Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 777

The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant systems is a synthetic-based, Poly Alkylene Glycol (PAG), wax-
free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should never be 
introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system. 

There are different PAG oils available, and each contains a different additive package. Use only refrigerant oil 
of the same type as recommended to service the refrigerant system (always refer to the specification tag 
included with the replacement A/C compressor or the A/C Underhood Specification Label located in the engine 
compartment). 

The A/C compressors used in this vehicle are designed to use VC-46 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only this type of 
refrigerant oil when servicing the A/C compressor. 

OPERATION 

OIL-A/C REFRIGERANT 

After performing any refrigerant recovery or recycling operation, always replenish the refrigerant system with 
the same amount of the recommended refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant oil can cause A/C 
compressor damage, and too much can reduce A/C system performance. 

PAG refrigerant oil is more hygroscopic than mineral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes into contact 
with, even moisture in the air. The PAG oil container should always be kept tightly capped until it is ready to be 
used. After use, recap the oil container immediately to prevent moisture contamination. 

STANDARD PROCEDURE 

REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL 

When an A/C system is assembled at the factory, all components except the A/C compressor are refrigerant oil 
free. After the refrigerant system has been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor is 
dispersed throughout the refrigerant system. The A/C accumulator, A/C evaporator, A/C condenser and the A/C 
compressor will each retain a significant amount of the needed refrigerant oil. 

It is important to have the correct amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C system. This ensures proper lubrication of 
the A/C compressor. Too little oil will result in damage to the A/C compressor, while too much oil will reduce 
the cooling capacity of the A/C system and consequently result in higher discharge air temperatures. 

CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level when replacing an A/C 

compressor. See REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL. Failure to properly adjust the 
refrigerant oil level can prevent the A/C system from operating as 
designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.

CAUTION: The A/C compressors in this vehicle are designed to use VC-46 PAG 

refrigerant oil. Use only VC-46 PAG refrigerant oil or severe damage to the 
A/C system may occur. Always refer to the A/C Underhood Specification 
Label for correct oil designation. The oil container should be kept tightly 
capped until it is ready for use and then tightly capped after use to prevent 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

  

It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the A/C compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil 
loss. An oil loss may occur due to component replacement, or a rupture or leak from a refrigerant line, 
connector fitting, component or component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of the 
recommended refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system after the repair has been made. Refrigerant oil loss will be 
evident at the leak point by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak. 

Refrigerant oil must be added when an A/C condenser, A/C evaporator or A/C receiver/drier is replaced. See 
the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart. 

The refrigerant oil level in a new A/C compressor must first be adjusted prior to compressor installation. Refer 
to step COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE. 

REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES 

COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE 

The A/C compressor is filled with refrigerant oil from the factory. Use the following procedure to drain and 
measure refrigerant oil from the A/C compressor. 

1. Drain all of the refrigerant oil from the old A/C compressor into a clean measured container.  

2. Drain all of the refrigerant oil from the new A/C compressor into a clean measured container.  

3. Refill the new A/C compressor with the same amount of refrigerant oil that was drained out of the old 

compressor. Use only clean refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the 

contamination from dirt and moisture. Refrigerant oil will quickly absorb 
any moisture it comes in contact with, therefore, special effort must be 
used to keep all R-134a system components moisture-free. Moisture in the 
refrigerant oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem 
with the A/C compressor.

NOTE:

Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure the lubricant being removed 
during recovery. This amount of lubricant should be added back into the 
system. Refer to the reclaim/recycling equipment manufacturers instructions.

Component 

ml 

oz 

Total System Fill

150

5

A/C Condenser

30

1

A/C Evaporator

60

2

A/C Receiver/drier

30

1

A/C Compressor

Drain and measure the oil from the old compressor. Refer to 
COMPRESSOR OIL DRAIN PROCEDURE.

CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level when replacing an A/C 

compressor. Failure to properly drain and measure the refrigerant oil from 
the A/C compressor can prevent the A/C system from operating as 
designed and cause serious compressor damage.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

  

vehicle.  

4. Install the new A/C compressor onto the engine. See INSTALLATION.  

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C 

DESCRIPTION 

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C 

Fig. 198: A/C Receiver/Drier, Left Side A/C Condenser & Bolt 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The A/C receiver/drier (1) stores unnecessary refrigerant, filters the refrigerant, helps remove moisture from the 
refrigerant and retains any refrigerant vapor that may leave the A/C condenser (2) until it becomes a liquid. The 
A/C receiver/drier is installed on the high-side of the A/C system and is connected directly to the left end of the 
A/C condenser by a bolt (3). The A/C receiver/drier can be serviced separately from the A/C condenser. 

OPERATION 

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C 

The A/C receiver/drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from 
contaminating the A/C expansion valve. Refrigerant enters the A/C receiver/drier as a high-pressure, low 
temperature liquid. Desiccant inside the A/C receiver/drier absorbs any moisture which may have entered and 
become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of high demand operation of the A/C 
system, the A/C receiver/drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant. 

The A/C receiver/drier has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals, gaskets and the high side service 
port valve and cap. The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not 

NOTE:

Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime 
a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and 
metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro

  

affected by R-134a refrigerant. The O-ring seals and gaskets must be replaced whenever the A/C receiver/drier 
is removed. 

The A/C receiver/drier cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged, or if an internal failure 
of the A/C compressor has occurred. 

REMOVAL 

RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C 

Fig. 199: A/C Receiver/Drier, Left Side A/C Condenser & Bolt 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.  

2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. See REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY.  

3. Remove the grille. Refer to REMOVAL .  

4. Remove the air seal from the left side of the cooling module assembly.  

5. Reach through the opening at the bottom of the front fascia and remove the bolt (3) that secures the A/C 

receiver/drier (1) to the left side A/C condenser (2).  

6. Disconnect the A/C receiver/drier from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seals.  

7. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened receiver/drier fittings and the condenser ports.  

INSTALLATION 

WARNING:

Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before 
performing the following operation. See WARNING, and CAUTION. Failure 
to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal 
injury or death.

NOTE:

Illustration shown with A/C condenser removed from vehicle for clarity.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning - Service Information - Nitro