Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible RHD Service Manual page 1138

24 - 10 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
The use of R-134a will have a positive environmen-
tal impact due to it's zero ozone depletion and low
global warming impact.
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL
TO CHECK OR FILL SYSTEM
The procedure below should be used to check
and/or fill the refrigerant charge in the air condition-
ing system.
NOTE: The air conditioning system in this vehicle
holds 0.794 Kg. (28 oz. or 1.75 lbs.) of R-134a refrig-
erant.
This procedure can be performed two different
ways:
• With a scan tool (DRB) and a thermocouple. Use
the scan tool (DRB) diagnostic topic: Partial Charge
Test.
• Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Graph. It is recommended
to use the gauges or reclaim/recycle equipment.
WARNING: AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT
AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY
IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY
APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE
REQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE.
R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C
SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR
LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. SOME
MIXTURES OF AIR/R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO
BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES.
THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGER-
OUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION
CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
(1) Establish your preferred method of measuring
compressor discharge pressure. Use a manifold gauge
set or a scan tool.
(2) Attach a clamp-on thermocouple (P.S.E. 66-324-
0014 or 80PK-1A) or equivalent to the liquid line. It
must be placed as close to the condenser outlet as
possible to observe liquid line temperature. Refer to
"Thermocouple Probe" in this section for more infor-
mation on probe.
(3) The vehicle must be in the following modes:
• Transaxle in Park
• Engine Idling at 700 rpm
• A/C Controls Set to Outside Air
• Panel Mode
• Full Cool
• High Blower
• A/C Button in the ON position
• Vehicle Windows Open.
(4) Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow
the system to stabilize.
(5) Set system pressure to about 1793 kPa (260
psi) by blocking off the airflow to the front grill area.
This will maintain a constant pressure and stop the
cooling fans from alternating between high and low
speeds.
(6) Observe Discharge pressure and Liquid line
temperature. Using the Charge Determination Graph
determine where the system is currently operating
(Fig. 8). If the system is in the undercharged region,
ADD 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) to the system and recheck
readings. If the system is in the overcharged region,
RECLAIM 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) from the system and
recheck readings. Continue this process until the sys-
tem readings are in the proper charge area on the
Charge Determination Chart.
(7) The scan tool procedure does not require the
Charge Determination Graph. The correct liquid line
temperature range is calculated by the scan tool
automatically.
SYSTEM LEAK CHECKING
WARNING: R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHI-
CLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE
TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED
AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COM-
BUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIX-
TURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY
RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRI-
CANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE
EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED
SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIREMENTS
TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCIDENTAL
SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE WORK
AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
If the A/C system is not cooling properly, determine
if the refrigerant system is fully charged with
R-134a. This is accomplished by performing a system
Charge Level-Check or Fill. If while performing this
test A/C liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to Empty Refrigerant System Leak Test.
If liquid line pressure is greater than 345 kPa (50
psi) proceed to low refrigerant level leak test. If the
refrigerant system is empty or low in refrigerant
charge, a leak at any line fitting or component seal is
likely. A review of the fittings, lines and components
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.
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