Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 777

The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant systems is a synthetic-based, Poly Alkylene Glycol (PAG), wax-
free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should never be
introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.

There are different PAG oils available, and each contains a different additive package. Use only refrigerant oil
of the same type as recommended to service the refrigerant system (always refer to the specification tag
included with the replacement A/C compressor or the A/C Underhood Specification Label located in the engine
compartment).

The A/C compressors used in this vehicle are designed to use VC-46 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only this type of
refrigerant oil when servicing the A/C compressor.

OPERATION

OIL-A/C REFRIGERANT

After performing any refrigerant recovery or recycling operation, always replenish the refrigerant system with
the same amount of the recommended refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant oil can cause A/C
compressor damage, and too much can reduce A/C system performance.

PAG refrigerant oil is more hygroscopic than mineral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes into contact
with, even moisture in the air. The PAG oil container should always be kept tightly capped until it is ready to be
used. After use, recap the oil container immediately to prevent moisture contamination.

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, 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: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level when replacing an A/C

compressor. See REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL. Failure to properly adjust the
refrigerant oil level can prevent the A/C system from operating as
designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.

CAUTION: The A/C compressors in this vehicle are designed to use VC-46 PAG

refrigerant oil. Use only VC-46 PAG refrigerant oil or severe damage to the
A/C system may occur. Always 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

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

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 step COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE.

REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE

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

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.

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.

Component

ml

oz

Total System Fill

150

5

A/C Condenser

30

1

A/C Evaporator

60

2

A/C Receiver/drier

30

1

A/C Compressor

Drain and measure the oil from the old compressor. Refer to
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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

vehicle.

4. Install the new A/C compressor onto the engine. See INSTALLATION.

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C

DESCRIPTION

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C

Fig. 198: A/C Receiver/Drier, Left Side A/C Condenser & Bolt
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The A/C receiver/drier (1) stores unnecessary refrigerant, filters the refrigerant, helps remove moisture from the
refrigerant and retains any refrigerant vapor that may leave the A/C condenser (2) until it becomes a liquid. The
A/C receiver/drier is installed on the high-side of the A/C system and is connected directly to the left end of the
A/C condenser by a bolt (3). The A/C receiver/drier can be serviced separately from the A/C condenser.

OPERATION

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C

The A/C receiver/drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from
contaminating the A/C expansion valve. Refrigerant enters the A/C receiver/drier as a high-pressure, low
temperature liquid. Desiccant inside the A/C receiver/drier absorbs any moisture which may have entered and
become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of high demand operation of the A/C
system, the A/C receiver/drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant.

The A/C receiver/drier has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals, gaskets and the high side service
port valve and cap. The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not

NOTE:

Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime
a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and
metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

affected by R-134a refrigerant. The O-ring seals and gaskets must be replaced whenever the A/C receiver/drier
is removed.

The A/C receiver/drier cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged, or if an internal failure
of the A/C compressor has occurred.

REMOVAL

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C

Fig. 199: A/C Receiver/Drier, Left Side A/C Condenser & Bolt
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY.

3. Remove the grille. Refer to REMOVAL .

4. Remove the air seal from the left side of the cooling module assembly.

5. Reach through the opening at the bottom of the front fascia and remove the bolt (3) that secures the A/C

receiver/drier (1) to the left side A/C condenser (2).

6. Disconnect the A/C receiver/drier from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seals.

7. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened receiver/drier fittings and the condenser ports.

INSTALLATION

WARNING:

Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before
performing the following operation. See WARNING, and CAUTION. Failure
to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal
injury or death.

NOTE:

Illustration shown with A/C condenser removed from vehicle for clarity.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro