2006 DODGE RAM SRT-10 air conditioning

8.3L ENGINE
1. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened suction
line fitting and the accumulator outlet tube.
2. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrig-
erant oil and install them onto the accumulator tube
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 recommended
for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
3. Connect the A/C suctionline (6) to the spring-lock
coupler (1) on the accumulator (5) and install the
secondary retaining clip (7) (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COU-
PLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - INSTALLATION).
4. Install the A/C suction line (5) into the two refriger-
ant line retainer clips (2) located at the top of the
fanshroud(1).
5. Install the air filter housing cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR FILTER
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).

6. Position the A/C suction line (1) into the engine
compartment.
7. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened fitting
on the A/C suction line and the inlet port on the
A/C compressor (2).
8. Lubricate a new seal with clean refrigerant oil and
install it onto the suction line fitting. Use only the
specified seal as it is made of a special material for
the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the A/C compressor in the
vehicle.
9. Install the A/C suction line onto the A/C compres-
sor.
10. Install the bolt (5) that secures the A/C suction
line to the A/C compressor. Tighten the bolt to 20
Nꞏm (15 ft. lbs.).
11. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
12. Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVAC-
UATE).
13. Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).

REFRIGERANT-A/C
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a. Unlike R-12, which
is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC), R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is
a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas.
Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type refrigerants.
This is because R-134a is a greenhouse gas and can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatiblewith R-12 refrigerant in an A/C system. Even a small amount of R-12 refrigerant
added to an R-134a refrigerant system will cause A/C compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludge or poor A/C system
performance. In addition, the polyalkylene glycol (PAG) synthetic refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant sys-
tem are not compatible with the mineral-based refrigerant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.
R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have all been
designed with unique fittings to ensure that an R-134a refrigerant systemis not accidentally contaminated with the
wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehicle and on the A/C
compressor to identify that the A/C system is equipped with R-134a refrigerant.

TUBE-A/C ORIFICE
DESCRIPTION
The fixed A/C orifice tube is installed in the A/C liquid
line and provides a restriction in the liquid refrigerant
line between the A/C condenser and the A/C evapora-
tor. This restriction established the pressure differential
between the high and low-pressure sides of the A/C
system.
The A/C orifice tube includes a diffuser screen (1),
O-ring seals (2) to seal it to the inner wall of the A/C
liquid line, an inlet filter screen (3) and the fixed orifice
(4).
OPERATION
The fixed A/C orifice tube is used to meter the flow of liquid refrigerant into the A/C evaporator. The high-pressure
liquid refrigerant from the A/C condenser expands into a low-pressure liquid as it passes through the metering orifice
and diffuser screen of the A/C orifice tube.
The A/C orifice tube is not serviceable and cannot be repaired and, if faulty or plugged, the A/C liquid line must be
replaced (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/LINE-A/C LIQUID - DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
WARNING: The A/C liquid line between the A/C condenser and the A/C orifice tube can become hot enough
to burn the skin. Use extreme caution when performing the following test toprevent possible personal
injury.
NOTE: The A/C orifice tube can be checked for proper operation using the following procedure. However,
the A/C orifice tube is only serviced as a part of the A/C liquid line. If the results of this test indicate that the
A/C orifice tube is obstructed or missing, the A/C liquid line must be replaced.
1. Confirm that the refrigerant system is properly charged (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PERFORMANCE).
2. Start the engine. Turn on the A/Csystem and confirm that the compressor clutch is engaged.
3. Allow the A/C system to operate for five minutes.
4. Lightly and cautiously touch the A/C liquid line near the condenser outlet at the front of the engine compartment.
TheA/Cliquidlineshouldbehottothetouch.
5. Touch the A/C liquid line near the evaporator inlet at the rear of the engine compartment. The A/C liquid line
should be cold to the touch.
6. If there is a distinct temperature differential between the two ends of the A/C liquid line, the A/C orifice tube is in
good condition. If there is little or no detectable temperature differential between the two ends of the A/C liquid
line, the A/C orifice tube is obstructed or missing and the A/C liquid line must be replaced (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/LINE-A/C LIQUID - REMOVAL).