Chrysler 2004 Concorde Service Manual page 1610

24 - 42 PLUMBING
RECEIVER / DRIER (Continued)
(8) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE -REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(9) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning sys-
tem is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a.
Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC),
R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting
chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flam-
mable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas.
Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it
must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type
refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse
gas and can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 added to an R-134a refrigerant
system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil
sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
In addition, the PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG) synthetic
refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system
are not compatible with the mineral-based refriger-
ant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.
R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service
tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have
all been designed with unique fittings to ensure that
an R-134a system is not accidentally contaminated
with the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also
labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehi-
cle and on the compressor identifying to service tech-
nicians that the air conditioning system is equipped
with R-134a.
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant sys-
tems is a synthetic-based, PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG),
wax-free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant
oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should
never be introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.
There are different PAG oils available, and each
contains a different additive package. The 10PA17
compressor used in this vehicle is designed to use an
ND8 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only refrigerant oil of
this same type to service the refrigerant system.
OPERATION
After performing any refrigerant recovery or recy-
cling operation, always replenish the refrigerant sys-
tem with the same amount of the recommended
refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant
oil can cause compressor damage, and too much can
reduce air conditioning system performance.
PAG refrigerant oil is much more hygroscopic than
mineral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes
into contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG
oil container should always be kept tightly capped
until it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil
container immediately to prevent moisture contami-
nation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
It is important to have the correct amount of lubri-
cant in the a/c system to ensure proper lubrication of
the compressor. Too little lubricant will result in
damage to the compressor. Too much lubricant will
reduce the cooling capacity of the system and conse-
quently result in higher discharge air temperatures.
The lubricant used in the compressor is polyalka-
lene glycol PAG lubricant. Only the refrigerant lubri-
cant approved for use with this vehicle (ND8 PAG
oil) should be used to service the system. Do not use
any other lubricant. The lubricant container should
be kept tightly capped until it is ready for use.
Refrigerant lubricant will quickly absorb any mois-
ture it comes in contact with.
It is not necessary to check or add lubricant unless
it has been lost. Lubricant loss at the leak point will
be evident by the presence of a wet, shiny surface
around the leak. The surface will also over time accu-
mulate dust and dirt in the area of the leak and
appear as an isolated dirty area.
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
When an air conditioning system is first assem-
bled, all components (except the compressor) are
refrigerant oil free. After the system has been
charged with (R-134a) refrigerant and operated, the
oil in the compressor is dispersed through the lines
and components. The evaporator, condenser, and
receiver/drier will retain a significant amount of oil.
Refer to the A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capaci-
ties table. When a component is replaced, the speci-
fied amount of refrigerant oil must be added. When
the compressor is replaced, the amount of oil that is
retained in the rest of the system must be drained
from the replacement compressor. The oil capacity of
the system, minus the amount of oil still in the
LH