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:

    Horn
    REMOVAL Fig. 1: Removing / Installing Horns 1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. 2. Remove the push pin type retainers along the top of the grille assembly and position the g ...

    Removal
    1. Remove the engine appearance cover. Fig. 82: Cowl Top Screen 2. Remove the two push-pins (1) securing the cowl top screen at the ends. Remove the remaining push-pins (2). Remove the cowl top ...

    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, ...

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