(2) Engage the retainer features on the top of the
outlet housing with their receptacles at the top of the
center bezel, then roll the bottom of the outlet hous-
ing downwards towards the center bezel.
(3) Install the three screws that secure the bottom
of the outlet housing to the center bezel. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
ATC system, reconnect the ATC remote infrared tem-
perature sensor jumper harness to the sensor connec-
tor receptacle located on the bottom of the center
outlet housing.
(5) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION - DEMISTER OUTLET
(1) Position the demister outlet over the demister
duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
(2) Using hand pressure, press the demister outlet
firmly and evenly into the instrument panel top pad
opening until the snap features on the outlet are
fully engaged.
INSTALLATION - INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLET
(1) Position the instrument panel outlet into the
panel duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
(2) Using hand pressure, press the instrument
panel outlet firmly and evenly into the instrument
panel top pad opening until the snap features on the
outlet are fully engaged.
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor is a 12-volt, Direct Current (DC)
motor with a squirrel cage-type blower wheel that is
secured to the blower motor shaft (Fig. 6). The
blower motor and wheel are located near the passen-
ger side end of the HVAC housing in the passenger
compartment below the instrument panel. The
blower motor and blower motor wheel are factory bal-
anced and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the blower motor and blower wheel must
be replaced as an assembly.
OPERATION
On models equipped with the manual heater-A/C
system, the blower motor will operate whenever the
ignition switch is in the On position and the blower
control switch is in any position except Off. On mod-
els equipped with the Automatic Temperature Con-
trol (ATC) system, the blower motor will operate
whenever the ignition switch is in the On position
and the A/C-heater control power is turned on.
The blower motor receives battery current when-
ever the front blower motor relay is energized. The
front blower motor relay output circuit is protected
by a fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM)
located in the engine compartment near the battery.
In the manual heater-A/C system, the blower motor
speed is controlled by regulating the path to ground
through the blower control switch and the blower
motor resistor. In the ATC system, the blower motor
speed is controlled by an electronic blower motor
power module, which uses a pulse width modulated
input from the ATC module and feedback from the
Fig. 5 Instrument Panel Outlet - Left Side Shown
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLET
3 - TRIM STICK
Fig. 6 Blower Motor
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - RUBBER GROMMET
3 - BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - MOUNTING TABS
24 - 46 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
blower motor to regulate the blower motor ground
path it provides. The blower motor and wheel are
used to control the velocity of air moving through the
HVAC housing by spinning the blower wheel within
the housing at the selected speed or, in the ATC sys-
tem, at the selected or programmed speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring, diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
BLOWER MOTOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
(1) Check the fuse (Fuse 10 - 40 ampere) in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the A/C-heater control power is turned
on. Check for battery voltage at the fuse (Fuse 10 -
40 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, check the front blower motor relay.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the front HVAC wire harness connector
for the front blower motor resistor block (Manual
Temperature Control) or the front blower motor
power module (Automatic Temperature Control) from
the resistor or module connector receptacle. Recon-
nect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition
switch to the On position. Be certain that the A/C-
heater control power is turned on. Check for battery
voltage at the fused front blower motor relay output
circuit cavity of the front HVAC wire harness connec-
tor for the front blower motor resistor block (MTC) orthe front blower motor power module (ATC). If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused front
blower motor relay output circuit to the IPM as
required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the front blower motor pigtail wire con-
nector from the connector receptacle of the front
blower motor resistor block (MTC) or the front
blower motor power module (ATC). Use jumper wires
to connect a battery and ground feeds to the blower
motor pigtail wire connector. The blower motor
should operate. If OK with MTC, proceed to diagno-
sis of the front blower motor resistor block (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS
- FRONT/BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). If OK with ATC, use a DRBIII
scan tool to diagnose the front blower motor power
module. Refer to Body Diagnostic information. If not
OK with MTC or ATC, replace the faulty front blower
motor.
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart for basic checks of the blower motor when a
vibration or noise is present (Fig. 7).
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: The blower motor is located on the passen-
ger side of the vehicle under the instrument panel.
The blower motor can be removed from the vehicle
without having to remove the HVAC housing.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the passenger side door sill plate and
cowl panel.
(3) Pull back the carpet to access the front lower
air intake screw.
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-47
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
(12) Remove the screw and washer from the upper
pivot of the recirculation door.
(13) Remove the twelve screws that secure the
upper HVAC housing half to the lower half.
(14) Carefully separate and remove the upper half
of the HVAC housing from the lower half. Be certain
not to lose the rubber grommet for the HVAC wire
harness evaporator temperature sensor take out.
This grommet is located on the inboard side of the
flange around the expansion valve/evaporator tube
opening, where it is captured in a notched area
between the upper and lower HVAC housing halves
(Fig. 18).
INSTALLATION
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position the upper half of the HVAC housing
onto the lower half. Be certain that the rubber grom-
met and the HVAC wire harness take out for the
evaporator temperature sensor are captured in the
notched area between the upper and lower HVAC
housing halves.
(2) Install the twelve screws around the perimeter
of the HVAC housing that secure the upper HVAC
Fig. 15 Distribution Housing - LHD Shown, RHD
Typical
1 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
2 - SCREWS (3)
3 - HVAC WIRING HARNESS
4 - ROUTING CLIP
5 - HVAC HOUSING
Fig. 16 Distribution Housing Retainers - Typical
1 - HVAC HOUSING RECEPTACLES
2 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING RETAINERS
Fig. 17 Upper Intake Air Housing - LHD Shown, RHD
Typical
1 - HVAC HOUSING
2 - UPPER AIR INLET HOUSING
3 - RECIRCULATION AIR DOOR
4 - BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL
Fig. 18 HVAC Housing - LHD Shown, RHD Typical
1 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
2 - UPPER HVAC HOUSING
3 - BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL
4 - A/C EVAPORATOR
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-53
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
DISTRIBUTION DUCT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the trim from the right quarter inner
panel and the right D pillaR (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/RIGHT QUARTER TRIM PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(2) Slide the rear distribution duct upwards far
enough to disengage it from the outlet at the top of
the rear HVAC housing (Fig. 2).
(3) While pulling the lower end of the rear distri-
bution duct away from the rear HVAC housing out-
let, disengage the upper end of the distribution duct
from the headliner duct.
(4) Remove the rea distribution duct from the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the upper end of the rear distribution
duct to the headliner duct.
(2) Slide the upper end of the rear distribution
duct onto the headliner duct far enough to align the
lower end of the duct with the outlet at the top of the
rear HVAC housing.
(3) Slide the rear distribution duct downwards far
enough to engage it onto the outlet at the top of the
rear HVAC housing.
(4) Reinstall the trim onto the right quarter inner
panel and the right D pillar (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/RIGHT QUARTER TRIM PANEL -
INSTALLATION).
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor is a 12-volt, Direct Current (DC)
motor with a squirrel cage-type blower wheel that is
secured to the blower motor shaft. The blower motor
and wheel are located near the top of the rear HVAC
housing in the passenger compartment behind the
right rear wheel house. The rear HVAC housing must
be removed from the vehicle to access the blower
motor for service. The blower motor and blower
motor wheel are a factory balanced unit and cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged, the
blower motor and blower wheel must be replaced as
a unit.
OPERATION
On models equipped with the Manual Temperature
Control (MTC) system, the rear blower motor will
operate only whenever the ignition switch is in the
On position, the front blower control switch is in any
position except Off and the rear blower control switch
on the front A/C-heater control is in any position
except Off. On models equipped with the Automatic
Temperature Control (ATC) system, the blower motor
will operate whenever the ignition switch is in the
On position, the A/C-heater control power is turned
on and the rear blower control switch on the front
A/C-heater control is in any position except Off. The
rear blower motor can only be turned off by turning
off the rear system at the front A/C-heater control.
The rear blower motor receives battery current
whenever the rear blower motor relay is energized.
The rear blower motor relay output circuit is pro-
tected by a fuse in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM) located in the engine compartment near the
battery. In the MTC system, the rear blower motor
speed is controlled by regulating the path to ground
through the blower control switch and the blower
motor resistor. In the ATC system, the rear blower
motor speed is controlled by an electronic blower
motor power module, which uses a pulse width mod-
ulated input from the ATC control module and feed-
back from the rear blower motor to regulate the
blower motor ground path it provides. The rear
blower motor and wheel are used to control the veloc-
ity of air moving through the rear HVAC housing.
The rear blower motor controls the velocity of the air
flowing through the rear HVAC housing by spinning
the blower wheel within the housing at the selected
speed or, in the ATC system, at the selected or pro-
grammed speed.
Fig. 2 Rear Distribution Duct
1 - HEADLINER DUCT
2 - REAR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
3 - REAR HVAC HOUSING OUTLET
RSDISTRIBUTION - REAR24-57
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR BLOWER
MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring, diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
BLOWER MOTOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
(1) Check the fuse (Fuse 12 - 25 ampere) in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the rear A/C-heater control power is
turned on. Check for battery voltage at the fuse
(Fuse 12 - 25 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, check the rear blower motor relay.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the rear HVAC wire harness connector
from the rear blower motor resistor block (Manual
Temperature Control) or the rear blower motor power
module (Automatic Temperature Control). Reconnect
the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch
to the On position. Be certain that the rear A/C-
heater control power is turned on. Check for battery
voltage at the fused rear blower motor relay output
circuit cavity of the rear HVAC wire harness connec-
tor for the rear blower motor resistor block (MTC) or
the rear blower motor power module (ATC). If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused front
blower motor relay output circuit to the IPM as
required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the rear blower motor pigtail wire connec-
tor from the rear HVAC wire harness (MTC) or the
rear blower power module (ATC). Use jumper wires
to connect a battery and ground feeds to the blower
motor pigtail wire connector. The rear blower motor
should operate. If OK with MTC, proceed to diagno-
sis of the rear blower motor resistor block (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS
- REAR/BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If OK with ATC, use a DRBIII scan
tool to diagnose the rear blower motor power module.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information. If
not OK with MTC or ATC, replace the faulty rear
blower motor.BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart for basic checks of the blower motor when a
vibration or noise is present (Fig. 3).
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
(1) Remove the rear HVAC housing from the vehi-
cle (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect the rear blower motor pigtail wire
connector.
NOTE: With the Manual Temperature Control sys-
tem, the blower motor pigtail wire is connected to a
take out and connector of the rear HVAC wire har-
ness. With the Automatic Temperature Control sys-
tem , the blower pigtail wire is connected to a
receptacle on the blower motor power module.
(3) Remove the three screws that secure the rear
blower motor to the outboard side of the rear HVAC
housing (Fig. 4).
(4) Remove the rear blower motor from the rear
HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the rear blower motor into the rear
HVAC housing.
(2) Install the three screws that secure the blower
motor to the rear HVAC housing. Tighten the screws
to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the rear blower motor pigtail wire
connector.
NOTE: With the Manual Temperature Control system
, the blower pigtail wire is connected to a take out
and connector of the rear HVAC wire harness. With
the Automatic Temperature Control system, the
blower pigtail wire is connected to a receptacle on
the blower motor power module.
24 - 58 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
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
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)
the engine to run at idle under the following condi-
tions for five minutes.
(a) Front windows are open.
(b) Transaxle in Park.
(c) Front heater-A/C controls set to outside air,
full cool, panel mode, blower high, and compressor
engaged.
(d) If the vehicle is so equipped, the rear heater-
A/C controls must be set to full cool and blower
high.
(4) Raise the liquid line (discharge) pressure to
about 1793 kPa (260 psi) by placing a piece of card-
board over part of the front side of the condenser. To
place the cardboard properly, remove the upper radi-
ator sight shield from the front fascia. Cover only
enough of the condenser to raise and maintain the
liquid line pressure at the specified level.
(5) Observe the liquid line (discharge) pressure
and liquid line temperature. Using the Charge Deter-
mination Chart (Fig. 1), determine whether the
refrigerant system is operating within the Proper
Charge Range.
(a) If the refrigerant system is operating in the
Undercharged area of the chart, add 0.057 kilo-
gram (0.125 pound or 2 ounces) of refrigerant to
the system.(b) If the refrigerant system is operating in the
Overcharged area of the chart, reclaim 0.057 kilo-
gram (0.125 pound or 2 ounces) of refrigerant from
the system.
(6) Recheck the system charge level following each
refrigerant adjustment. Continue this process until
the system readings are in the Proper Charge Range
area on the Charge Determination Chart.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SYSTEM CHARGE
LEVEL TEST - 2.5L DIESEL
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).
Fig. 1 Charge Determination Chart, Ambient Test Condition 85ÉF
24 - 68 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)