Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 2546

DR
A/C DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)
(11) Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge
line fitting and condenser inlet port.
(12) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting. Use only the specified O-ring 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.
(13) Connect the discharge line to the condenser
inlet port.
(14) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the
nut to 20 N·m (180 in. lbs.).
(15) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
pressure transducer.
(16) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(17) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(18) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
INSTALLATION - 3.7L/4.7L AND 5.7L HEMI
ENGINE
(1) If removed, install the A/C pressure transducer
onto the discharge line using a new O-ring seal.
Tighten the transducer securely.
(2) Position the discharge line into the engine com-
partment.
(3) Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge
line fitting and the compressor outlet port.
(4) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting. Use only the specified O-ring 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.
(5) Connect the discharge line to the compressor.
(6) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line to the compressor. Tighten the nut to
28 N·m (20 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge
line fitting and condenser inlet port.
(8) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting. Use only the specified O-ring 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) Connect the discharge line to the condenser
inlet port.
(10) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the
nut to 20 N·m (180 in. lbs.).
(11) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
pressure transducer.
(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(13) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(14) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The A/C evaporator is located in the HVAC hous-
ing, behind the instrument panel. The evaporator is
positioned in the HVAC housing so that all air that
enters the housing must pass over the fins of the
evaporator coils before it is distributed through the
system ducts and outlets. However, air passing over
the evaporator fins will only be conditioned when the
compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant
through the evaporator tubes.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the A/C evaporator from the
fixed orifice tube as a low-temperature, low-pressure
mixture of liquid and gas. As air flows over the fins
of the A/C evaporator, the humidity in the air con-
denses on the fins, and the heat from the air is
absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat absorption causes
the refrigerant to boil and vaporize. The refrigerant
becomes a low-pressure gas before it leaves the A/C
evaporator.
The A/C evaporator cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
PLUMBING 24 - 59