Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual page 2332

RS
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
location of a possible refrigerant leak, the exact leak
location should be confirmed with an electronic leak
detector prior to component repair or replacement.
An electronic leak detector designed for R-134a
refrigerant is recommended for locating and confirm-
ing refrigerant system leaks. See the operating
instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer
for proper care and use of this equipment.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures as indicated by the
results of the refrigerant system charge level test.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(2) Connect and dispense 0.283 kilograms (0.625
pounds or 10 ounces) of R-134a refrigerant into the
evacuated refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/
REFRIGERANT - STANDARD
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
(3) Proceed to the SYSTEM LOW procedures.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(2) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run at idle under the following condi-
tions for five minutes, then turning the engine off.
(a) Front windows are open.
(b) Rear air conditioner Off (if equipped).
(c) Transaxle in Park.
(d) Front heater-A/C controls set to outside air,
panel mode, blower high, and compressor engaged.
(3) Wait five to seven minutes and, with the
engine not running, use a electronic R-134a leak
detector and search for leaks. Because R-134a refrig-
erant is heavier than air, the leak detector probe
should be moved slowly along the bottom side of all
refrigerant lines, connector fittings and components.
(4) To inspect an evaporator for leaks, insert the
electronic leak detector probe into a floor outlet or
the recirculation air intake.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL 2.5L DIESEL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
- STANDARD PROCE-
PROCEDURE
FOLLOWING OPERATION.
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: The proper amount of R-134a refrigerant for
the refrigerant system in this model is:
• Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only - 2.5L Die-
sel) – 0.91 kilograms (2.00 pounds or 32 ounces)
• Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only) - 0.96
kilograms (2.13 pounds or 34 ounces)
• Three Zone (Front and Rear Units) - 1.31 kilo-
grams (2.88 pounds or 46 ounces)
The procedure that follows should be used to deter-
mine whether the refrigerant system contains the
proper refrigerant charge. Symptoms of an improper
refrigerant charge (low) include: poor air conditioner
performance, fog emitted from the air conditioner
outlets, a hissing sound from the expansion valve/
evaporator area. There are two different methods
with which the refrigerant charge level may be
tested:
• Using a DRBIII scan tool, a thermocouple and
-
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 34). Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
• Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Chart (Fig. 34).
A temperature probe is required to measure liquid
line temperature. The clamp-on, Type K thermocou-
ple temperature probe used in this procedure is
available through the DaimlerChrysler Professional
Service Equipment (PSE) program. This probe (PSE
#66-324-0014 or #80PK-1A) is compatible with tem-
perature-measuring instruments that accept Type K
thermocouples, and have a miniature connector
input. Other temperature probes are available
through aftermarket sources; however, all references
in this procedure will reflect the use of the probe
made available through the PSE program.
In order to use the temperature probe, a digital
thermometer will also be required. If a digital ther-
mometer is not available, an adapter is available
through the PSE program that will convert any stan-
dard digital multimeter into a digital thermometer.
This adapter is designed to accept any standard Type
K thermocouple. If a digital multimeter is not avail-
able, this tool is also available through the PSE pro-
gram.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
couplings to the refrigerant system service ports,
be certain that the valve of each coupling is fully
closed. This will reduce the amount of effort
required to make the connection.
(1) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set or a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
PLUMBING - FRONT 24 - 89