Dodge ZB 2005, Service Manual

Page: 1083 / 1873

(9) Install the bolt that secures the liquid line to
the A/C condenser. Tighten the bolt to 18 N·m (13 ft.
lbs.).
(10) Install the bolt that secures the liquid line
bracket to the right inner front fender. Tighten the
bolt securely.
(11) Install the air intake ducts to the front of the
air cleaner assembly (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM - INSTALLATION).
(12) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(13) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning sys-
tem 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-flam-
mable, 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 compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an A/C system. Even a small amount of
R-12 refrigerant added to an R-134a refrigerant sys-
tem 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 system 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 system is not accidentally con-
taminated 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 refrig-
erant.
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant sys-
tems is a synthetic-based, polyalkylene glycol (PAG),
wax-free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant
oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should
never be introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.
There are different PAG oils available, and each
contains a different additive package. The Denso
10S17 A/C
compressor used in this vehicle is
designed to use ND-8 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only
this type of refrigerant oil the refrigerant system.
OPERATION
After performing any refrigerant recovery or recy-
cling operation, always replenish the refrigerant sys-
tem with the same amount of the recommended
refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant
oil can cause A/C compressor damage, and too much
can reduce A/C system performance.
PAG refrigerant oil is more hygroscopic than min-
eral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes into
contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG oil
container should always be kept tightly capped until
it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil con-
tainer immediately to prevent moisture contamina-
tion.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL
When an A/C system is assembled at the factory,
all components except the A/C compressor are refrig-
erant oil free. After the refrigerant system has been
charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the A/C
compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant
system. The receiver/drier, A/C evaporator, A/C con-
denser and the A/C compressor will each retain a sig-
nificant amount of the needed refrigerant oil.
It is important to have the correct amount of
refrigerant oil in the A/C system. This ensures proper
lubrication of the A/C compressor. Too little oil will
result in damage to the A/C compressor, while too
much oil will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C
system and consequently result in higher discharge
air temperatures.
24 - 54 PLUMBING
ZB
LIQUID LINE (Continued)