MACS Service Reports - 2016 - OCT2

System Specification manual for 1996-2007 models, and it has
1.75 lb for a front unit and 1.90 lb. for all but 2000 model year,
which is 2.00 lb.
One concern about using any specs on any makes is whether
they still hold. If the car has the original condenser, okay. But if
there's an aftermarket condenser or even a factory replacement,
you might want to think first. Some high efficiency replacement
condensers may require 2-4 oz less, and some "universal fit" replacements may require an extra 2-4 oz. There may be no practical way to verify either issue, unless there's a special label on the
condenser itself (unlikely).
A standard "excuse" we've heard from the carmakers is that
the under-hood decal represents the spec for the specific vehicle,
whereas a spec in the on-line system may be out of date as a result of a component change or re-testing by engineering. Sorry,
but there are enough bulletins that list changes in specifications
according to VIN, and relying on the retention of a decal on a car
after more than a decade is poor policy. After all, a manufacturer
could provide the spec at least, and add "refer to under-hood
decal for vehicle-specific information."
As a general rule, we'd suggest you call the service department of the local FCA dealer (or other dealer, if another manufacturer) for the charge spec, as it may have received the information in a training bulletin (and there was no technical service
bulletin to cover this). Training materials are typically difficult if
at all possible to access from even the OE sites. ■

techauthority.com

ing an awful lot as it is. So management of the systems is
farmed out to outside companies, including SnapOn and Bosch
among others, which cuts the direct line of communication
between the manufacturer and its on-line service department,
making it even less likely that you'll get the information.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been among the most frequent
users of the "check the under-hood label" issue, particularly during the period when Chrysler was in precarious financial shape,
and every department was short-staffed. A recent complaint
concerned the 2005 Dodge Durango, for which the refrigerant
charge spec was still unlisted in the on-line service information.
But the 2006 information at www.techauthority.com says 1.875
lb. for a single unit, 2.50 lb. for a vehicle with a rear system. FIG.
2, 3
FCA's Al McAvoy pointed out that the Durango went on a
new platform in 2004 - the HB from the DN - and that's a clue
you can always use on Chrysler products, and where you get
the model designation, on other makes too.
Of course if you have a pre-2004 Durango in the shop and
the label is missing, the problem also exists, as no specifications
were published beyond a "check the label" for any Durango in
the DN series. The source we have is the MACS A/C & Cooling

Figure 2: 2006 Durango, a continuation of the HB platform series, has real
specifications for both front-only and front-and-rear A/C systems.

Figure 3: There are no specifications for refrigerant capacity in DN platform series, just a check the label notice.

"COMBI-COOLERS"

October 2016

Toyota

The term "combi-cooler" is pretty straightforward. It
means combination cooler assembly, generally at least
two heat exchangers stacked vertically (FIG 4) in the
front-end cooling module "sandwich" that's headed by
the A/C condenser in front and the radiator in back
serving as the two "slices of bread." Or the "combi" may
be a horizontal assembly - as was done on the 2003 Prius
- condenser integrated with the engine cooling system
radiator (FIG. 5) That particular vehicle had a separate
radiator for the motor electronics. The following model
year (2004), the Prius had a vertical stack for the two radiators (FIG. 6). And the condenser was changed to a
type of combi-cooler that's been around for a long time:
the condenser with a built-on sub-cooler either as the top
or the bottom section (FIG. 7).
However, we're seeing a number of front-end heat exchanger module variations on new cars and even more

Figure 4: Combination cooler: in this design two different function heat
exchangers - condenser on bottom section, transmission cooler at top.

MACS Service Reports

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MACS Service Reports - 2016