erence 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 A/C compressor clutch and the radiator cooling
fan to help optimize air conditioning system perfor-
mance and to protect the system components from
damage. The A/C pressure transducer input to the
PCM will also prevent the A/C compressor clutch
from engaging when ambient temperatures are below
about 4.5É C (40É F) due to the pressure/temperature
relationship of the refrigerant. The Schrader-type
valve in the liquid line fitting permits the A/C pres-
sure transducer to be removed or installed without
disturbing the refrigerant in the system. The A/C
pressure transducer is diagnosed using a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to Body Diagnostic Procedures.
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 A/C to operate, an A/C pressure
transducer voltage reading between 0.451 and 4.519
volts is required. Voltages outside this range indicate
a low or high refrigerant system pressure condition
to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM is
programmed to respond to a low or high refrigerant
system pressure by suppressing operation of the A/C
compressor. Refer to the A/C Pressure Transducer
Voltage chart for the possible conditions indicated by
the transducer voltage reading.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
Voltage Possible Indication
0.0 1. No sensor supply voltage from
PCM.
2. Shorted sensor circuit.
3. Faulty transducer.
0.150 TO 0.450 1. Ambient temperature below 10É
C (50É F).
2. Low refrigerant system pressure.
0.451 TO 4.519 1. Normal refrigerant system
pressure.
4.520 TO 4.850 1. High refrigerant system pressure.
5.0 1. Open sensor circuit.
2. Faulty transducer.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Note: It is not necessary to discharge the
refrigerant system to replace the A/C pressure
transducer.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
A/C pressure transducer (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove the A/C pressure transducer from the
fitting on the liquid line.
(4) Remove the O-ring seal from the A/C pressure
transducer fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Replace the O-ring seal before installing the
A/C pressure transducer.
(1) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the A/C pressure
transducer 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 recom-
mended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
(2) Install and tighten the A/C pressure transducer
onto the fitting onto the liquid line fitting.
(3) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
pressure transducer.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 10 A/C Pressure Transducer - Typical
1 - RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
4 - WIPER MODULE DRAIN TUBE
5 - HIGH SIDE SERVICE PORT
6 - LIQUID LINE
24 - 22 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)
(3) Connect the HVAC wire harness connector to
the blend door actuator.
(4) Install the silencer under the driver side end of
the instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL SILENCER -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(6) Perform the heater-A/C control calibration pro-
cedure (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/CONTROLS - FRONT/A/C-HEATER CONTROL
- STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C CON-
TROL CALIBRATION).
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor relay is a International Stan-
dards Organization (ISO) mini-relay (Fig. 12). Relays
conforming to the ISO specifications have common
physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal pat-
terns, 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 Integrated Power Mod-
ule (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
blower motor 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 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 (ATC control).
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
Fig. 11 Blend Door Actuator - LHD Shown, RHD
Typical
1 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - DRIVER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (DUAL-ZONE)
5 - HEATER CORE
6 - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (SINGLE ZONE) OR PASSENGER
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (DUAL-ZONE)Fig. 12 Blower Motor Relay
24 - 24 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)
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 blower motor relay terminals are connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a receptacle in
the Integrated Power Module (IPM). The inputs and
outputs of the blower motor 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-
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 front 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 for
diagnosis and testing of the micro-relay and for com-
plete HVAC wiring diagrams.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unlatch and remove the cover from the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM) (Fig. 13).
(3) See the fuse and relay layout map molded into
the inner surface of the IPM cover for front blower
motor relay identification and location.(4) Remove the front blower motor relay from the
IPM by pulling the relay straight up.
INSTALLATION
(1) Refer to the fuse and relay layout map on the
inner surface of the integrated power module (IPM)
cover for front blower motor relay identification and
location.
(2) Position the front blower motor relay to the
proper receptacle in the IPM.
(3) Align the front blower motor relay terminals
with the terminal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(4) Push down firmly on the front blower motor
relay until the terminals are fully seated in the ter-
minal cavities in the IPM receptacle.
(5) Install the cover onto the IPM.
(6) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 13 Integrated Power Module - Typical
1 - BATTERY THERMAL GUARD
2 - INTEGRATED POWER MODULE
3 - FRONT CONTROL MODULE
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-25
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor relay is a International Stan-
dards Organization (ISO) mini-relay (Fig. 4). Relays
conforming to the ISO specifications have common
physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal pat-
terns, 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 rear blower
motor relay is located in the Integrated Power Mod-
ule (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 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 rear blower motor relay cannot be adjusted or
repaired. If the relay is damaged or faulty, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The rear blower motor relay is an electromechani-
cal switch that uses a low current input from the
Front Control Module (FCM) to control the high cur-
rent output to the rear blower motor resistor (man-
ual heater-A/C control) or rear blower motor power
module (ATC heater-A/C control). The movable com-
mon feed contact point is held against the fixed nor-
mally closed contact 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 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 interference that can be
generated as the electromagnetic field of the relay
coil collapses.
The rear blower motor relay terminals are con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a
receptacle in the Integrated Power Module (IPM).
The inputs and outputs of the rear blower motor
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-
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
(ATC heater-A/C control) through a fuse in the IPM
on the fused rear blower motor relay output circuit
only when the blower motor relay coil is energized.
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is not con-
nected to any circuit in this application, but provides
a battery current output only when the rear blower
motor relay coil is de-energized.
Fig. 4 Rear Blower Motor Relay
RSCONTROLS - REAR24-37
PLUMBING - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING - FRONT
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE.......65
OPERATION- REFRIGERANT LINES........65
WARNING
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM.............65
A/C SYSTEM.........................65
CAUTION
A/C SYSTEM.........................66
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS......................66
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SYSTEM
CHARGE LEVEL TEST - GASOLINE
ENGINES............................67
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SYSTEM
CHARGE LEVEL TEST - 2.5L DIESEL......68
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
TUBING AND FITTINGS.................70
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT..........70
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY..........................71
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE...................72
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE.....................72
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR.......73
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................73
OPERATION
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR........73
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................73
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE DIAGNOSIS....................74
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - COMPRESSOR.............74
REMOVAL - A/C COMPRESSOR MOUNTING
BRACKET - 2.4L ENGINE...............75
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................76
INSTALLATION - A/C COMPRESSOR
MOUNTING BRACKET - 2.4L ENGINE......76
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION.........................76
OPERATION...........................76REMOVAL.............................77
INSTALLATION.........................78
A/C DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL.............................79
INSTALLATION.........................80
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................80
OPERATION...........................80
REMOVAL.............................80
INSTALLATION.........................80
EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION.........................81
OPERATION...........................81
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C EXPANSION
VALVE ..............................81
REMOVAL.............................82
INSTALLATION.........................82
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................83
OPERATION...........................83
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - HEATER CORE TUBES.......83
REMOVAL - HEATER CORE.............84
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE TUBES....85
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE..........85
HEATER INLET HOSE
REMOVAL.............................85
INSTALLATION.........................86
HEATER RETURN HOSE
REMOVAL.............................86
INSTALLATION.........................87
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL.............................88
INSTALLATION.........................90
RECEIVER / DRIER
DESCRIPTION.........................91
OPERATION...........................91
REMOVAL.............................91
INSTALLATION.........................92
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION.........................92
OPERATION...........................92
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION.........................92
OPERATION...........................92
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
OIL LEVEL...........................93
24 - 64 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
SERVICE PORT VALVE CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................94
REMOVAL.............................94
INSTALLATION.........................94SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL.............................94
INSTALLATION.........................95
PLUMBING - FRONT
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE
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.
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 an exhaust manifold.
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 to
inspect 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 either
O-rings or dual plane seals.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
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 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM ISHOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING CAN RESULT IN SERI-
OUS BURNS FROM THE HEATED ENGINE COOL-
ANT. ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL FOR A
MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES BEFORE OPENING THE
COOLING SYSTEM FOR SERVICE.
A/C SYSTEM
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.
AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT AND
REFRIGERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE
MAY IRRITATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR THROAT.
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE
AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERI-
OUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM DIRECT
CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CON-
TACT OCCURS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMME-
DIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC LEAK
DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING
SERVICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT
RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DIS-
PLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a REFRIGER-
ANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE
IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING
THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGER-
ANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT THE SKIN
OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT
WITH THE REFRIGERANT.
THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR THE VEHI-
CLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE
PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COM-
PRESSED AIR. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR AND
R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE
AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, AND MAY RESULT IN
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-65
CAUTION
A/C SYSTEM
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to
use R-134a and do not use R-12 equipment or parts
on the R-134a system. Damage to the system will
result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a
refrigerant oil. They are not compatible and damage
to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. Over-
charging will cause excessive compressor head
pressure and can cause noise and system failure.
Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
If equipped, do not remove the secondary retention
clip from any spring-lock coupler connection while
the refrigerant system is under pressure. Recover
the refrigerant before removing the secondary
retention clip. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. This will prevent contamination in
the system. Before disconnecting a component,
clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to pre-
vent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system. Immediately after disconnecting a compo-
nent from the refrigerant system, seal the open fit-
tings with a cap or plug.
Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of
refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace
the cap on the oil container immediately after using.
Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and
moisture-free container.
Keep service tools and the work area clean. Con-
tamination of the refrigerant system must be
avoided.
CAUTION: The use of A/C system sealers may
result in damage to A/C refrigerant recovery/evacu-
ation/recharging equipment and/or A/C systems.
Many federal, state/provincial and local regulations
prohibit the recharge of A/C systems with known
leaks. DaimlerChrysler recommends the detection
of A/C system leaks through the use of approvedleak detectors and fluorescent leak detection dyes.
Vehicles found with A/C system sealers should be
treated as contaminated and replacement of the
entire A/C refrigerant system is recommended. A/C
systems found to be contaminated with A/C system
sealers, A/C stop-leak products or seal conditioners
voids the warranty for the A/C system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHI-
CLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE
TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED
AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COM-
BUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIX-
TURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY
RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRI-
CANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE
EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED
SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIRE-
MENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCI-
DENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE.
If the A/C system is not cooling properly, determine
if the refrigerant system is fully charged with R-134a
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
CHARGE LEVEL). If while performing this test A/C
liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50 psi) pro-
ceed to System Empty procedure. If liquid line pres-
sure is greater than 345 kPa (50 psi) proceed to
System Low procedure. If the refrigerant system is
empty or low in refrigerant charge, a leak at any line
fitting or component seal is likely. A review of the fit-
tings, lines and components for oily residue is an
indication of the leak location.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures as indicated by the
results of the refrigerant system charge level test.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.) (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
Determine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 min-
utes. If vacuum is held, a leak is probably not
24 - 66 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
present. If system will not maintain vacuum level,
proceed with this procedure.
(2) Prepare a 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge
to be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) of
refrigerant into the evacuated refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
CHARGE).
(4) Proceed to the SYSTEM LOW procedures.
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 for five minutes with the system
set to the following:
²Transaxle in Park
²Engine idling
²Rear A/C Off (if equipped)
²A/C controls set to 100 percent outside air
²Blower switch in the highest speed position
²A/C in the ON position
²Front windows open
CAUTION: A leak detector designed for R-12 refrig-
erant (only) will not detect leaks in a R-134a refrig-
erant system.
(3) Shut off the vehicle and wait 2 to 7 minutes.
Then use an Electronic Leak Detector that is
designed to detect R-134a type refrigerant and search
for leaks. Fittings, lines, or components that appear
to be oily usually indicates a refrigerant leak. To
inspect the evaporator core for leaks, insert the leak
detector probe into the drain tube opening or a heat
duct. A R-134a dye is available to aid in leak detec-
tion, use only DaimlerChrysler approved refrigerant
dye.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SYSTEM CHARGE
LEVEL TEST - GASOLINE ENGINES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: The proper amount of R-134a refrigerant for
the refrigerant system in this model is:²Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only) - 0.96
kilograms (2.13 pounds or 34 ounces)
²Three Zone (Front and Rear Units) - 1.31 kilo-
grams (2.88 pounds or 46 ounces)
The procedure that follows should be used to deter-
mine whether the refrigerant system contains the
proper refrigerant charge. Symptoms of an improper
refrigerant charge (low) include: poor air conditioner
performance, fog emitted from the air conditioner
outlets, a hissing sound from the expansion valve/
evaporator area. There are two different methods
with which the refrigerant charge level may be
tested:
1. Using a DRBIIItscan tool, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 1). Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
2. Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 1).
A temperature probe is required to measure liquid
line temperature. The clamp-on, Type K thermocou-
ple temperature probe used in this procedure is
available through the DaimlerChrysler Professional
Service Equipment (PSE) program. This probe (PSE
#66-324-0014 or #80PK-1A) is compatible with tem-
perature-measuring instruments that accept Type K
thermocouples, and have a miniature connector
input. Other temperature probes are available
through aftermarket sources; however, all references
in this procedure will reflect the use of the probe
made available through the PSE program.
In order to use the temperature probe, a digital
thermometer will also be required. If a digital ther-
mometer is not available, an adapter is available
through the PSE program that will convert any stan-
dard digital multimeter into a digital thermometer.
This adapter is designed to accept any standard Type
K thermocouple. If a digital multimeter is not avail-
able, this tool is also available through the PSE pro-
gram.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
couplings to the refrigerant system service ports,
be certain that the valve of each coupling is fully
closed. This will reduce the amount of effort
required to make the connection.
(1) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set or a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 to the refriger-
ant system.
(2) Attach a clamp-on thermocouple to the liquid
line. The thermocouple must be placed as close to the
A/C pressure transducer as possible to accurately
observe liquid line temperature.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-67
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)