Replacing My A/C System 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan

[@dirtyharry5878]

9 years later your still helping us out. Thx brotha. Great Info, wish you'd replace rear a/c components. That's what I'm attempting also.

[@chriso1541]

Hello from UK, 2 years on this video was a great help when doing this job on my 1998 Chrysler Grand Voyager. Only significant difference for UK owners is that the expansion valve is at the left hand end of the engine on the bulkhead, you still need to remove the wiper assembly but no need to remove the alternator support, just move some of the air induction stuff. Another note for UK owners is that my Grand Voyager has the rear a/c unit, I never realised this until investigating why it has 2 condensers linked together at the front. This has implications for the regas, Kwik-Fit were very helpful in evacuating then regassing for me after the job but initially only put 0.96kg in, it needs 1.36kg. Got the bits from the US, Rock Auto.

[@chriso1541]

Captain Hindsight any upright wall-like partition in a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc. would an alternative description be firewall?

[@rzeppin]

Awesome video, thanks! I'll be doing this soon for my Wife Town and Country Limited. Since the wiper tray needs to come out, I'll do the spark plugs at the same time!

[@badbob666]

I did the same job and didn't take the crossbar or the radiator hose or aircleaner off it's easier to get the two lower bolts off from the bottom, and the compressor comes right out from between everything it's a little snug but easy enough.

[@pilotos]

Thanks!I have leak in the ac system of my 99 T&C i narrow it down to the suction line that goes to the expansion valve,I used a freon detector (sniffer). I changed the dryer and I bought the line,but after seeing the video i am going to order an expansion valve.

[@n3rdbear]

You don't have to do the same thing this dude has done. You can access the bottom bolt and side bolt under the engine bay. 1. Evacuate the refrigerant if it's still charged. You can check this by using a small screwdriver and pressing the little button in the middle of the high pressure port. 2. Use an impact wrench with a short 15mm socket for the side bolt closest to the spark plugs and a 13mm socket for the hose bolts connecting to the compressor. 3. As for the top bolt and bottom bolt, all you need is a socket wrench with a long handle and a 15mm socket. Just disconnect the closest spark plug wire to free up space then wiggle the compressor out and you're done. Don't wast time removing the air filter box and top radiator bracket.

[@InventPeace1]

You will be well off to still remove "partially" the plastic fairing on pass side on top of radiator so you much more easily reach the Drier bolts with long extension 10mm socket (really best to 1st remove the 2 lines going to drier since they are in the way of the drier bolts). Use compressed air right angle 3/8" drive to get the compressor bolts from underneath then comp out from under car. Replace Xpansion valve same time, also starter just 3 x 15mm bolts. inventpeacenotwar

[@howardacourt846]

Best A/C video on KZbin. Excellent work. Subscribed (without seeing any of your other videos yet).

[@MultiKatz123]

Awesome instructional Video!! Do you have a link or part number of the AC replacement/repair kit you used in this?

[@wdharvey1]

OH, wow....I have a '97 Grand Caravan theAC needs work on...This is going to be more than an all day job,huh? I have a friend who helps me out with this kind of work for "free"...If I'm replacing the compressor, do you think i need to replace the expansion unit as well? He's also helping me with a couple of other things (the power window in the drivers side is easy enough), but, are we getting ourselves into something in the back yard when we start on the AC?

[@sirreginaldthe4th]

Alright I got that part done, was able to pull that aluminum brick piece all the way off the bolt on the expansion valve. Then used a 1/4" hex #4 bit and also an allen wrench approximately the same size. Thanks.

[@905speedgta]

Angel, The part that has the Belt on it is the A/C compressor. if its smoking its most likely smoking from the belt trying to turn it and it not turning. the compressor sounds seized. this means you most likey have metal particals throughout your ac system. Many mechanics simply flush the system and put on a new ac compressor and call it a day. Its best to replace the Dryer when you open the system and replace any O-rings that you can. I replaced the ex-valve because it was old.took no chance

[@dariankintz2889]

Is there any chance you still have a link for the parts you used? I'm needing to do the exact thing on my 98 caravan. But I want to ensure I'm getting the right parts. I'm not a professional by any means.

[@905speedgta]

@@dariankintz2889 that’s ok, nobody has to be a professional, in fact, there are professionals out there that don’t know what they are doing. Your best bet in todays time 2024 is to look on amazon/ EBay. There are some places that will sell you a kit with literally EVERYTHING you need just like I did here. Keep in mind, and this goes for anyone reading this and everyone doing a job like this on an older car. 1) if you can get the a/c system to work, by the U.V “ ultraviolet dye” it’s a 5oz injection can that generally comes in a kit. The kit includes a UV flashlight, and yellow tinted sunglasses. Inject 2-3 shots of that dye into your AC system and use the AC for a day or so. Then, in the evening pop your hood and go and check for leaks. Run the light over your entire AC system and look for the glowing dye on the compressor, hoses etc. it’s best to do this to know where all of your leaks are coming from, this way, you can be sure that your repair was a good one, and you replaced everything to ensure you did a proper repair . Remember this, most A/C leaks come from the shearer valves on the high and mostly the low side. I can’t tell you how many cars Ive just replaced the fill port valves and it solved the problem .

[@98770]

don't worry about filling it up, there are many videos on how to fill it up. eg in California they charge a 10 dollar deposit on cans of refrigerant now. EPA does not ban R134A, only CFC-12 and its derivatives. Of course all refrigerant must be recovered.

[@rodrigog6229]

Hi 905speedgta, thanks for responding. Well i'm gonna check that blend door motor, i have seen it but i didn't think it could be anything wrong, thanks again man. Have a nice day.

[@InventPeace1]

Great vid, i looked at my xpansion valve and found the upper line (low press) is easy as its held down by a spacer bar with a slot in it for the line, but the bottom line (high press) doesn't seem to have such slot while it goes into the same spacer bar, AND the line has no flange as your vid shows ? So how is that to get the bottom (Hpress) line off ?

[@905speedgta]

Make sure your R-134a is fully evacuated before you take off any lines. It makes an oil spray mess if you haven’t found out already. Don’t forget to use a vacuum. You want a good vacuum on there for at least 45 mins especially if you have the rear A/C option. - To answer your question I have to see a picture or diagram. I still can’t believe I made this video 10 years ago already. You should be able to pull the low and high sides off with little wiggle. I have to look at pictures to refresh my memory. Is it just the EVAPORATOR you are replacing ? If so why? . I’m only asking to get a better idea what’s going on . - Z

[@rickeyduck]

What part of the AC unit requires you to remove the dash and heater core to get to to replace? Concerning Chrysler Town & Country 1999. How long to replace and the cost?

[@StilettoSniper]

The evaporator

[@normangraves4133]

I have a few problems here. I needed to See where /how to Get too the mounting bolt.. at now time did you say the car had to be jacked up to get to 2 of them. also the new compressor I said to add oil.....doesnt say how much or what type.. the bearings went out on the old one so I got this one, its winter, not planning on using the ac anytime soon but need the pulley in place for the stupid serpentine belt.

[@tstreeter1141]

Is the empty bud light bottle a required part?

[@mikey2cool]

have u ever had any issues with your car cutting off at inner sections or when ever u come to a complete stop and press the gas again

[@wallyworld84]

nice video my ac just crapped out on my way to work started smelling like burning rubber/ belt cant figure out if it was just a freak thing with my clutch not engaging. cause i let a lot of air/134a out and i think it engaging now but Im not sure because i cant remember if the outer plate like your old one on your van spun at the same time. i know if i pull the fuse and put it back in with the a/c on it moves about a 1/2 inch or so. if you have any thoughts please let me know plus more Q's

[@stephaniewebster6113]

I just got a 97 and no a/c . auto zone gave me compressor where can i get the rest of what i need for it?. Im a female and i know nothing about this. But excited.

[@atalia6159]

I have a Voyager 2000 ac cycle on and off it does not cold at idle but it does when running, it could be the ac compressor is going out.?

[@sirreginaldthe4th]

First reply was dumb, sorry. I see it's a size 4, but the length of the tool looks too long to even fit it in there. Is it safe to pull out the suction line out past that long bolt on the expansion valve? I'm worried it's going to strain the line.

[@mylobrown8019]

Would this be the same process for Dodge Grand caravan year 2000? Our Ac has been needing replacing for a couple years now.

[@mylobrown8019]

Well rather we've been missing a hose for a couple years now and don't know how to replace it.

[@joeyboync]

Great info to know for my 99 town and country, Thanks!!!

[@Mrsangelsweeney]

i am needing to replace the part that has the belt on it, i guess it is the pump and pully, when we hooked it uo it started smoking, but if we are only changing that part do we have to change all the other parts listed in this video such as the dryer and all other parts listed in this video, or can we just replace the big unit that the belt runs with?

[@sirreginaldthe4th]

I'm at that point now, I've taken off that outside bolt on that metal "brick" that the suction line sits on. But I'm not sure how you ever got those torx or whatever head bolt it is off. What type and size bit did you use? Thank you.

[@905speedgta]

glad to hear. Remember to replace all the O rings for each line or part you replace

[@Rhenjeezy_408]

is that the low side or the high side valve connected to the compressor? thanks

[@nytrini2005]

Hi...how can you disconnect the rear a/c, if you suspect it's leaking and you don't really need it?

[@905speedgta]

nytrini2005 The Rear AC has two lines running to it. You would have to bypass the lines by converting your caravan to a non rear a/c system. this could be done by ordering the bypass line for the caravans that came without rear heat and ac. its easy to do for the heat system. This is also a good question, let me look into this and get back to you

[@rhpham2]

Do you add the oil in when you install the compressor or when you add the freon?

[@torrischappell7339]

how did u get your engine bay so clean

[@bayareaking5331]

do you use the connection close to the compressor or the one near the fire wall?

[@MrShuzaam]

I will be doing this job. My ac clutch is seized. Not 100% sure the compressor is bad, but I got a good price on a new compressor and I think I'm just going to start new and replace the other parts like you did and evacuate and charge. My 2000 DGC 3.8 has the rear air, and a mechanic was telling me that it takes 1.5 lbs or so. I'll have to figure out what to do with the rear ac part - that is slowing me down. Post as many videos as you can on the T&C! I'm doing the valve cover gaskets and the deep valley gasket and plenum gasket and new plugs and wires like your other video and may do the ac at this time so I only have to take off the wiper assembly once. Post them so I can do the work on my van. Ha!

[@bodymanruss518]

I did the same replacements as this vid and sent to get the system charged....and shop told me that there was high head pressure and it prob due to a blockage in the system somewhere.....any ideas on what this could be?...the lights on the climate control are blinking......could the blockage or restriction be due to the exp valve being not synced or calibrated to the system?....any ideas???? Thanks in advance

[@trinifirst6702]

I have the same model. I think the evaporator may be the problem. You have a video on accessing it? Sears says it will cost $1000 to do because of how much of the dashboard needs to be removed. The car's worth about $1200 ;-)

[@905speedgta]

Yeah I just found that out too..I knew 134a was allowed to be charged...I dont think that was the issue.. I think it was the old equipment they were using..all I know is they wouldnt let me film the filling....doing this job inspired me to get a automotive ac service too kit going..i like working on a/c's

[@plmkdt528]

Do u have to replace an evaporator? If u do n how ? My 99 dodge show leak by hook up manifold gage . Been looking for leak w/dye about wk now n still not find yet . Any idea ? . Please let me know thanks.

[@plmkdt528]

I have 1999 dodge caravan sport engine 3.3 and this model has an evaporator behind firewall , right?.

[@905speedgta]

Rodrigo, Ive been Under my 98' Plenty of times ( manufactured 7/1997 ). Ive never seen a rear expansion Valve on these, But then again I never looked for it. Im most certain it doesnt have one. What It sounds like to me is the Rear blend door motor Isn't Responding to the A/C Request. and is most likey stuck in its last position. The blend door Motor, and entire rear Assembly is located behind the rear panel " where the 3rd row seats are" on the passengers side. Id start there first

[@rodrigog6229]

Great video man and the music is really cool too! I got a question, i have a 1997 dodge grand caravan even the same color as yours :) and the front air conditionig is working good and blowing cool air but the rear is blowing hot air, i been told that the rear expansion valve has to be changed. What i want to know is where is located i don't know and i have been checking online and i can't find it. Hope you can tell me, thank you so much.

[@905speedgta]

what year caravan?.

[@905speedgta]

yeah you can do the expansion valve by removing the wiper tray. its pretty easy just watch the video

[@rhyssmith8733]

Hey there. It's amazing bawdy sloppy !!

[@RichardRayBuyHerbalifeNow]

Very nice video Thanks !

[@905speedgta]

for filling?. for filling you use the connection closest to the compressor

[@samdroidva]

Could you have simply replaced the Compressor? Wouldn't that have fixed it?

[@905speedgta]

is this on a dodge caravan?

[@jaydondeuel3054]

Dude lol I’m surprised KZbin didn’t copyright strike the music f’in KZbin now day’s

[@sirreginaldthe4th]

Hey, thanks for the video. If anyone that's here has worked on these before, hopefully you can help me. I have a 99' Grand Voyager, and the compressor is good, but it has a clogged expansion valve and what looks like a leaking high pressure hose/suction line. This van has the rear A/C system, the hose is significantly longer and more complicated. Is it even possible to replace this line without taking half the van apart? Has anyone done this?

[@905speedgta]

good luck, it isnt as bad as it seems

[@aron3485]

I didn't know there are finger fuck holes on cars now? Great video!

[@905speedgta]

haha, thanks.. I was at my friends shop and thats what he had on... Not really my style of 90's music haha..and thanks man, some of my vids are long, but people can skip and find what they need.. I rather have too much info and steps then have too little u know?.

[@MrElrys]

thank you very much for this video

[@905speedgta]

sounds like a bad expension valve, or the shop dont know what they are doing and they are charging a system thats full of air..remember, whenever you open the AC system, you need to replace the dryer.. if your going this far to make your ac work, change out your expension valve your dryer and all O rings. take your time with the O rings, its makes a big difference..Have them Vacuume the system to check for leaks. the longer you have it on vacuum the more moisture comes out..let me know

[@wallyworld84]

On the other hand its a great song and i could hear u just fine so stop crying people

[@905speedgta]

The Compressor was seized. and was leaking from the compressor and a O ring. All parts replaced, Ac works just fine.

[@mrhighway]

great video thank

[@albertmincy8467]

budlight best choice!

[@asth8413]

Good video thank you

[@905speedgta]

asth84 no problem

[@momma960511909]

Cant hear anything would be great to hear the explanation of what you're doing as you go through the motions. Thanks for the video its much appreciated

[@905speedgta]

Jasmine Burdette Blame it on youtube. Their was background music playing, so they made me remove the parts where their was music and now allaudio is removed.

[@momma960511909]

Still helped. Thanks for the video and your time

[@palmerjames29]

But you said it held vacuum but was leaking and the compressor looked like it just needed a clutch

[@arome-md4vf]

Just let you know the sound is muted at least on the mobile version of youtube. Great video tho.

[@905speedgta]

arome5886 ill look into it thanks

[@905speedgta]

I know, I am sorry. I told them I was making a video but they didnt seem to care..im looking to make my videos better..Hope the video helped alittle

[@F3Holsters]

Good video... helped alot!

[@905speedgta]

thankyou. be sure to check out my other videos

[@905speedgta]

don forget to change the O-rings for the parts you open up

[@dannyc8338]

I liked seeing that beer at the start of the job,funny sometime,s when working on a car it make,s me want to drink!#%dam^*#@#%,I got it fix after that.

[@subarutime5089]

I wish Subaru made a van these things are freaking hard to work on this job takes me 20 mins on a outback

[@905speedgta]

When a A/C Compressor Seizes metal particals From the compressor Contaminate The A/C System. You Don't just replace the compressor and call it a day. anytime you open the a/c system your required to replace the Dryer. Any Lines associated with the removal of any ac component you sould replace the o-rings.TheExpansion Valve is a common problem for this car, so I replaced it. A/C system and lines get Flushed aswell to remove any Contamination. if you dont do this u will be doing a compressor again

[@ExtremeRecluse]

My town and country sprung a leak under the dash board. Probably the evap core. Not worth doing all of that work. It will be my winter vehicle.

[@905speedgta]

evrything is on the top side of the engine..left side that is. you can gain access to the dryers locaton by removing the top part of the radiator core support. theres two bolts on each side, and another set towards the engine. hope this is what you need. if not msg me again.

[@905speedgta]

yes. you have ti remove the dash

[@BeckyBlanton]

Sound???

[@905speedgta]

believe me i know. it wasnt my fault. I did this in my friends shop and his worker was having music blairing. and who am I to tell him to lower it...I was thinking of redoing this video

[@905speedgta]

According to the shop manager I wasnt allowed to for reasons I cant explain on here

[@trainmaster0217]

Couldn't hear much of what was being said because of the loud music.

[@trenchfoe]

The back ground music competes too heavily with your message. Can be tough to understand at times. Very distracting.

[@905speedgta]

add it when u add the refridgerant

[@639Beaver]

Background music coves audio instruction. Otherwise possibly best instructional video.

[@b4322558]

the music over playing ya so its hard to hear ya w u are talking about

[@BeckyBlanton]

GREAT Video, but almost useless with no sound.

[@worseto1]

I can't hear you!!!!!!

[@firefalcon100]

next time, don't have background music playing when trying to make a how to video. it makes it hard to hear you

[@njdog2u]

i watched the hole video just to see how you add the free on and you didn't show it! very disappointed

[@palmerjames29]

What the hell was even wrong with it to replace this stuff

[@irec4682]

Nice but youtube has once again showed me its to much for me lol

[@williamwood5716]

music hampers video

[@JorgePuga]

No sound at all

[@905speedgta]

Jorge L Puga Thank youtube. I just Undid what they did. it should work again

[@950330aa]

Appreciate the video bro but come on man why the crap music? Can't hear anything you are saying.

[@Aaron-tk7wh]

I believe that his friends shop, you can't tell your friends what do when you are on there property.

[@leighrichert2510]

FIX THE SOUND PLEASE

[@ryanrome8446]

he did.

[@905speedgta]

sorry. this is why i dont like to work in my friends shop

[@TheShufflinRobot]

show off

[@lucywalsh8207]

What's up. It's nice0 cub languid !!