A/C System Performance Complaints/Seized Compressor (24-15-98)

Publication date: 1998-11-20
Reference number: 24-15-98

A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE COMPLAINTS/SEIZED COMPRESSOR

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 24-15-98, Date of Issue: November 20, 1998

A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Model(s): 1998-99 Chrysler (JA) Cirrus

1998-99 Dodge (JA) Stratus

1998-99 Plymouth (JA) Breeze

1998-99 Chrysler (JX) Sebring Convertible

Group: Air Conditioning

Bulletin No.: 24-15-98

Date: November 20, 1998

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 2.4L or 2.5L engine.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION

A/C performance complaints and/or A/C compressor failure (seized) in high ambient temperatures (90°+ F). This condition can be aggravated by start and stop city driving and/or extended periods of idling with the A/C running.

DIAGNOSIS

If the A/C compressor is failed, repair/replace as described on page 24-14 of the 1998 Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8121) or page 24-14 of the 1998 Sebring Convertible Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8122) before proceeding. If A/C performance at high ambient temperature is unsatisfactory, even if it passes the Performance Test Procedure as described on page 24-5 of the 1998 Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8121) or 1998 Sebring Convertible Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-8122), continue with the diagnosis.

Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding with the REPAIR PROCEDURE .

NOTE: For maximum A/C system performance on 1998 M.Y. vehicles, this bulletin should e performed in conjunction with TSB 24-04-98 .

NOTE: Whenever a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is replaced due to failure, the software of the replacement controller should be verified for the latest revision level. Use the flash procedure to update replaced controllers as necessary.

EQUIPMENT/PARTS REQUIRED

EQUIPMENT/PARTS INFORMATION

Qty.	Part Number	Part Name
1	CH6000	Scan Tool (DRB III)
1	CH7035	General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1	CH7000/7001	J1962 Cable
1	04669020	Label - Authorized Software Update
1	04275086	Label - Authorized Modification

NOTE: The MDS and DRB III are required to perform this repair and the system must be operating with release 21 or higher and TIL CD release 1173 or higher must be installed.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration changes).

Connect the MDS (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and power them up.
Use the arrow keys and select #2 MDS DIAGNOSTICS on the DRB III MAIN MENU Screen.
Use the arrow keys and select DIAGNOSTIC MENU on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
Use the arrow keys and select VEHICLE CONTROLLER PROGRAMMING on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
Use the arrow keys and select PROGRAMMING OF ALL OTHER CONTROLLERS USING MDS & DRB III on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
Follow the steps presented on the MDS and DRB III which will allow the DRB III to obtain the current part number of the PCM.
The MDS will display the part number of the PCM on the vehicle and the appropriate replacement part number, then press NEXT MENU to begin programming.
If the PCM on the vehicle has already been updated or programmed, a NO UPDATES AVAILABLE message will be displayed. Check the part number of the PCM on the vehicle and compare it to the part number displayed. If the PCM has already been updated, then another condition exists that will require further diagnosis and repair.
NOTE: The MDS and DRB III will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the programming process.

IMPORTANT: The following steps are required by law.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" p/n 04669020 (Fig 1 ). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI Label (Fig 2 ).

Fig 1: Authorized Software Update Label

Fig 2: Authorized Modification Label

WARRANTY INFORMATION

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

LABOR OPERATION NO: 08-19-40-98 - PCM, Reprogram

TIME ALLOWANCE: 0.5 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module