Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information: Diagnosis Dodge Dart PF

A/C PERFORMANCE TEST

Note. The A/C Cooldown test which can be initiated on the MTC or ATC system is not a valid test to determine A/C performance. It is intended to be only used at the assembly plant and should not be used at a dealer or repair facility. Use only the following procedure to check A/C performance.

1. Make sure the following conditions are met in the area where this test is to be performed: Maximum ambient temperature: 43.3°C (110°F) Minimum ambient temperature: 15.5°C (60°F) Maximum relative humidity: 90% Minimum relative humidity: 20%
2. Using a scan tool, check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, Telematics Gateway (TGW), A/C heater module, Body Control Module (BCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). If no DTCs are found, go to Step 3. If any DTCs are found, repair as required, then proceed to Step 3.
3. Operate the heating and A/C system under the following conditions. Engine at normal operating temperature Engine at normal idle speed No sun-load in the cabin of the vehicle Vehicle doors and windows closed Transmission in Park or Neutral with the park brake On. A/C heater controls set to Recirculation mode, full cool, panel mode, high blower and with A/C compressor engaged. If the A/C compressor does not engage, see the A/C System Diagnosis table. Refer to «A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS»(ref-646220-S23181332312014072800000) . All panel outlet vanes open and positioned straight rearward NOTE: If the following step is not performed, the results of this test will not be accurate.
4. Using a scan tool, operate the engine cooling fans at high speed from the PCM View>Actuators.
5. Insert a thermometer in the driver side center panel air outlet and operate the A/C system until the thermometer temperature stabilizes or a minimum of five minutes. NOTE: This procedure requires you to know what the temperature and relative humidity is in your location at the time of the test.
6. With the A/C clutch engaged, compare the observed panel outlet air temperature along with the ambient temperature of the work area and the relative humidity to the Maximum Panel Outlet Temperature chart.
7. If the air outlet temperature fails to meet the specifications shown in the Maximum Panel Outlet Temperature chart, see the A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS table below.

Scheme 8

A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR

Note. Use this procedure when diagnosis of the Manual Temperature Control (MTC) system is required. Use a scan tool for diagnosis of the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

Note. See Wiring Information for circuit descriptions and diagrams. Wiring Information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

1. Check the fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). If OK, proceed to Step 2. If not OK, see Wiring Information, repair the shorted circuit and install a new fuse.
2. Operate the A/C heater system and verify that the rest of the system operates correctly. If OK, proceed to Step 3. If not OK, see Wiring Information, check for battery voltage and ground at the main HVAC wire harness connector and repair as necessary.
3. Remove the glove box. Refer to «GLOVE BOX, INSTRUMENT PANEL, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S20609399852014072800000) .
4. With the HVAC wire harness connected to the recirculation door actuator, connect the positive lead of a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) to pin 5 and the negative lead of the DVOM to pin 6 of the recirculation door actuator wire harness connector.
5. Set the ignition to RUN and operate the recirculation control on the A/C heater control. Turn the control to the recirculation position and note the voltage on the DVOM. Turn the control to the fresh air position and note the voltage once again. The voltage should be about 12 volts DC and change polarity each time the control is turned. If OK, go to Step 14. If not OK, proceed to Step 6.
6. Turn the ignition to OFF and disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
7. Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the recirculation door actuator and the A/C heater module.
8. Temporally install a jumper wire between pins 5 and 6 of the recirculation door actuator HVAC wire harness connector.
9. Using a DVOM, check for continuity between pins 11 and 13 of the A/C heater control HVAC wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step 10. If not OK, see Wiring Information and repair the open circuit(s) as necessary.
10. Using a DVOM, check for continuity between pins 14 and 18 of the A/C heater control HVAC wire harness connector while operating the recirculation control on the A/C heater control. Turn the control to the fresh air position and check for continuity on the DVOM. Turn the control to the recirculation position and check for no continuity. If OK, proceed to Step 11. If not OK, go to Step 12.
11. Using a 12 volt DC power source, apply voltage to pin 5 of the recirculation door actuator and the power source ground to pin 6. Check for actuator movement. Reverse the polarity and check again for actuator movement. If OK, replace the A/C heater module. Refer to «MODULE, A/C AND HEATER, REMOVAL»(ref-646224-S14918378962014072800000) . If not OK, proceed to Step 14.
12. Remove the instrument panel cover.
13. Check the recirculation control switch in the back of A/C heater control for proper operation. If OK, see Wiring Information and repair the open circuit(s) as necessary. If not OK, replace the A/C heater control. Refer to «CONTROL, A/C AND HEATER, REMOVAL»(ref-646220-S12652180562014072800000) .
14. Remove the recirculation door actuator and check for proper recirculation air door movement. The air door should not bind or stick in either direction. If air door movement is OK, replace the recirculation door actuator. Refer to «ACTUATOR, RECIRCULATION DOOR, REMOVAL»(ref-646220-S14092609022014072800000) . If air door movement is not OK, repair as necessary. Refer to «HOUSING, HVAC, DISASSEMBLY»(ref-646220-S30650079752014072800000) .

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Note. Use this procedure when diagnosis of the Manual Temperature Control (MTC) system is required. Use a scan tool for diagnosis of the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

Note. See Wiring Information for circuit descriptions and diagrams. Wiring Information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

1. Position the vehicle in the work area with the windows open, and allow the engine to cool.
2. Disconnect the evaporator temperature sensor from the HVAC wire harness. Refer to «SENSOR, EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE, REMOVAL»(ref-646220-S24785801502014072800000) .
3. Note the current ambient air temperature of the work area.
4. Use an ohm meter and check the resistance between pins 1 and 2 of the evaporator temperature sensor. Compare the temperature of the work area to the found resistance value. The resistance should be within the specifications listed in the Resistance and Temperature chart. If not OK, replace the evaporator temperature sensor.

RESISTANCE AND TEMPERATURE

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IN-CAR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Note. For complete circuit diagrams, see Wiring Information. Wiring Information includes wiring diagrams, connector pin-out and location views, details of wire harness routing and retention, splice and ground locations and proper wire and connector repair procedures.

Using a scan tool, check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the in-car temperature sensor and the A/C-heater control. If any DTCs are found, repair as necessary. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . If no DTCs are found, perform the two following tests. Replace the in-car temperature sensor if the sensor fails either test.

ASPIRATOR MOTOR TEST

The in-car temperature sensor uses an aspirator motor to draw air from the passenger compartment and flow the air over the temperature thermistor. Test the motor as follows.

Scheme 9

1. Place the ignition in the Run position.
2. Place a small piece of newspaper in front of the aspirator motor opening grille (1), located on the steering column opening cover (2). If the paper sticks to the grille, the aspirator motor is operating properly. The piece of paper should be only large enough to cover the opening.
3. If the paper does not stick to the grille, check the in-car temperature sensor electrical connections and wiring. If connections and wiring are OK, replace the in-car temperature sensor.

TEMPERATURE THERMISTOR TEST

The in-car temperature sensor uses a temperature thermistor to provide resistance values that correlate with temperature change. Test the thermistor as follows.

1. Remove the in-car temperature sensor and place it on a workbench. Refer to «SENSOR, TEMPERATURE, IN-CAR, REMOVAL»(ref-646220-S34372085212014072800000) .
2. Note the current ambient air temperature of the work area.
3. Use an ohm meter and check the resistance between pins 1 and 2 of the in-car temperature sensor. Compare the temperature of the work area to the found resistance value. The resistance should be within specifications as listed in the Resistance and Temperature chart. If not OK, replace the in-car temperature sensor.

RESISTANCE AND TEMPERATURE

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUN SENSOR

The sun sensor assembly is located so that the sun rays will hit the sensors in the same way that it will hit the driver and the passenger. It is important that the area in front of the sun sensor assembly be unobstructed. If the vehicle exhibits a lack of passenger comfort in sunny weather such as in the early afternoon, check for the following

1. Any items laying on top of the instrument panel are not covering the sun sensor.
2. Any stickers on the windshield are not directly in front of the sun sensor.
3. Confirm that the windshield wipers are properly adjusted.
4. Confirm that the sun sensor is properly installed. Refer to «SENSOR, SUN, INSTALLATION»(ref-646220-S25780518042014072800000) .
5. Confirm that the defroster grille is properly installed. Refer to «GRILLE, DEFROSTER, INSTALLATION»(ref-646233-S33308033022014072800000) .

The A/C heater control continually monitors the sun sensor circuits and will store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for any problem it detects. The sun sensor can be tested in the vehicle with a scan tool. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR

To determine if an open condition exists within the blower motor circuit wiring, it is necessary to disconnect the negative battery cable and check for continuity within the blower motor circuits using an ohmmeter. See Wiring Information for circuit descriptions and diagrams.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS

Note. Always conduct the A/C Performance Test as outlined prior to searching for an A/C refrigerant leak. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

Note. The A/C system in this vehicle comes equipped from the factory with fluorescent refrigerant leak detection dye installed in the refrigerant system.

When searching for a refrigerant leak in the A/C system, use an Ultra Violet (UV) light and an electronic leak detector that is designed for refrigerant used on this vehicle. It is important to use only high-quality refrigerant leak detection equipment to properly locate refrigerant system leaks, such as the equipment listed in the team PSE Service Equipment Catalog. When the use of additional leak detection dye is required, use only Chrysler LLC approved refrigerant leak detection dye, available through Mopar®.

LEAK TEST

1. Begin searching for refrigerant leaks using a high quality UV light to detect the fluorescent refrigerant leak detection dye. Inspect all connections, plumbing fittings, brazed joints, hoses, hose crimps, service ports, compressor housing, pressure relief valve and A/C condenser for dye Inspect the evaporator drain tube and condensate for presence of dye, which indicates a leak from the A/C evaporator If equipped with rear A/C, inspect the underbody refrigerant lines, fittings, rear evaporator drain tube and condensate for presence of dye, which indicates a leak from the rear evaporator If no leaks are found using a UV light, proceed to step 2.
2. If a leak is not found with the leak detection dye, operate the heating and A/C system with the engine at idle under the following conditions for at least 15 minutes, then proceed to step 3. Doors or windows open Transmission in Park or Neutral with the parking brake set (depending on transmission application) A/C and heater controls set to outside air, full cool, panel mode, high blower and A/C compressor engaged (If the A/C compressor does not engage, go to «LOW OR EMPTY REFRIGERANT SYSTEM»(ref-646220-S40242531802014072800000) . If equipped with rear A/C, set rear controls to full cool and high blower
3. Shut the vehicle off and wait at least 5 minutes.
4. Insert the leak detector into the evaporator drain tube and the instrument panel air outlets, to check for evaporator leaks. Check the evaporator tubes at the A/C expansion valve, for leaks not visible behind the expansion valve. Check around the front of the A/C compressor, for compressor shaft seal leaks. Check between the A/C condenser and radiator for condenser leaks not previously visible.
5. If equipped with rear A/C, insert the leak detector into the rear evaporator drain tube and rear air outlets. Check the underbody A/C lines and fittings, evaporator tubes and rear A/C expansion valve.

COIL RESISTANCE TEST

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the A/C clutch coil connector.
3. Use an ohm meter and Back Probe Tool (special tool #6801, Terminal Probe) and measure the resistance of the A/C clutch coil at the coil connector terminals.
4. See A/C Clutch Coil Specifications table for acceptable A/C clutch coil resistance, refer to «PRELIMINARY-CHECKS»(ref-646220-S16070946832014072800000) . Specifications apply for a work area temperature of 21° C (70° F). If the A/C clutch coil reading is below specifications, the coil is shorted and must be replaced. If the A/C clutch coil reading is above specifications, the coil is open and must be replaced.

COIL CURRENT DRAW TEST

1. Verify the battery state of charge. Refer to «BATTERY, DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING»(ref-646227-S18033440632014072800000) .
2. Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale selected) in series with the A/C clutch coil feed terminal using Back Probe Tool (special tool #6801, Terminal Probe). Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 volt scale selected) to measure voltage across the battery and the A/C clutch coil.
3. With the A/C heater control in the A/C mode and the blower motor at low speed, start the engine and allow it to run at a normal idle speed.
4. The A/C clutch should engage immediately and the clutch coil supply voltage should be within two volts of the battery voltage. If the clutch coil supply voltage is OK, go to 5 . If the coil supply voltage is not within two volts of battery voltage, test the clutch coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair as necessary.
5. See A/C Clutch Coil Specifications table for acceptable A/C clutch coil current draw, refer to «PRELIMINARY-CHECKS»(ref-646220-S16070946832014072800000) . Specifications apply for a work area temperature of 21° C (70° F). If voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turning on electrical accessories until voltage reads below 12.5 volts. If the A/C clutch coil current reading is zero, the coil is open and must be replaced. If the A/C clutch coil current reading is above specifications, the coil is shorted and must be replaced.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C EXPANSION VALVE

Note. The A/C expansion valve should only be tested following testing of the A/C compressor.

Note. Liquid CO 2 is required to test the A/C expansion valve. This material is available from most welding supply facilities. Liquid CO 2 is also available from companies which service and sell fire extinguishers.

When testing the A/C expansion valve, the work area and the vehicle temperature must be 21° to 27° C (70° to 85° F). To test the expansion valve

1. Connect a charging station or manifold gauge set to the refrigerant system service ports. Verify the refrigerant charge level.
2. Close all doors, windows and vents to the passenger compartment.
3. Set the A/C heater controls so that the A/C compressor is operating, the temperature control is in the highest temperature position, the mode air door is directing air output to the floor and the blower motor operating is operating at the highest speed.
4. Start the engine and allow it to idle. After the engine has reached normal operating temperature, allow the passenger compartment to heat up. This will create the need for maximum refrigerant flow into the A/C evaporator.
5. If the refrigerant charge is sufficient, the discharge (high pressure) gauge should read 827 kPa to 1655 kPa (120 psi to 240 psi). The suction (low pressure) gauge should read 207 kPa to 345 kPa (30 psi to 50 psi). If OK, go to. Refer to step 6. If not OK, replace the inoperative A/C expansion valve. WARNING: Protect the skin and eyes from exposure to liquid CO 2 or personal injury can result.
6. If the suction (low pressure) gauge reads within the specified range, freeze the A/C expansion valve for 30 seconds using liquid CO 2 or another suitable super-cold material. Do not spray R-134a or R-12 refrigerant on the A/C expansion valve for this test. The suction (low pressure) gauge reading should drop by 69 kPa (10 psi). If OK, go to step 7. If not OK, replace the inoperative A/C expansion valve.
7. Allow the expansion valve control head to thaw. The suction (low pressure) gauge reading should stabilize at 207 kPa to 345 kPa (30 psi to 50 psi). If not OK, replace the inoperative A/C expansion valve.
8. When the expansion valve testing is complete, test the overall A/C system performance. Refer to «DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING»(ref-646220-S27172954272014072800000) .