Nitro 2WD V6-4.0L (2007)
Refrigerant Oil: Service and Repair
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, the refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant system. The A/C accumulator, A/C evaporator,
A/C condenser and the A/C compressor will each retain a significant amount of the needed refrigerant oil.
It is important to have the correct amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C system. This ensures proper lubrication of the A/C compressor. Too little oil will
result in damage to the A/C compressor, while too much oil will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C system and consequently result in higher
discharge air temperatures.
CAUTION: The refrigerant oil in this R-134a A/C system is unique. Use only the PAG oil which is designed to work with the A/C compressor
in the vehicle. Refer to the A/C Underhood Specification Label for correct oil designation. The oil container should be kept tightly capped until
it is ready for use and then tightly capped after use to prevent contamination from dirt and moisture. Refrigerant oil will quickly absorb any
moisture it comes in contact with, therefore, special effort must be used to keep all R-134a system components moisture-free. Moisture in the
refrigerant oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem with the A/C compressor.
When equipped with 2.8L and 4.0L engine, use ZXL 100 PAG refrigerant oil. When equipped with 3.7L engine, use VC-46 PAG refrigerant oil.
NOTE: Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure the lubricant being removed during recovery. This amount of lubricant should be added back
into the system. Refer to the reclaim/recycling equipment manufacturers instructions.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the A/C compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil loss. An oil loss may occur due to
component replacement, or a rupture or leak from a refrigerant line, connector fitting, component or component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30 milliliters
(1 fluid ounce) of the recommended refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system after the repair has been made. Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak
point by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.
Refrigerant oil must be added when an A/C condenser, A/C evaporator or A/C receiver/drier is replaced. See the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart.
The refrigerant oil level in a new A/C compressor must first be adjusted prior to compressor installation. Refer to COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN
PROCEDURE.
COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE
CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level when replacing an A/C compressor. Failure to properly drain and measure the
refrigerant oil from the A/C compressor can prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and cause serious compressor damage.
The A/C compressor is filled with refrigerant oil from the factory. Use the following procedure to drain and measure refrigerant oil from the A/C
compressor.
1. Drain all of the refrigerant oil from the old A/C compressor into a clean measured container.
2. Drain all of the refrigerant oil from the new A/C compressor into a clean measured container.
3. Refill the new A/C compressor with the same amount of refrigerant oil that was drained out of the old compressor. Use only clean refrigerant oil of
the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
