2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN low oil pressure

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:
²Blend door binding.
²Faulty blend door actuator.
²Faulty A/C-heater control.
²Faulty related wiring harness or connectors.²Improper engine coolant temperature.
SPECIFICATIONS
A/C SYSTEM
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle can be found on the underhood Specifica-
tion Label.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Item Description Notes
A/C Compressor Denso 10S17 ± 2.4L/2.5L/2.8L/3.3L
without rear A/C
Denso 10S20 ± 3.3L/3.8L with rear
A/CND-8 PAG Oil
Freeze±up Control Evaporator temperature sensor HVAC housing mounted (RS models),
Evaporator mounted (RG models) - input to
A/C-heater control module
Low PSI Control A/C pressure transducer Liquid line mounted - input to Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) - PCM opens compressor clutch
relay above 200 kPa (29 psi)
High PSI Control A/C pressure transducer Liquid line mounted - input to PCM - PCM
opens compressor clutch relay below 3100 kPa
(450 psi)
High Pressure relief valve Compressor mounted - opens above 3445-4135
kPa (500-600 psi), closes below 2756 kPa (400
psi)
Compressor Clutch Coil
DrawDenso 10S17 ± 3.3 amps @ 12V  
0.5V @ 21É C (70É F)
Denso 10S20 ± 2.2 amps @ 12V  
0.5V @ 21É C (70É F)
Compressor Clutch Air
Gap0.35 - 0.60 mm (0.014 - 0.024 in.)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A/C Compressor Shaft Bolt 17.5 ± 155
A/C Compressor Mounting Bolts (2.4L/2.5L/2.8L) 28 21 ±
A/C Compressor Mounting Bolts (3.3L/3.8L) 54 40 ±
A/C Compressor Mounting Bracket Bolts (2.4L) 54 40 ±
A/C Condenser Mounting Bracket Screws 5 ± 45
A/C Expansion Valve Screws 11 ± 97
A/C-Heater Control Screws 2 ± 17
Blend Door Actuator Screws 2 ± 17
Blower Motor Screws 2 ± 17
Blower Motor Power Module Screws (ATC) 2 ± 17
Blower Motor Resistor Block Screws (MTC) 2 ± 17
Center Bezel Outlet Screws 2 ± 17
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-11
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CONTROLS - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL........14
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CLUTCH INSPECTION.................15
A/C CLUTCH BREAK-IN................15
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................16
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION.........................19
STANDARD PROCEDURE
A/C-HEATER CONTROL CALIBRATION.....19
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER..........21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................23
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................24INSTALLATION.........................24
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
FRONT BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK.............................25
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................25
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................27
REMOVAL
RG MODELS.........................27
RS MODELS.........................27
INSTALLATION
RG MODELS.........................27
RS MODELS.........................28
INFRARED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................30
POWER MODULE - BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................31
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/
COIL
DESCRIPTION
The A/C compressor clutch assembly consists of a
stationary electromagnetic A/C clutch field coil with a
zener diode, a pulley bearing and pulley assembly,
and a clutch plate (Fig. 1). These components provide
the means to engage and disengage the A/C compres-
sor from the engine accessory drive belt.The A/C clutch field coil and the pulley bearing
and pulley assembly are both retained on the nose of
the A/C compressor with snap rings. The clutch plate
is splined to the compressor shaft and secured with a
bolt.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch components provide the
means to engage and disengage the compressor from
the engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-13

clutch plate into contact with the clutch pulley and
drives the compressor shaft. When the coil is not
energized, the pulley freewheels on the clutch hub
bearing, which is part of the pulley.
A zener diode is connected in parallel with the
clutch electromagnetic coil. This diode controls the
dissipation of voltage induced into the coil windings
by the collapsing of the electromagnetic fields that
occurs when the compressor clutch is disengaged.
The zener diode dissipates this induced voltage by
regulating a current path to ground. This arrange-
ment serves to protect other circuits and components
from potentially damaging voltage spikes in the vehi-
cle electrical system that might occur if the voltage
induced in the clutch coil windings could not be dis-
sipated.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the heater-A/C controls in the
passenger compartment, the A/C pressure transducer
on the liquid line, the evaporator temperature sensor
on the expansion valve for automatic temperature
control (ATC) system or on the HVAC housing for
manual temperature control (MTC) system, the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) in the engine compart-
ment, and the compressor clutch relay in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). The PCM may delay
compressor clutch engagement for up to thirty sec-
onds (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE - DESCRIPTION - PCM OPERATION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL
The air conditioning compressor clutch coil electri-
cal circuit is controlled by the powertrain control
module (PCM) through the A/C compressor clutch
relay, which is located in the integrated power mod-
ule (IPM) in the engine compartment. Begin testing
of a suspected compressor clutch coil problem by per-
forming the preliminary checks.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
(1) If the compressor clutch will not engage, verify
the refrigerant charge level (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/RE-
FRIGERANT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL). If the refriger-
ant charge level is OK, go to Step 2. If the refriger-
ant charge level is not OK, adjust the refrigerant
charge as required.
(2) If the A/C compressor clutch still will not
engage, disconnect the wire harness connector for the
A/C pressure transducer and check for battery cur-
rent at the connector with the engine running and
the A/C-heater control set to the A/C mode. If OK, go
to TESTS. If not OK, refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures to perform further diagnosis.
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, refer to Body
Diagnostic Procedures to perform further diagnosis.
(5) For the acceptable A/C clutch coil current draw
specificationsrefer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - SPECIFICATIONS. Specifications apply
for a work area temperature of 21É C (70É F). If volt-
age is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by
turning on electrical accessories until voltage reads
below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the compressor clutch coil current reading
is zero, the coil is open and must be replaced.
Fig. 1 A/C Compressor Clutch
1 - BOLT
2 - CLUTCH PLATE
3 - PULLEY AND BEARING
4 - FIELD COIL
5 - SNAP RING (2)
6 - SHIM
24 - 14 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL (Continued)

A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 7) is a Interna-
tional Standards Organization (ISO) mini-relay.
Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The ISO
mini-relay terminal functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the ISO mini-relay ter-
minal pattern (or footprint) is different, the current
capacity is lower, and the physical dimensions are
smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay. The
A/C compressor clutch relay is located in the inte-
grated power module (IPM) in the engine compart-
ment. See the fuse and relay map molded into the
inner surface of the cover of the IPM for A/C com-
pressor clutch relay identification and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the A/C compressor clutch relay. Five
male spade-type terminals extend from the bottom of
the base to connect the relay to the vehicle electrical
system, 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.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor clutch relay is an electrome-
chanical switch that uses a low current input from
the powertrain control module (PCM) to control the
high current output to the compressor clutch electro-
magnetic coil. 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 compressor clutch 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 A/C 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.
The A/C compressor clutch relay cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced. Refer to the appropriate wiring information
for diagnosis and testing of the micro-relay and for
complete HVAC wiring diagrams.
Fig. 7 A/C Compressor Clutch Relay
24 - 18 CONTROLS - FRONTRS

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
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-21
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 front blower motor relay is an International
Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay (Fig. 12).
Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The front
blower motor relay is located in the integrated power
module (IPM) in the engine compartment. See the
fuse and relay map on the inner surface of the cover
of the IPM for front blower motor relay identification
and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the front 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 ismolded 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 front 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
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.
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 Front Blower Motor Relay
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-23
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)

(6) Install the screw that secures the front of the
rear HVAC housing to the right quarter inner panel.
Tighten the screw to 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the screw that secures the back of the
rear HVAC housing to the right D-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.).
(8) Install the two screws that secure the top of
the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the quar-
ter inner panel. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in.
lbs.).
(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
The rear blower motor relay is a International
Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay (Fig. 4).
Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, ter-
minal patterns, and terminal functions. The rear
blower motor relay is located in the integrated power
module (IPM) in the engine compartment. See the
fuse and relay map on the inner surface of the cover
of the IPM for rear blower motor relay identification
and location.
The black, molded plastic case is the most visible
component of the rear 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.
Fig. 4 Rear Blower Motor Relay
24 - 36 CONTROLS - REARRS
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (Continued)

PLUMBING - FRONT
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: The system must be completely empty
before opening any fitting or connection in the
refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution
even after the system has been emptied. If any
pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened,
retighten fitting and evacuate the system again.
The use of correct wrenches when making connec-
tions is very important. Improper wrenches or
improper use of wrenches can damage the fittings.
The internal parts of the A/C system will remain sta-
ble as long as moisture-free refrigerant and refrig-
erant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of dirt,
moisture or air can upset the chemical stability.
This may cause operational troubles or even seri-
ous damage if present in more than very small
quantities. Before disconnecting a refrigerant line
or hose, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly
to prevent contamination from entering the refriger-
ant system.
When opening a refrigeration system, have every-
thing you will need to repair the system ready to
minimize the amount of time the system is opened.
Cap or plug all refrigerant line fittings as soon as
they are opened. This will help prevent the entrance
of dirt and moisture. All new lines and components
should be capped or sealed until they are ready to
be used. Before connecting a refrigerant line or
hose, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to
prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system.
All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing mani-
fold, manifold gauge set and test hoses should be
kept clean and dry.
The A/C refrigerant lines and hoses are used to
carry the refrigerant between the various A/C system
components. The refrigerant lines and hoses for the
R-134a system on this vehicle consist of a barrier-
hose design with a nylon tube sandwiched between
rubber layers. The nylon tube helps to contain the
R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecular
structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant lines are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant lines
and hoses will reduce the capacity of the entire A/C
system and can reduce the flow of refrigerant in the
system. The radius of all bends in the flexible hose
refrigerant lines should be at least ten times the
diameter of the hose and the refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) away from the exhaust manifold(s) and
exhaust pipe(s).
OPERATION
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the A/C compressor is operating. 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 to
other A/C system components with block-type fit-
tings. An O-ring seal, or a flat steel gasket with an
integral O-ring (dual plane seal), is used to mate the
refrigerant line fittings with A/C system components
to ensure the integrity of the refrigerant system.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
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 IS
HOT 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.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-65