R-134A Refrigerant; A/C Service Ports; Gauge Set Or Refrigerant Recovery Machine - Chrysler 2000 LHS Owner's Manual

24 - 12 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
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.
(1) Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant
recovery machine, and a manifold gauge set with
vacuum pump (Fig. 6).
(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
refrigerant 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 system to evacuate an addi-
tional 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 refrigerant called R-134a. It is
a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear colorless 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
designed to use R-134a. System failure will
occur.
The service ports for the 3.2 / 3.5L applications are
located on the compressor (Fig. 7). The service ports
for the 2.7L application are located on the A/C liquid
(high pressure) and suction (low pressure) lines.
add R-12 to a system
Fig. 6 Gauge Set or Refrigerant Recovery Machine
Hookup (3.2 / 3.5L)
1 – HIGH SIDE CONNECTOR
2 – TO MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
3 – TO MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
4 – LOW SIDE CONNECTOR
R-134a service ports have been used to ensure that
the system is not accidentally filled with the wrong
refrigerant.
Fig. 7 A/C Service Ports (3.2 / 3.5L)
1 – DISCHARGE LINE
2 – HIGH SIDE SERVICE PORT
3 – LOW SIDE SERVICE PORT
4 – MANIFOLD
5 – SUCTION LINE
6 – A/C COMPRESSOR
When servicing a system, it is required that an air
conditioning charging recovery/recycling machine be
used (Fig. 8). Contact an automotive service equip-
ment supplier for proper equipment. Refer to the
operating instructions provided with the equipment
for proper operation.
LH