Town & Country Van AWD V6-230 3.8L VIN L SMFI (1998)
Drive Belt: All Technical Service Bulletins
A/C Compressor - Locks Up At Low Mileage
Number: 24-15-99
Group: Heating & A/C
Date: Jul. 9, 1999
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 24-07-98 REV. A, DATED AUGUST. 28, 1998, WHICH SHOULD BE
REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1998 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO.
81-699-99003). ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL MODELS.
SUBJECT:
A/C Compressor Lock-Up At Low Mileage
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves determining the extent of A/C compressor lock-up and either working the compressor loose or replacing it.
MODELS:
1998 - **2000** (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1998 - **2000** (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)
1998 - **2000** (PL) Neon
NOTE:
THE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD BE OPERATED FOR A MINIMUM OF 5 MINUTES IN THE FRESH AIR A/C, HIGH BLOWER MODE, WITH
THE ENGINE AT IDLE, PRIOR TO TAKING A VEHICLE OUT OF OPERATION OR STORING IT FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS TO
INSURE ADEQUATE OIL FLOW BACK TO THE A/C COMPRESSOR.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The A/C compressor may lock-up, causing the drive belt to slip in the A/C clutch pulley, producing a squealing noise at initial start-up. This "temporary"
lock-up DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THE COMPRESSOR HAS FAILED.
With the close internal clearances of a compressor operating in an R134A system, it is possible to experience a temporary lock-up of the piston shoes on
the swash plate. The longer the A/C system is inactive, the more likely the lock-up condition is to occur.
This condition is the result of normal refrigerant movement within the A/C system caused by temperature differences between the various components
(evaporator, condenser, compressor) that "washes" the oil out of the compressor.
DIAGNOSIS:
Start the vehicle and run at idle. Turn on the A/C system and listen for the drive belt to squeal. Immediately turn off the A/C system if squealing is heard.
If the squeal stops when the A/C system is turned off perform the Repair Procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves determining the extent of A/C compressor lock-up and either working the compressor loose or replacing it.
Before assuming the A/C compressor has failed and must be replaced, the following steps should be taken.
1.
With an appropriate sized oil filter removal tool or strap wrench, grasp the outer diameter of the A/C compressor clutch hub that houses the rubber
donut. While facing the compressor, try to rotate the hub clockwise, then counterclockwise. If the hub rotates go to step 2. If the hub will not rotate
the compressor is internally damaged and must be replaced, skip to step 7.
2.
Turn the hub clockwise five complete revolutions and remove the tool.
3.
Start the vehicle, turn on the A/C system, and run at idle.
4.
Observe the A/C compressor and system for normal operation for both cool-down and noise level standpoints.
5.
If performance is acceptable (use the A/C Performance Temperatures chart in diagnosis and testing portion section 24 of the appropriate Service
Manual as a guideline), allow the A/C system to operate at idle for 5 minutes.
6.
If acceptable performance continues throughout the five minutes, the compressor does not need to be replaced, skip to step 8.
