Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual page 1915

PT
HEATING & AIR COND. - LHD (Continued)
for 30 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 speci-
fied vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vac-
uum pump, open the suction and discharge valves.
Then allow the system to evacuate an additional 10
minutes.
(3) Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the
vacuum pump.
(4) The refrigerant system is prepared to be
charged with refrigerant.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SYSTEM LEAK
CHECKING
WARNING: R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE
A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED
OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. MIXTURE
OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELE-
VATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTEN-
TIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR
EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAM-
AGE.
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.
NOTE: The refrigerant system does come from the
factory with a yellow tracer dye already installed to
aid in detection of leaks.
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.
EMPTY REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAK TEST
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.). Deter-
mine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If
HEATING & AIR COND. - LHD
vacuum is held, a leak is probably not present. If sys-
tem 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 or neutral with parking brake
set
• Engine Idling at 700 rpm
• A/C Controls Set in 100 percent outside air
• 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 (only) will not detect leaks in a R-134a refrig-
erant system.
(4) 2Shut 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 evap-
orator core for leaks, insert the leak detector probe into
the drain tube opening or a heat duct. A R-134a dye is
available to aid in leak detection, use only Daimler-
Chrysler approved refrigerant dye.
If a thorough leak check has been completed with-
out indication of a leak, proceed to System Charge
Level.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS GROUP BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system. See the operating instructions supplied
by the equipement manufacturer for the proper care
and use of this equipment.
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