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PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION ............................... 286
OPERATION ................................. 286
WARNING ................................... 286
CAUTION ................................... 287
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS ............ 288
STANDARD PROCEDURE
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
EQUIPMENT............................... 289
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY ....... 290
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE ........ 290
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE .......... 291
ACCUMULATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION ............................... 292
OPERATION ................................. 292
REMOVAL ................................... 292
INSTALLATION .............................. 293
COMPRESSOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
A/C COMPRESSOR........................ 295
HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ........... 295
OPERATION
A/C COMPRESSOR........................ 295
HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ........... 295
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C COMPRESSOR........................ 296
REMOVAL
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES ........................ 296
5.7L ENGINE .............................. 297
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE ...................... 298
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 299
INSTALLATION
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES ........................ 300
5.7L ENGINE .............................. 301
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE ...................... 302
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 303
CONDENSER-A/C
DESCRIPTION ............................... 305
OPERATION ................................. 305
REMOVAL
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L ENGINES .................... 305
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE ...................... 305
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 306
INSTALLATION
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L ENGINES .................... 307
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE ...................... 307
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 308
CORE-HEATER
DESCRIPTION ............................... 310
OPERATION ................................. 310REMOVAL ................................... 310
INSTALLATION .............................. 311
CORE-VALVE-SERVICE PORT
DESCRIPTION ............................... 312
REMOVAL ................................... 312
INSTALLATION .............................. 313
COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE
DESCRIPTION ............................... 314
OPERATION ................................. 314
REMOVAL ................................... 314
INSTALLATION .............................. 315
EVAPORATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION ............................... 317
OPERATION ................................. 317
REMOVAL ................................... 317
INSTALLATION .............................. 318
FAN-A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION ............................... 319
OPERATION ................................. 319
REMOVAL ................................... 319
INSTALLATION .............................. 320
LINE-A/C DISCHARGE
DESCRIPTION ............................... 321
REMOVAL
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES ........................ 321
5.7L ENGINE .............................. 322
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE...................... 322
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 323
INSTALLATION
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES ........................ 325
5.7L ENGINE .............................. 326
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE...................... 326
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 328
LINE-A/C LIQUID
DESCRIPTION ............................... 330
REMOVAL
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L ENGINES ............... 330
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 331
INSTALLATION
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/5.9L ENGINES ............... 333
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 334
LINE-A/C SUCTION
DESCRIPTION ............................... 337
REMOVAL
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES ........................ 337
5.7L ENGINE .............................. 338
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE...................... 339
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 340
INSTALLATION
3.7L/4.7L ENGINES ........................ 342
5.7L ENGINE .............................. 343
5.9L DIESEL ENGINE ...................... 343
8.3L ENGINE .............................. 345
OIL-A/C REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION ............................... 347
OPERATION ................................. 347
STANDARD PROCEDURE
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL ................. 347
REFRIGERANT-A/C
DESCRIPTION ............................... 349OPERATION ................................. 349
TUBE-A/C ORIFICE
DESCRIPTION ............................... 350
OPERATION ................................. 350
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C ORIFICE TUBE ........................ 350
WARNING: The engine cooling system is designed to develop internal pressures up to 145 kilopascals (21
pounds per square inch). Do not remove or loosen the coolant pressure cap, cylinder block drain plugs,
radiator drain, radiator hoses, heater hoses, or hose clamps while the engine cooling system is hot and
under pressure. Allow the vehicle to cool for a minimum of 15 minutes beforeopening the cooling system
for service. Failure to observe this warning can result in serious burns from the heated engine coolant.
CAUTION
CAUTION: Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to use R-134a. Do not use R-12 equipment or
parts on an R-134a A/C system. These refrigerants are not compatible and damage to the A/C system will
result.
CAUTION: Never use R-12 refrigerant oil in a A/C system designed to use R-134a refrigerant oil. These
refrigerant oils are not compatible and damage to the A/C system will result.
CAUTION: The use of A/C system sealers may result in damage to A/C refrigerant recovery/evacuation/re-
charging equipment and/or A/C system. Many federal, state/provincial and local regulations prohibit the
recharge of A/C systems with known leaks. DaimlerChrysler recommends thedetection of A/C system leaks
through the use of approved leak detectors and fluorescent leak detectiondyes. 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.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: 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 refrigerant.
CAUTION: The internal parts of the A/C system will remain stable as long as moisture-free refrigerant and
refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture or air can upset the chemical stability. This may
cause operational troubles or even serious damage if present in more than very small quantities. Before
disconnecting a component, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination from
entering the refrigerant system. Keep service tools and the work area clean. Do not open the refrigerant
system or uncap a replacement component until you are ready to service the system. Immediately after
disconnecting a component from the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a cap or plug. This will
prevent contamination from entering the A/C system.
CAUTION: Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmosphere if leftuncapped. Do not open a con-
tainer 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-freecontainer.
CAUTION: Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. Overcharging will cause excessive compressor head
pressure and can cause compressor noise and A/C system failure.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C system should not be pressure tested or leak tested
with compressed air. Mixture of air and R-134a can be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures
are potentially dangerous and may result in fire or explosion causing property damage, personal injury or
death.
Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure mayirritate eyes, nose and throat.
Use only approved service equipment meeting SAE requirements to discharge R-134a system. If accidental
system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
NOTE: If the A/C refrigerant system charge is empty or low, a leak in the A/C system is likely. Visually
inspect all A/C lines, fittings and components for an oily residue. Oil residue can be an indicator of an A/C
system leak location.
NOTE: The only way to correctly determine if the refrigerant system is fully charged with R-134a is to com-
pletely evacuate and recharge the A/C system.
Connect a suitable manifold gauge setand determine if the static A/C system pressure is above or below 345 kPa
(50 psi) (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT). If less than 345 kPa (50 psi), proceed to SYSTEMEMPTY . If greater than 345
kPa (50 psi), go to SYSTEM LOW .
SYSTEM EMPTY
1. Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest degree of vacuum possible(approximately -88 kPa (- 26 in. Hg) or
greater vacuum) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE). Determine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If vacuum is
held, a leak is probably not present. If system will not maintain vacuum level, proceed to Step 2.
2. Prepare and dispense 0.284 kilograms (10 ounces) of R-134a refrigerantinto the evacuated refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE) and proceed to Step 1 of the System Low procedure.
SYSTEM LOW
1. Position the vehicle in a wind-freework area. This will aid in detectingsmall leaks.
2. Operate the heating-A/C system with the engine at idle under the following conditions for at least five minutes.
Doors or windows open
Transmission in Park or Neutral with the parking brake set (depending on application)
A/C-heater controls set to outside air, full cool, panel mode, high blowerand with A/C compressor engaged
CAUTION: A leak detector only designed for R-12 refrigerant will not detect leaks in an R-134a refrigerant
system.
3. Shut the vehicle Off and wait 2-7 minutes. Then use an electronic leak detector that is designed to detect R-134a
refrigerant and search for leaks. Fittings, lines or components that appear to be oily usually indicate a refrigerant
leak. To inspect the A/C evaporator for leaks, insert the leak detector probe into the drain tube opening or an air
outlet. A dye for R-134a is available to aid in leak detection. Use only DaimlerChrysler approved refrigerant dye.
RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/CHARGING HOSE– The center manifold hose (Yellow, or White, with
Black stripe) (3) is used to recover, evacuate, and charge the refrigerantsystem. When the low or high pressure
valves on the manifold gauge set are opened, the refrigerant in the system will escape through this hose.
HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE– The high pressure hose (Red with Black stripe) (4) attaches to the high side
service port. This service port is located on the A/C discharge line. On this model, an A/C pressure transducer is
installed on the high side service port. A/C high-side pressures can be read using a scan tool. Refer to 9 - Engine
Electrical Diagnostics for more information.
LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE– The low pressure hose (Blue with Black stripe) (5) attaches to the low side
service port. This service port is located either on the top of the A/C accumulator or on the A/C suction line near the
accumulator, depending on engine application.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
An R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion (1) that meets SAE standard J2210 must be used
to recover the refrigerant from the R-134a refrigerant
system. Refer to the operating instructions supplied by
the equipment manufacturer for the proper care and
use of this equipment.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE
NOTE: Special effort must be used to prevent moisture from entering the A/Csystem oil. Moisture in the oil
is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem with the compressor.
If an A/C compressor designed to use R-134a refrigerant is left open to the atmosphere for an extended period of
time. It is recommended that the refrigerant oil be drained and replaced with new oil or a new A/C compressor be
used. This will eliminate the possibility of contaminating the refrigerant system.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system can be filled.
Moisture and air mixed with the refrigerant will raise the compressor headpressure above acceptable operating
levels. This will reduce the performance of the A/C system and damage the A/C compressor. Moisture will boil at
near room temperature when exposed to vacuum. To evacuate the refrigerantsystem:
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment coupling to the line fitting,verify that the valve of the cou-
pling is fully closed. This will reduce the amount of effort required to make the connection.
1. Recover the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
2. Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant recovery machine or amanifold gauge set with vacuum pump
and refrigerant recovery equipment (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT).
3. Open the suction and discharge valves and start the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should run a minimum of
45minutespriortochargetoeliminateall moisture in system. When the suction gauge reads to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approximately -88 kPa (- 26 in. Hg) or greater) for 30 minutes, close all valves and
turn off vacuum pump. If the system failsto reach specified vacuum, the refrigerant system likely has a leak that
must be corrected. If the refrigerantsystem maintains specified vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vacuum
pump, open the suction and discharge valves. Then allow the system to evacuate an additional 10 minutes.
4. Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the vacuum pump.
5. Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result
in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: Always refer to the Underhood HVAC Specification Label for the refrigerant fill specification of the
vehicle being serviced.
After all refrigerant system leaks have been repaired and the refrigerantsystem has been evacuated, a refrigerant
charge can be injected into the system. For the proper amount of the refrigerant charge, refer to the Underhood
HVAC Specification Label.
An R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used to charge
the refrigerant system with R-134a refrigerant. Refer to the operating instructions supplied by the equipment man-
ufacturer for proper care and use of this equipment.
CHARGING PROCEDURE
CAUTION: A small amount of refrigerant oil is removed from the A/C system each time the refrigerant sys-
tem is recovered and evacuated. Before charging the A/C system, you MUST replenish any oil lost during
the recovery process. Refer the equipment manufacturer instructions formore information.
1. Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
2. A manifold gauge set and an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE standard
J2210 should be connected to the refrigerant system.
3. Measure the proper amount of refrigerant and heat it to 52° C (125° F) withthe charging station. See the oper-
ating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper useof this equipment.
4. Open both the suction and discharge valves, then open the charge valve toallow the heated refrigerant to flow
into the system.
5. When the transfer of refrigerant has stopped, close both the suction anddischarge valves.
6. If all of the refrigerant charge did not transfer from the dispensing device, open all of the windows in the vehicle
and set the heating-A/C system controls so that the A/C compressor is engaged and the blower motor is oper-
ating at its lowest speed setting. Run the engine at a steady high idle (about 1400 rpm). If the A/C compressor
does not engage, test the compressor clutch control circuit and repair as required.
7. Open the low-side valve to allow the remaining refrigerant to transfer to the refrigerant system.
WARNING: Take care not to open the discharge (high pressure) valve at this time. Failure to follow this
warning could result in possible personal injury or death.
8. Disconnect the charging station and manifold gauge set from the refrigerant system service ports.
9. Reinstall the caps onto the refrigerant system service ports.
ACCUMULATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
The A/C accumulator (5) is mounted in the engine
compartment between the evaporator outlet tube (2)
and the A/C suction line (6). An integral mounting
bracket (4) is used to secure the accumulator to the
dash panel (3). The A/C low side service port (1) is
mountedtothetopoftheA/Caccumulator.
CAUTION: Use only O-ring seals specified for the
vehicle. Failure to use the correct O-ring seal will
cause the refrigerant system connections to leak.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except
for the rubber O-ring seals, low side service port
valve, cap and secondary retaining clips. The O-ring
seals used on the connections are made from a spe-
cial type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant.
The O-ring seals must be replaced whenever the A/C
accumulator is removed and installed.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator (1) mostly as a
low pressure vapor through the inlet tube (2). Any liq-
uid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the can-
ister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag (3) is
mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb
any moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system. A filter (4) is also
mounted inside the canister to trap any foreign mate-
rial that may have entered the refrigerant system dur-
ing assembly. The low pressure vapor exits the A/C
accumulator through the outlet tube (5). On this
model, the low side service port (6) is located at the
top of the A/C accumulator.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C
accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if the A/C com-
pressor has failed, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Review the warnings and cautions in the front of this section before performing the following
operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS).
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
3. Remove the air filter housing cover to gain access
to the A/C accumulator (9) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
AIR INTAKE SYSTEM).
4. Remove the secondary retaining clip (11) from the
spring-lock coupler (1) that secures the A/C suction
line (10) to the accumulator outlet tube (2).
5. Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, discon-
nect the A/C suction line from the A/C accumulator
and remove and discard the O-ring seals (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - REMOVAL).
6. If equipped, disengage the push-pin type wire har-
ness retainer from the plastic wire harness bracket
located on the side of the A/C accumulator and position the engine wire harness out of the way.
7. Loosen the bolts (8) that secure the A/C accumulator to the bracket (7) located on the dash panel.
8. Remove the secondary retaining clip (4) from the spring-lock coupler (6) that secures the accumulator inlet tube
(3) to the evaporator outlet tube (5).
9. Using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, disconnect the accumulator inlet tube from the evaporator outlet tube
and remove and discard the O-ring seals (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COU-
PLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - REMOVAL).
10. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant system connections.
11. If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, remove the accumulator mounting bolts and the plastic wire harness
bracket (if equipped) from the accumulator.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, add 60 milliliters (2 fluidounces) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
1. If the A/C accumulator (9) is being replaced,
loosely install the accumulator mounting bolts (8)
and the plastic wire harness bracket (if equipped)
on to the accumulator.
2. Position the A/C accumulator onto the bracket
located on the dash panel (7) in the engine com-
partment. Do not tighten the accumulator mounting
bolts at this time.
3. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrig-
erant system connections.
4. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrig-
erant oil and install them onto the accumulator tube
fittings (1 and 6). Use only the specified seals 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.
5. Connect the spring-lock coupler that secures the
accumulator inlet tube (3) to the evaporator outlet
tube (5) and install the secondary retaining clip (4) (Refer to 24 - HEATING& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - INSTALLATION).
6. Tighten the accumulator mounting bolts to 4.5 Nꞏm (40 in. lbs.).