Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 757

Fig. 117: Screw, Air Outlet, Trim Stick C-4755 & Instrument Panel
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. If removed, carefully install the air outlet grille onto the back of air outlet and engage the plastic retaining

tabs that secure grille to the outlet. Make sure the retaining tabs are fully engaged.

2. Position the instrument panel air outlet(s) to the instrument panel and engage the two metal retaining clips

to the instrument panel. Make sure the retainers are fully engaged.

3. Install the screw (1) that secures the top of the air outlet (2) to the instrument panel (4). Tighten the screw

to 1.2 N.m (10 in. lbs.).

4. Install the A-pillar trim molding(s). Refer to INSTALLATION .

5. Depending on the air outlet being serviced, install the instrument cluster bezel or passenger side air bag.

Refer to INSTALLATION for Cluster Bezel, or INSTALLATION for Passenger Airbag.

6. Install the defroster grille. Refer to INSTALLATION .

7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

PLUMBING

DESCRIPTION

REFRIGERANT LINES

The A/C refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry the refrigerant between the various A/C system
components. The refrigerant lines and hoses for the R-134a A/C system consist of a barrier-hose design with a
nylon tube sandwiched between rubber layers. The nylon tube helps to contain the R-134a refrigerant, which
has a small molecular structure. The ends of the refrigerant lines are made from lightweight aluminum and
braze-less fittings.

Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant lines and hoses will reduce the capacity of the entire A/C system and
can reduce the flow of refrigerant within the system.

OPERATION

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

REFRIGERANT LINES

High pressures are produced in a refrigerant system when the A/C compressor is operating. Extreme care must
be exercised to make sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a
good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good
condition and properly routed.

Depending on vehicle, model and market application, refrigerant lines are connected to each other or other A/C
system components with block-type or quick-connect type fittings. To ensure the integrity of the refrigerant
system, O-rings and/or gaskets may be used to seal the refrigerant system connections.

The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged.

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING:

The A/C system contains refrigerant under high pressure. Repairs should
only be performed by qualified service personnel. Serious or fatal injury
may result from improper service procedures.

WARNING:

Avoid breathing the refrigerant and refrigerant oil vapor or mist. Exposure
may irritate the eyes, nose, and/or throat. Wear eye protection when
servicing the A/C refrigerant system. Serious eye injury can result from
direct contact with the refrigerant. If eye contact occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.

WARNING:

Do not expose the refrigerant to open flame. Poisonous gas is created
when refrigerant is burned. An electronic leak detector is recommended.
Serious or fatal injury may result from improper service procedures.

WARNING:

If accidental A/C system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before
resuming service. Large amounts of refrigerant released in a closed work
area will displace the oxygen and cause suffocation and serious or fatal
injury.

WARNING:

The evaporation rate of R-134a refrigerant at average temperature and
altitude is extremely high. As a result, anything that comes in contact with
the refrigerant will freeze. Always protect the skin or delicate objects from
direct contact with the refrigerant.

WARNING:

The R-134a service equipment or the vehicle refrigerant system should
not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures
of air and R-134a have been shown to be combustible at elevated
pressures. These mixtures are potentially dangerous, and may result in

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

CAUTION

CAUTION

fire or explosion causing property damage and serious or fatal injury.

WARNING:

The engine cooling system is designed to develop internal pressures up
to 145 kilopascals (21 pounds per square inch). Do not remove or loosen
the coolant pressure cap, cylinder block drain plugs, radiator drain,
radiator hoses, heater hoses, or hose clamps while the engine cooling
system is hot and under pressure. Allow the vehicle to cool for a
minimum of 15 minutes before opening the cooling system for service.
Failure to observe this warning can result in serious burns from the
heated engine coolant.

CAUTION: Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to use R-134a. Do not use

R-12 equipment or parts on an R-134a A/C system. These refrigerants are
not compatible and damage to the A/C system will result.

CAUTION: Never use R-12 refrigerant oil in an A/C system designed to use R-134a

refrigerant oil. These refrigerant oils are not compatible and damage to the
A/C system will result.

CAUTION: The use of A/C system sealers may result in damage to A/C refrigerant

recovery/evacuation/recharging equipment and/or A/C system. Many
federal, state/provincial and local regulations prohibit the recharge of A/C
systems with known leaks. DaimlerChrysler recommends the detection of
A/C system leaks through the use of approved leak detectors and
fluorescent leak detection dyes. Vehicles found with A/C system sealers
should be treated as contaminated and replacement of the entire A/C
refrigerant system is recommended. A/C systems found to be
contaminated with A/C system sealers, A/C stop-leak products or seal
conditioners voids the warranty for the A/C system.

CAUTION: Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting or connection. Open the

fittings with caution, even after the system has been discharged. Never
open or loosen a connection before recovering the refrigerant.

CAUTION: If equipped, do not remove the secondary retention clip from any spring-

lock coupler connection while the refrigerant system is under pressure.
Recover the refrigerant before removing the secondary retention clip.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the system has been discharged.
Never open or loosen a connection before recovering the refrigerant.

CAUTION: The internal parts of the A/C system will remain stable as long as

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS

Connect a suitable manifold gauge set and determine if the static A/C system pressure is above or below 345
kPa (50 psi). See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT. If less than 345 kPa (50 psi),
proceed to SYSTEM EMPTY. If greater than 345 kPa (50 psi), go to SYSTEM LOW.

moisture-free refrigerant and refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of
dirt, moisture or air can upset the chemical stability. This may cause
operational troubles or even serious damage if present in more than very
small quantities. Before disconnecting a component, clean the outside of
the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination from entering the
refrigerant system. Keep service tools and the work area clean. Do not
open the refrigerant system or uncap a replacement component until you
are ready to service the system. Immediately after disconnecting a
component from the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a cap or
plug. This will prevent contamination from entering the A/C system.

CAUTION: Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmosphere if left uncapped.

Do not open a container of refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it.
Replace the cap on the oil container immediately after using. Store
refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and moisture-free container.

CAUTION: Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. Overcharging will cause

excessive compressor head pressure and can cause compressor noise
and A/C system failure.

WARNING:

R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C system should not be pressure
tested or leak tested with compressed air. Mixture of air and R-134a can
be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are potentially
dangerous and may result in fire or explosion causing property damage
and possible serious or fatal injury.

Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure
may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Use only approved service equipment
meeting SAE requirements to discharge an R-134a system. If accidental
system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.

NOTE:

If the A/C system refrigerant charge is empty or low, a leak in the A/C system is
likely. Visually inspect all A/C lines, fittings and components for an oily residue.
Oil residue can be an indicator of an A/C system leak location.

NOTE:

The only way to correctly determine if the A/C system is fully charged with
refrigerant to perform the A/C Performance Test. See A/C PERFORMANCE.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro