Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 2552

DR
HEATER RETURN HOSE (Continued)
(1) Drain the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Remove the heater hose retaining brackets as
required (depending on engine application).
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps off of each end of the hose being
removed (Fig. 25).
CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive pressure on
heater tubes or connections when removing heater
hoses. Excessive pressure may damage or deform
the tubes/heater core, causing an engine coolant
leak.
(4) Disconnect each hose end by carefully twisting
the hose back and forth on the tube, while gently
pulling it away from the end of the tube.
(5) If necessary, carefully cut the hose end and
peel the hose off of the tube.
NOTE: Replacement of the heater return hose will
be required if the hose ends are cut for removal.
(6) Remove the heater return hose from the engine
compartment.
(7) Separate the heater hoses from each other as
required (depending on engine application).
Fig. 25 Heater Hoses - Typical
1 - HEATER CORE TUBES
2 - HEATER INLET HOSE
3 - RETAINING BRACKET
4 - HOSE CONNECTOR
5 - SPRING CLAMP
6 - HEATER RETURN HOSE
INSTALLATION
(1) If separated, reconnect the heater hoses to each
other as required (depending on engine application).
(2) Position the heater return hose into the engine
compartment.
(3) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide each clamp away from the end of the hose
being installed.
(4) Install each hose by carefully twisting the hose
back and forth while gently pushing it onto the tube
end.
(5) Using spring tension clamp pliers, compress
and slide the clamps onto each end of the hose being
installed.
(6) Install the heater hose retaining brackets as
required (depending on engine application).
(7) Refill the engine cooling system (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
LIQUID LINE
DESCRIPTION
The liquid line is the refrigerant line that carries
refrigerant from the A/C condenser to the evaporator.
The liquid line for this model consist of two separate
lines that connect to each other. The liquid lines are
made from light-weight aluminum or steel, and use
braze-less fittings.
The front half of the liquid line contains the fixed
orifice tube. The liquid lines are only serviced as an
assembly, except for the rubber O-ring seals used on
the end fittings. The liquid lines cannot be adjusted
or repaired and, if found to be leaking or damaged,
they must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) If equipped with the diesel engine, remove the
passenger side battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - REMOVAL).
(3) If equipped with the diesel engine, remove the
passenger side battery tray (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/TRAY - REMOVAL).
(4) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
PLUMBING 24 - 65