Dodge Journey: Refrigerant

DESCRIPTION

The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a. Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC), R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas.

Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse gas and can contribute to global warming.

OPERATION

R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12 refrigerant in an A/C system. Even a small amount of R-12 refrigerant added to an R-134a refrigerant system will cause A/C compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludge or poor A/C system performance. In addition, the polyalkylene glycol (PAG) synthetic refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system are not compatible with the mineral-based refrigerant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.

R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have all been designed with unique fittings to ensure that an R-134a refrigerant system is not accidentally contaminated with the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehicle and on the A/C compressor to identify that the A/C system is equipped with R-134a refrigerant.

Specifications

REFRIGERANT CHARGE CAPACITY

    Standard Procedure
    REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL When an A/C system is assembled at the factory, all components except the A/C compressor are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has been charged and operated, ...

    See also:

    Diagnosis and Testing
    BLOWER MOTOR WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the ...

    Removal
    FRONT 1. Raise and support the vehicle. Fig. 163: TIRE AND WHEEL MOUNTING 2. Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1). NOTE: In some cases, it may be necessary ...

    Description, Operation
    DESCRIPTION Fig. 231: Receiver/Drier Description The A/C receiver/drier (1) stores unused refrigerant, filters the refrigerant, helps remove moisture from the refrigerant and retains any refrig ...

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