Suction Line: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing will reduce the capacity of the entire air conditioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose. In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches) from the exhaust manifold.

High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the air conditioning compressor is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.

WARNING: (Refer to WARNING ) AND (Refer to CAUTION ) BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.

Remove the tape or plugs from all of the refrigerant line fittings. Install the refrigerant line couplers to the condenser and the accumulator (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - INSTALLATION ). Tighten the fasteners to 22 +/-3.38 N.m (200+/-30 in. lbs.).
Install the refrigerant line manifold to the compressor. Tighten the mounting screw to 22 N.m (200 in. lbs.).
Install the fastener that secures the refrigerant line support bracket near the compressor. Tighten the mounting screw to 6.77 +/-1.7 N.m (60+/-15 in. lbs.).
Plug in the wire harness connector to the pressure transducer switch.
Connect the battery negative cable.
Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE ).
Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE ).