Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible LHD, Service Manual, Page: 1136 / 1196

A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart
above. Add lubricant through the suction and dis-
charge ports on compressor. This is not to exceed 150
ml. (5.00 oz.) in total.
(6) Install compressor and connect refrigerant
lines. Then evacuate and charge refrigerant system.
(7) Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure
the lubricant being removed. This is the amount of
lubricant to be added back to the system. If a new
compressor is being installed, drain lubricant from
old compressor, measure the amount drained and dis-
card old lubricant. Drain the lubricant from the new
compressor
into a clean container. Return the
amount of lubricant measured from the old compres-
sor, plus the amount reclaimed from the system back
into the new compressor.
THERMAL LIMITER SWITCH
(1) Unplug Thermal Limiter wiring connector.
(2) With
an ohmmeter check for continuity
between the two terminals. If no continuity is
present replace switch.
(3) The Thermal Limiter is calibrated to open and
close at:
•
Open circuit (no continuity) at 122 to 128°C (252
to 262°F)
•
Close circuit (continuity) at 106 to 116°C (225 to
235°F)
There is no serviceability of the thermal lim-
iter switch. If the thermal limiter switch fails,
the compressor must be replaced. To replace
the compressor, refer to Compressor Removal
and Installation in this section.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
EVACUATING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
NOTE: Special effort must be used to prevent mois-
ture from entering the A/C system oil. Moisture in
the oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a
reliability problem with the compressor.
If a 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 compres-
sor be used. This will eliminate the possibility of con-
taminating 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 refrig-
erant will raise the compressor head pressure above
acceptable operating levels. This will reduce the per-
formance of the air conditioner and damage the com-
pressor. Moisture will boil at near room temperature
when exposed to vacuum. To evacuate the refrigerant
system:
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection. If
connection is still difficult to make refer to TSB #24-
02-93.
(1) Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant
recovery machine, and a manifold gauge set with
vacuum pump (Fig. 3).
(2) Open suction and discharge valves and start
vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should run a min-
imum of 45 minutes prior to charge, to eliminate all
moisture in system. When suction gauge reads -88
kPa (-26 in. Hg) vacuum or greater for 45 minutes,
close all valves and turn off vacuum pump. If the
system fails to reach specified vacuum, the refriger-
ant system likely has a leak that must be corrected.
If the refrigerant system maintains specified vacuum
for at least 30 minutes, start the vacuum pump, open
the suction and discharge valves. Then allow the sys-
tem to evacuate an additional 10 minutes.
(3) Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the
vacuum pump.
(4) The refrigerant system is prepared to be
charged with refrigerant.
R-134a REFRIGERANT
This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant called
R-134a. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear color-
less liquefied gas.
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 in a R-134a system could cause
compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludging or poor
performance.
Never add R-12 to a system
Fig. 3 Refrigerant Recovery Machine Hookup
24 - 8 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
JX
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)