Dodge Intrepid Service Manual page 966

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PLUMBING (Continued)
High pressures are produced in the system when it
is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make
sure that all connections are pressure tight. Dirt and
moisture can enter the system when it is opened for
repair or replacement of lines or components. The
refrigerant oil will absorb moisture readily out of the
air. This moisture will convert into acids within a
closed system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS IN THE FRONT
OF THIS SECTION BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
If the refrigerant system is empty or low in refrig-
erant charge, a leak at any line fitting or component
seal is likely. A review of the fittings, lines and com-
ponents for oily residue is an indication of the leak
location. To detect a leak in the refrigerant system,
perform one of the following procedures as indicated
by the symptoms.
EMPTY REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAK TEST
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system (minimum
evacuation time of 15 min.) to the lowest degree of
vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.). (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE) Determine if the system
holds a vacuum for at least 15 minutes after pump is
off. If vacuum is held, a leak is probably not present.
If system will not maintain vacuum level, proceed
with this procedure.
(2) Prepare a .284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge
to be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense .284 Kg. (10 oz.) of
refrigerant into the evacuated refrigerant system.
(4) Proceed to Step 2 of Low Refrigerant Level
Leak Test.
LOW REFRIGERANT LEVEL LEAK TEST
(1) Determine if there is any (R-134a) refrigerant
in the system.
(2) Position the vehicle in a wind free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run for five minutes with the system
set to the following:
• Transaxle in Park
• Engine Idling
• A/C Controls Set in 100 percent outside air
(Recirculation position)
• Blower switch in the high A/C position
• A/C in the ON position
• Open all windows
CAUTION: A leak detector designed for R-12 refrig-
erant may not detect leaks in a R-134a refrigerant
system. Check specifications on leak detector.
(4) Shut off the vehicle and wait 2 to 7 minutes.
Then use an Electronic Leak Detector that is
designed to detect R-134a type refrigerant and search
for leaks. Fittings, lines, or components that appear
to be oily usually indicates a refrigerant leak. To
inspect the evaporator core for leaks, insert the leak
detector probe into the drain tube opening or a heat
duct.
NOTE: If leak is not detected but known to exist,
further diagnosis may be necessary using a refrig-
erant dye and the recovery machine. Refer to recov-
ery machine instructions for proper dye injection
procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS IN THE FRONT
OF THIS SECTION BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
When servicing the air conditioning system, a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used.
Contact an automotive service equipment supplier for
refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
Refer to the operating instructions supplied by the
equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of
this equipment.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 1). The
service hoses on the gauge set being used should
have manual (turn wheel), or automatic back-flow
valves at the service port connector ends. This will
prevent refrigerant from being released into the
atmosphere.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.
PLUMBING 24 - 29
equipment.