2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN air condition

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.
24 - 58 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)

(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.(4) Install the rear HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
HVAC HOUSING
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 -
FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Drain the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(3) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(4) Raise and support the vehicle.
(5) Remove the nut that secures the underbody
refrigerant line sealing plate to the rear evaporator
extension line tapping plate that extends through the
rear floor panel behind the right rear wheel housing
(Fig. 5) and (Fig. 6).
(6) Disconnect the underbody refrigerant lines
from the rear evaporator extension line tapping plate
and remove and discard the O-ring seals.
(7) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened under-
body refrigerant line fittings and the evaporator
extension line sealing plate ports.
(8) Remove the nuts from the mounting studs that
secure the rear HVAC housing to the rear floor panel
behind the right rear wheel housing (Fig. 7).
(9) Lower the vehicle.
(10) Remove the right quarter trim panel and
right D-pillar trim panel from the quarter inner
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the rear distribution duct from the
rear HVAC housing and the rear roof duct (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/AIR OUTLETS - REMOVAL).
(12) Disconnect the body wire harness connector
for the rear HVAC housing from the rear HVAC wire
harness connector located near the expansion valve
at the back of the housing.
Fig. 4 Rear Blower Motor
1 - REAR HVAC HOUSING
2 - REAR BLOWER MOTOR
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - BLOWER MOTOR PIGTAIL WIRE
24 - 60 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)

(13) Remove the two screws that secure the top of
the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the quar-
ter inner panel.(14) Remove the two screws that secure the bottom
of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the
rear HVAC housing.
(15) Remove the rear floor heat duct from the
right quarter inner panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/REAR
FLOOR HEAT DUCT - REMOVAL).
(16) Take the proper precautions to protect the
carpeting below the rear heater core from spilled
engine coolant and have absorbent toweling readily
available to clean up any spills.
(17) Disconnect the heater hoses at the rear heater
core (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER HOSE -
REMOVAL).
(18) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core fittings and both heater hoses.
(19) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(20) Remove the screw that secures the back of the
rear HVAC housing to the right D-pillar (Fig. 8).
(21) Remove the screw that secures the front of
the rear HVAC housing to the right quarter inner
panel.
(22) Lift the rear HVAC housing up far enough for
the lower mounting studs and the evaporator exten-
sion lines to clear the mounting holes in the rear
floor panel.
(23) Remove the rear HVAC housing from the
vehicle.
(24) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
Fig. 5 Underbody A/C Line Rear Connections ± with
New Seating Element (NSE)
1 - UNDERBODY LIQUID LINE
2 - NUT
3 - SEALING PLATE
4 - UNDERBODY SUCTION LINE
5 - EXTENSION LINE TAPPING PLATE
Fig. 6 Underbody A/C Line Rear Connections ±
without New Seating Element (NSE)
1 - UNDERBODY LIQUID LINE
2 - BOLT
3 - EXTENSION LINE TAPPING PLATE
4 - UNDERBODY SUCTION LINE
5 - SEALING PLATE
Fig. 7 Rear HVAC Housing Mounting Studs ±
Typical
1 - REAR HVAC HOUSING MOUNTING STUDS
RSDISTRIBUTION - REAR24-61
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the rear heater core or the rear HVAC
housing have been removed from the vehicle for
service, the rear heater core may be pre-filled with
the proper engine coolant mixture prior to recon-
necting the heater hoses to the heater core hose fit-
tings (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER CORE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - HEATER CORE FILLING).
(1) Position the rear HVAC housing into the vehi-
cle with the evaporator extension line sealing plate
inserted into the rectangular hole in the rear floor
panel behind the right rear wheel house.
(2) Align the rear HVAC housing lower mounting
studs with the holes in the rear floor panel and lower
the rear HVAC housing to the floor.
(3) 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.).(4) 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.).
(5) Remove the plugs or tape from both heater core
fittings and both heater hoses.
(6) Reconnect the heater hoses to the rear heater
core (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER HOSE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Reinstall the rear floor heat duct onto the right
quarter inner panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/REAR FLOOR
HEAT DUCT - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the two screws that secure the bottom
of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the
rear HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the top of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to
the quarter inner panel.
Fig. 8 Rear HVAC Housing ± Typical
1 - U-NUT (3)
2 - REAR HVAC HOUSING
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - EXPANSION VALVE5 - STUD (2 w/NSE, 3 wo/NSE)
6 - HEATER LINES
7 - NUT (5)
8 - STUD (2)
24 - 62 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

(10) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the rear HVAC housing to the rear HVAC wire har-
ness connector located near the expansion valve at
the back of the housing.
(11) Reinstall the rear distribution duct onto the
rear HVAC housing and the rear roof duct (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/AIR OUTLETS - INSTALLATION).
(12) Reinstall the right quarter trim panel and
right D-pillar trim panel onto the quarter inner
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/QUARTER
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(13) Raise and support the vehicle.
(14) Install the three nuts that secure the rear
HVAC housing mounting studs to the rear floor panel
behind the right rear wheel housing. Tighten the
nuts to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(15) Remove the tape or plugs from the underbody
refrigerant line fittings and both ports in the rear
evaporator extension line sealing plate.
(16) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the underbody
refrigerant line fittings.
(17) Reconnect the underbody refrigerant line seal-
ing plate to the evaporator extension line tapping
plate.
(18) Install the nut that secures the underbody
refrigerant line sealing plate to the evaporator exten-
sion line tapping plate. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m
(17 ft. lbs.).
(19) Lower the vehicle.
(20) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(21) Refill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(22) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(23) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
(24) Run the HVAC Cooldown test to verify proper
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).REAR FLOOR HEAT DUCT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the trim from the right quarter inner
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/RIGHT
QUARTER TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the rear
floor heat duct to the right quarter inner panel (Fig.
9).
(3) Slide the rear floor heat duct forward far
enough to disengage it from the outlet on the front of
the rear HVAC housing.
(4) Remove the rear floor heat duct from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the inlet end of rear floor heat duct with
the outlet on the front of the rear HVAC housing.
(2) Slide the rear floor heat duct rearward far
enough to fully engage the inlet end of the duct with
the outlet on the rear HVAC housing.
(3) Install the two screws that secure the rear floor
heat duct to the right quarter inner panel. Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(4) Reinstall the trim onto the right quarter inner
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/RIGHT
QUARTER TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 9 Rear Floor Heat Duct
1 - REAR FLOOR HEAT DUCT
2 - REAR HVAC HOUSING OUTLET
3 - SCREW (2)
RSDISTRIBUTION - REAR24-63
HVAC HOUSING (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

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.
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 approved
leak 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.
24 - 66 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)

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 COMBUS-
TIBLE 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 SERVICE.
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
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.
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST
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: Always refer to the underhood HVAC Speci-
fication Label for the refrigerant fill specification of
the vehicle being serviced.
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.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-67
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)