Chrysler Corp. Retrofit Procedures

Please send comments, corrections and additions to: PParish@delanet.com

Bottom of Page

Chrysler Retrofit Kits and/or Recommendations
Chrysler recommends that vehicles with A/C systems designed for R12 be serviced with R12 as long as the supply lasts. Chrysler recognizes the need to retrofit A/C systems in the near future and is working out the details.
They make note that cooling performance with R-134a may be less than with R-12.
Recommendations From A/C Shops:
Caravans and Voyagers with dual air conditioners don't have enough condenser cooling capacity with R12, so do not retrofit.
My recommendations are in line with the aftermarket recommendations. Aftermarket recommendations are those of companies such as Everco, Four Seasons and Murray.
MINERAL OIL REMOVAL
Chrysler recommends that you remove the compressor and drain the mineral out. We recommend that you remove as much oil as possible!
FLUSHING THE SYSTEM
Chrysler does not give recommendations for flushing. We recommend flushing, see general retrofit procedures.
O-RINGS & GASKETS
All o-rings and gaskets replaced should be R134a compatible. We recommend cover o-rings and gaskets with mineral oil.
HOSE REPLACEMENT
Chrysler does not make recommendations for hose replacement unless they show signs of leaking.
COMPRESSOR
The compressor is not part of the normal retrofit. When you do change a compressor make sure you know what type oil it contains.
CONDENSER AND AIR FLOW (HEAT EXCHANGE)
Chrysler does not make recommendations of condenser replacement. We see problems and needs in this area, see general retrofit procedures. When you do replace the condenser, try to use a improve multiflow model.
FILTER DRIER / ACCUMULATOR REPLACEMENT
Chrysler recommends that you replace the filter drier with one that contains XH-7 or XH-9 desiccant. We recommend changing the drier.
EXPANSION VALVE
The expansion valve is not part of the normal retrofit. Some shops I have talked to install new expansion valves when they retrofit a dual evaporator systems.
EVAPORATOR
The evaporator is not part of the normal retrofit.
Suction Valves for Non-Cycling Compressors
Suction control valves in Chrysler products include the EPR (Evaporator Pressure Regulator) valve and the ETR (Evaporator Temperture Regulator) valve. They control and cycle the minimum pressure in the evaporator, there by controlling the minimum temperature. They should be adjusted back 3 to 4 PSI with R-134a in order to achieve the same temperature. Most valves will have a lock nut and an adjustment screw on the inlet end. One eight turn counterclockwise lowers the low side pressure approximately 2 PSI and one quarter lowers the low side pressure approximately 4 PSI.
CLUTCH CYCLING SWITCH
Recommendations From A/C Shops and Aftermarket:
It is recommended that you change to a thermostatic switch if the cut out pressure is not around 21 to 23 PSI. This is because the pressure temperature relationship of R-12 and R-134a is different. For instance at 25 °F the pressure of R-12 is 24.6 PSI and the pressure of R-134a is 22.1 PSI.
Pressure Temperature Table
HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (HPRV)
Chrysler recommends that you replace the HPRV where applicable.
HIGH PRESSURE CUTOUT (HPCO) SWITCH
Chrysler recommends that you should add a HPCO switch to many vehicles. See specific guide lines in a retrofit manual such as Four Seasons Pn 59148. We think a high pressure cut out switch is a worth while safeguard.
OTHER PARTS
No recommendations.
OIL REPLACEMENT
Chrysler recommends you refill the system with a full charge of the proper PAG oil. They emphasize the fact that PAG oil will absorb moisture from the air readily and that the container must be keep sealed at all times. We recommend that you use Ester oil if you flush.
SERVICE PORT ADAPTERS
Special R134a only service ports that meet SAE requirements are required by law.
REFRIGERANT REPLACEMENT FOR R12
R134a as the only substitute for R12 refrigerant that Chrysler recommends. Recharge the system with about 20% less R134a than the R12 specification. They note that the sight glass is not a valid indicator of the charge amount.
LABELS
Special R134a service labels that meet SAE requirements are required by law.

| Return to E38.org | Retrofit Index Page|


TOP Of Page