What kind of freon does a 2007 Dodge Nitro take?
In brief, the 2007 Dodge Nitro uses R-134a refrigerant, with PAG oil specified for lubrication. The exact oil type and refrigerant capacity should be confirmed in the factory service manual or by a qualified technician.
Refrigerant type and lubrication requirements
Baseline guidance on refrigerant and oil is essential before servicing. The Nitro’s air conditioning system was designed around R-134a refrigerant and PAG-type lubricating oil. While PAG 46 is a common choice for many Mopar/R-134a systems, some compressors or retrofit configurations may require a different PAG grade (such as PAG 100). Always verify the exact oil specification and amount from the official service documentation or a trained automotive technician.
Before listing specifics, note the following:
- Refrigerant type: R-134a (not R-12 or R-1234yf for this model year).
- Lubricant: PAG oil (polyalkylene glycol). Common Mopar guidance points to PAG 46 for many 134a systems, but the exact grade can vary by compressor model; some situations may call for PAG 100. Do not substitute mineral oil or mix different oil types in an active system.
- System charge: The total refrigerant and oil charge are specified by the service manual and can vary by production date and equipment. Use the official specification for the Nitro’s exact capacity.
Conclusion: Always confirm the precise oil type and refrigerant charge with the Nitro’s service manual or a certified technician before servicing the system.
Charging and service steps
To guide a typical recharge or diagnostic, here is a general workflow. It is essential to use proper recovery, vacuum, and measuring equipment, and to follow the vehicle’s official specifications.
- Assess symptoms and verify that cooling is inadequate or there are leaks before opening the system.
- Leak-check the system using an appropriate detector or UV dye; repair any found leaks before recharging.
- Evacuate the system with a vacuum pump to remove moisture and air, typically for 30–60 minutes or until a deep vacuum is achieved, as recommended by the service manual.
- If you replaced the compressor or drained significant oil, add the specified PAG oil amount and type as per the service manual.
- Charge the system with R-134a refrigerant to the manufacturer’s specified weight (measured with a scale or a certified charging station). Avoid guessing the charge amount to prevent over- or under-charging.
- Run the AC with the engine at operating temperature and the climate control on high; monitor low- and high-side pressures and ensure a proper temperature drop across the evaporator. Look for any ongoing leaks or unusual noises.
- Finish with a final performance check and confirm the system stays within pressure specs over the next few drive cycles. If performance remains poor, consult a professional technician.
Conclusion: Proper R-134a recharge and lubrication depend on accurate oil type, correct refrigerant weight, and thorough leak testing. When in doubt, rely on a trained technician or the official Dodge service guidelines.
Summary
The 2007 Dodge Nitro uses R-134a refrigerant. The system relies on PAG oil for lubrication, with the exact PAG grade and oil quantity specified by the factory service manual for the particular compressor. When servicing, follow proper recovery, evacuation, precise refrigerant charging, and leak testing procedures as outlined by Mopar/Dodge service documentation or a qualified technician to ensure reliable cooling and compressor longevity.
