Diagnosis And Testing: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup and 2011 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 elevated pressures. These mixtures are potentially dangerous and may result in fire or explosion causing property damage and possible serious or fatal injury.

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 an R-134a system. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.

NOTE:

If the A/C system refrigerant charge is empty or low, a leak in the A/C system is likely. When searching for a refrigerant leak in the A/C system, use an electronic leak detector and refrigerant leak detection dye with an Ultra Violet (UV) light that is designed for R-134a refrigerant. 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 teamPSE Service Equipment Catalog. Use only Chrysler approved R-134a leak detection dye, available through Mopar®.

Visually inspect all A/C lines, A/C fittings and A/C components under the hood for an oily residue. Oil residue can be an indicator of a leak location.
Connect a high-quality manifold gauge set or refrigerant recovery machine to the A/C system and determine if the static A/C system pressure is above or below 345 kPa (50 psi). Refer to Plumbing , Standard Procedure . If static A/C system pressure is less than 345 kPa (50 psi), proceed to SYSTEM EMPTY . If static A/C system pressure is greater than 345 kPa (50 psi), refer to SYSTEM LOW .