Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1650

A/C SERVICE PORTS FILTER/DRIER
PL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
• Connect a manifold gauge set to the A/C service
ports (Fig. 17).
• Use a vacuum pump or charging station and
evacuate system to 95 kPa (28 inches Hg) for 30 min-
utes.
• Go to Charging A/C System below.
Fig. 17 A/C Service Ports
CHARGING A/C SYSTEM
The procedure below should be used to fill the
refrigerant charge in the air conditioning system.
This A/C system does not have or use a sight glass to
check or charge the system.
WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN THIS GROUP BEFORE CHARGING
THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM.
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 REQUIREMENTS
TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCIDENTAL
SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE WORK
AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C SYS-
TEM 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 EXPLO-
SION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION: Do not overcharge refrigerant system,
as excessive compressor head pressure can cause
noise and system failure.
After the system has been tested for leaks and
evacuated, a refrigerant (R-134a) charge can be
injected into the 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.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
(1) If using a separate vacuum pump close all
valves before disconnecting pump. Connect manifold
gauge set to the A/C service ports (Fig. 17).
NOTE: The air conditioning system in this vehicle
holds 784 grams (28 oz. or 1.57 lbs.) of R-134a
refrigerant.
(2) Measure refrigerant (refer to capacities). Refer
to the instructions provided with the equipment
being used.
(3) Verify engine is shut off. Open the suction and
discharge valves. Open the charge valve to allow the
refrigerant to flow into the system. When the trans-
fer of refrigerant has stopped, close the suction and
discharge valve.
(4) If all of the charge did not transfer from the
dispensing device, put vehicle controls into the fol-
lowing mode:
• Automatic transaxle in park or manual tran-
saxle in neutral
• Engine idling at 700 rpm
• A/C control set in 100 percent outside air
• Panel mode
• Blower motor ON high speed
• Vehicle windows closed
If the A/C compressor does not engage, test the
compressor clutch control circuit and correct any fail-
ure. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(5) Open the suction valve to allow the remaining
refrigerant to transfer to the system.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO OPEN THE DIS-
CHARGE (HIGH-PRESSURE) VALVE AT THIS TIME.
(6) Close all valves and test the A/C system perfor-
mance.
(7) Disconnect the charging station or manifold
gauge set. Install the service port caps.
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-
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