sensor Evaporator
mounted
High psi Control 475 psi A/C cut
outdischarge line
Control Head electronic Software -
J2190
Mode Door electric
Blend Door electric
Recirculation
Doorelectric
Blower Motor hardwired to
control headresistor block
Cooling Fan Viscous for
cooling with a
single speed
electric for A/C
for 3.7, 4.7 and
5.7L gas
engines.
Viscous for
both cooling
and A/C with
5.9L diesel
engine and
8.0L gas
engine.
Clutch Electro-
mechanical
Control relay PCM
Draw 2 - 3.7 amps @
12V  0.5V @ 70É F
Gap 0.0169- 0.0319
DRB IIIT
Reads TPS, RPM, A/C
switch test
Actuators clutch and fan
relay
Fig. 2 DIODE IDENTIFICATION
1 - CURRENT FLOW
2 - BAND AROUND DIODE INDICATES CURRENT FLOW
3 - DIODE AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS
DRHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 7
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

seconds. Refer to Electronic Control Modules for
more information on the JTEC controls.
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 and PCM control. The fol-
lowing 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 transducer switch²JTEC
(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, rotor, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Unplug the compressor clutch coil wire harness
connector.
(4) Remove the bolts that secure the compressor to
the mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the compressor from the mounting
bracket. Support the compressor in the engine com-
partment while servicing the clutch.
(6) Insert the two pins of the spanner wrench
(Special Tool C-4489 or equivalent) into the holes of
the clutch plate. Hold the clutch plate stationary and
remove the hex nut (Fig. 2).
(7) Remove the clutch plate.
(8) Remove the compressor clutch shims.
(9) Remove the external front housing snap ring
with snap ring pliers (Fig. 3).
(10)
Install the lip of the rotor puller (Special Tool
C-6141-1 or equivalent) into the snap ring groove
exposed in the previous step, and install the shaft pro-
tector (Special Tool C-6141-2 or equivalent) (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - TYPICAL
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY (not used on KJ)
3 - ROTOR
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
24 - 10 CONTROLSDR
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Plug the two wire harness connectors into the
back of the A/C Heater control.
(2) Position the A/C Heater control in the instru-
ment panel bezel and secure it with four screws.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is a switch that is
installed on a fitting located on the refrigerant dis-
charge line between the compressor and the conden-
sor in the front corner of the engine compartment. An
internally threaded hex fitting on the transducer con-
nects it to the externally threaded Schrader-type fit-
ting on the liquid line. A rubber O-ring seals the
connection between the transducer and the discharge
line fitting. Three terminals within a molded plastic
connector receptacle on the top of the transducer con-
nect it to the vehicle electrical system through a take
out and connector of the headlamp and dash wire
harness.
The A/C pressure transducer cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The A/C pressure transducer monitors the pres-
sures in the high side of the refrigerant system
through its connection to a fitting on the discharge
line. The transducer will change its internal resis-
tance in response to the pressures it monitors. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a five
volt reference signal and a sensor ground to the
transducer, then monitors the output voltage of the
transducer on a sensor return circuit to determine
refrigerant pressure. The PCM is programmed to
respond to this and other sensor inputs by controlling
the operation of the air conditioning compressor
clutch and the radiator cooling fan to help optimize
air conditioning system performance and to protect
the system components from damage. The A/C pres-
sure transducer input to the PCM will also prevent
the air conditioning compressor clutch from engaging
when ambient temperatures are below about 10É C
due to the pressure/temperature relationship of the
refrigerant. The Schrader-type valve in the discharge
line fitting permits the A/C pressure transducer to be
removed or installed without disturbing the refriger-
ant in the system. The A/C pressure transducer is
diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is tested using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. Before testing the A/C pressure
transducer, be certain that the transducer wire har-
ness connection is clean of corrosion and properly
connected. For the air conditioning system to operate,
Fig. 12 Dual Zone A/C Control
1 - A/C Button
2 - Max. A/C Button
3 - Sideview Mirror Defrost Button (if equiped)
4 - Mounting Tabs (4)
5 - Driverside Temperature Control
6 - Passengerside Temperature Control
7 - Mode Control
8 - Blower Motor Speed Control
Fig. 13 HVAC Control - (Rear View- typical)
1 - Mounting Tabs (4)
2 - Mounting Screws (4)
3 - HVAC Control Connector
4 - Heated Sideview Mirror Connector
5 - HVAC Control Assembly
DRCONTROLS 24 - 15
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)

(3) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(4) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line fit-
ting from the evaporator inlet tube (Fig. 4). (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLERS)
(5) Disconnect the accumulator inlet tube refriger-
ant line fitting from the evaporator outlet tube.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE
COUPLERS) 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).(7) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
core tubes. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tubes.
(8) Unplug all electrical connectors from the actua-
tors and blower motor.
(9) Remove the nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs.
(10) Remove the HVAC housing from inside the
vehicle taking care not to allow any remaining cool-
ant to drain on the vehicles interior.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
and place it on the workbench. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Unplug the electrical connectors from each
actuator.
(3) Remove the HVAC assembly wiring harness
from the HVAC case.
(4) Remove the blower motor and blower wheel
unit from the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
BLOWER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the heater core mounting screws and
carefully remove the heater core assembly(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
HEATER CORE - REMOVAL).
(6) Carefully remove the foam seals from the
heater core and evaporator coil tube mounting flange
of the HVAC housing. If the either seal is deformed
or damaged it must be replaced.
(7) Use a screwdriver to pry off the four snap clips
that help secure the upper and lower HVAC housing
halves together.
(8) Remove the screws that secure the upper and
lower HVAC housing halves together.
(9) Carefully separate the upper HVAC housing
from the lower half.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Assemble the upper HVAC housing half to the
lower half. During assembly, be certain of the follow-
ing.
(a) That each of the mode door pivot shaft ends
and the temperature blend door shafts are properly
engaged in there pivot holes.
(b) That the blower motor is properly indexed
and installed.
(c) If the unit is equipped with air conditioning,
that the evaporator coil tube rubber seal is prop-
erly positioned in the grooves in both the upper
and lower HVAC housing halves.
(d) That the evaporator drain opening is clean.
(e) That the evaporator drain shield is installed
correctly.
Fig. 4 HVAC Housing - Dual Zone Shown (Typical -
Single Zone)
1 - Mounting Nut
2 - Passenger Blend Door Actuator (dual zone)
3 - Mounting Nut
4 - Air Intake Spacer
5 - Recirculation Door Actuator
6 - Recirculation Door Assembly
7 - Driver Side Blend Door Actuator
8 - HVAC Housing
9 - Mounting Screw
10 - Defroster Door Actuator
11 - Panel Actuator
24 - 28 DISTRIBUTIONDR
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

(2) Install the screws and snap clips that secure
the upper and lower HVAC housing halves to each
other. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the blower motor and wheel unit in the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/BLOWER MOTOR -
INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the foam seals on the flanges around
the heater core and evaporator coil tube mounting
flange of the HVAC housing. Repair or replace any
seals as required.
(5) Install the electrical wiring harness for the
acutators. Make sure the wires are routed through
all wiring retainers, replace any retainers that are
damaged or missing.
(6) Connect the wiring harness to each actuator,
making sure each connector is securely attached.
INSTALLATION
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) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION -
REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES PRECAU-
TIONS)
(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 and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC
housing mounting studs. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 N´m
(55 in.lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC system electrical connec-
tors.
(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/ENGINE - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) 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)(6) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(7) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(8) Install the instrument panel in the vehicle(Re-
fer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(9) Connect the battery negative cable.
(10) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
(11) Run the calibration procedure.
INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the HVAC assembly from the vehi-
cle(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(3) Disasemble the HVAC housing(Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY).
(4) Remove the panel door actuator from the hous-
ing if not already removed.
(5) With the actuator removed you can take the
door and shift it so that one pivot point will clear the
housing. You can then tilt the door and remove it
from the housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Take the door and tilt it so one pivot point is
installed. The carfully install the second pivot point.
Check to be sure no binding of the door is occuring,
repair as required.
(2) Reassemble the HVAC housing(Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY).
(3) Install the HVAC assembly into the vehicle(Re-
fer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DIS-
TRIBUTION/INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 29
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

PLUMBING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE.......32
OPERATION- REFRIGERANT LINES........32
WARNING
SERVICE WARNINGS..................32
CAUTION
SERVICE CAUTIONS..................33
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/
TUBES PRECAUTIONS.................33
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT..........34
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY..........................34
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE...................35
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE.....................35
SPECIFICATIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY.....35
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................35
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................35
OPERATION
OPERATION.........................36
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................36
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR NOISE.................36
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................37
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........37
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................38
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.....39
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION.........................39
OPERATION...........................39
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 3.7, 4.7 and 5.7L ENGINES....39
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........40
REMOVAL - 8.0L Engine................40
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 3.7, 4.7 and 5.7L ENGINES . 41
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.....42
INSTALLATION - 8.0L Engine.............42A/C CONDENSER FAN
REMOVAL - CONDENSER FAN (GAS ENGINE
ONLY - 3.7, 4.7 & 5.7L).................43
INSTALLATION - CONDENSER FAN (GAS
ENGINE ONLY - 3.7, 4.7 & 5.7L)..........43
A/C DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................43
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........43
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................44
INSTALLATION - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.....44
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................45
SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................46
REMOVAL - 5.9L DIESEL ENGINE.........46
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................46
INSTALLATION.......................47
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................47
OPERATION...........................47
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION.........................48
OPERATION...........................48
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FIXED ORIFICE
TUBE...............................48
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................49
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................49
OPERATION...........................49
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................50
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................50
OPERATION...........................50
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION.........................50
OPERATION...........................50
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING- REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS......................51
DRPLUMBING 24 - 31

nents, caused by condenser air flow restriction or an
overcharge of refrigerant.
OPERATION
OPERATION
The compressor is driven by the engine through an
electric clutch, drive rotor and belt arrangement. The
compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that is cir-
culated 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, which is then
pumped to the condenser through the compressor dis-
charge port.
The compressor cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire compressor assembly must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley and clutch
coil are available for service.
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The high pressure relief valve vents the system
when a discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPa (500
to 600 psi) or above is reached. The valve closes
when a minimum discharge pressure of 2756 kPa
(400 psi) is reached.
The high pressure relief valve vents only enough
refrigerant to reduce the system pressure, and then
re-seats itself. The majority of the refrigerant is con-
served in the system. If the valve vents refrigerant, it
does not mean that the valve is faulty.
The high pressure relief valve is a factory-cali-
brated unit. The valve cannot be adjusted or
repaired, and must not be removed or otherwise dis-
turbed. The valve is only serviced as a part of the
compressor assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
NOISE
When investigating an air conditioning related
noise, you must first know the conditions under
which the noise occurs. These conditions include:
weather, vehicle speed, transmission in gear or neu-
tral, engine speed, engine temperature, and any
other special conditions. Noises that develop during
air conditioning operation can often be misleading.
For example: What sounds like a failed front bearing
or connecting rod, may be caused by loose bolts, nuts,
mounting brackets, or a loose compressor clutch
assembly.
Drive belts are speed sensitive. At different engine
speeds and depending upon belt tension, belts can
develop noises that are mistaken for a compressornoise. Improper belt tension can cause a misleading
noise when the compressor clutch is engaged, which
may not occur when the compressor clutch is disen-
gaged. Check the serpentine drive belt condition and
tension as described in Cooling before beginning this
procedure.
(1) Select a quiet area for testing. Duplicate the
complaint conditions as much as possible. Switch the
compressor on and off several times to clearly iden-
tify the compressor noise. Listen to the compressor
while the clutch is engaged and disengaged. Probe
the compressor with an engine stethoscope or a long
screwdriver with the handle held to your ear to bet-
ter localize the source of the noise.
(2) Loosen all of the compressor mounting hard-
ware and retighten. Tighten the compressor clutch
mounting nut. Be certain that the clutch coil is
mounted securely to the compressor, and that the
clutch plate and rotor are properly aligned and have
the correct air gap. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH - INSTALLATION)
(3) To duplicate a high-ambient temperature condi-
tion (high head pressure), restrict the air flow
through the condenser. Install a manifold gauge set
to be certain that the discharge pressure does not
exceed 2760 kPa (400 psi).
(4) Check the refrigerant system plumbing for
incorrect routing, rubbing or interference, which can
cause unusual noises. Also check the refrigerant lines
for kinks or sharp bends that will restrict refrigerant
flow, which can cause noises. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION)
(5) If the noise is from opening and closing of the
high pressure relief valve, evacuate and recharge the
refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM CHARGE) If the high pressure
relief valve still does not seat properly, replace the
compressor.
(6) If the noise is from liquid slugging on the suc-
tion line. Check the refrigerant oil level and the
refrigerant system charge. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGER-
ANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
SPECIFICATIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY) If either
is out of specification range reclaim, evacuate and
recharge the refrigerent system(Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIG-
ERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE), (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/RE-
24 - 36 PLUMBINGDR
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)