WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS BEFORE CHARGING THE REFRIGER-
ANT SYSTEM.
After the system has been tested for leaks and
evacuated, a refrigerant charge can be injected into
the system. (1) Connect manifold gauge set.
(2) Measure refrigerant (refer to capacities) and
heat to 52ÉC (125ÉF) with the charging station. Refer
to the instructions provided with the equipment be-
ing used.
REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES:
² Without Rear A/C = 907 g (32 oz.)
² With Rear A/C = 1219 g (43 oz.)
(3) Open the suction and discharge valves. Open
the charge valve to allow the heated refrigerant to
flow into the system. When the transfer of refriger-
ant has stopped, close the suction and discharge
valve. (4) If all of the refrigerant charge did not transfer
from the dispensing device, start engine and hold at
idle (1400 rpm). Set the A/C control to A/C, low
blower speed, and open windows. If the A/C compres-
sor does not engage, test the compressor clutch con-
trol circuit and correct any failure. Refer to Group
8W, Wiring Diagrams. (5) Open the suction valve to allow the remaining
refrigerant to transfer to the system.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO OPEN THE DIS-
CHARGE (HIGH-PRESSURE) VALVE AT THIS TIME.
(6) Close all valves and test the A/C system perfor-
mance. Refer to Heater and A/C Performance Tests
in this Group. (7) Disconnect the charging station or manifold
gauge set. Install the service port caps.
OIL LEVEL
It is important to have the correct amount of oil in
the A/C system to ensure proper lubrication of the
compressor. Too little oil will result in damage to the
compressor. Too much oil will reduce the cooling ca-
pacity of the system. The oil used in the compressor is a 500 SUS viscos-
ity, wax-free refrigerant oil. Only refrigerant oil of
the same type should be used to service the system.
Do not use any other oil. The oil container should be
kept tightly capped until it is ready for use, and then
tightly capped after use to prevent contamination
from dirt and moisture. Refrigerant oil will quickly
absorb any moisture it comes in contact with. It will not be necessary to check oil level in the
compressor or to add oil unless there has been an oil
loss. This may be due to a ruptured line, shaft seal leakage, leakage from the evaporator, condenser
leak, filter drier or loss of refrigerant due to a colli-
sion. Oil loss at a the leak point will be evident by
the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
When an A/C system is assembled at the factory,
all components (except the compressor) are refriger-
ant oil free. After the system has been charged with
R-12 and operated, the oil in the compressor is dis-
persed through the lines and components. The evap-
orator, condenser, and filter-drier will retain a
significant amount of oil. (Refer to the Refrigerant
Oil Capacities chart). When a component is replaced,
the specified amount of refrigerant oil must be
added. When the compressor is replaced, the amount
of oil that is retained in the rest of the system must
be drained from the replacement compressor. When a
refrigerant line or component has ruptured and it
has released an unknown amount of oil. The A/C
compressor should be removed and drained through
the suction port. The filter-drier must be replaced
along with the ruptured part. Then the oil capacity
of the system (minus the amount of oil still in the re-
maining components) can be poured into the suction
port of the compressor. Example: The evaporator retains 60 ml (2 oz). The
condenser retains 30 ml (1 oz) of oil, and system ca-
pacity may be 214 ml (7.25 oz) of oil. 214 ml minus 90 ml = 124 ml (4.25 oz).
VERIFY REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL
(1) Using a refrigerant recovery machine, remove
refrigerant from the A/C system. (2) Remove refrigerant lines from A/C compressor.
(3) Remove compressor from vehicle.
(4) From suction port on top of compressor, drain
refrigerant oil from compressor. (5) Add system oil capacity minus the capacity of
components that have not been replaced. Refer to the
Refrigerant Oil Capacity chart. Add oil through suc-
tion port on compressor. (6) Install compressor, connect refrigerant lines,
evacuate, and charge refrigerant system.
REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES
24 - 12 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä
VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORÐMODEL 6C17 INDEX
page page
Clutch Coil Tests ......................... 17
Compressor ............................. 17
Compressor Clutch Inoperative .............. 13
Compressor Clutch/Coil Assembly ............ 19
Compressor Diagnosis ..................... 13
Compressor Front Shaft Seal ............... 20 Compressor High Pressure Cut-Out Switch
..... 21
Compressor High Pressure Relief Valve (HPR) . . 22
Compressor Identification ................... 13
Compressor Main or Sub Control Valves ....... 22
Compressor Noise ........................ 13
General Information ....................... 13
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Variable Displacement Compressor (VDC) pro-
vides maximum A/C performance under most condi-
tions. It is designed to operate continuously without
any cycling of the compressor clutch. The compressor
has a variable angle wobble plate with six axially
oriented cylinders. During vehicle A/C system operation, the compres-
sor will change its displacement to match the vehi-
cles A/C cooling demands. When the A/C system
needs more cooling capacity, the compressor will in-
crease its pumping capacity. This is done by increas-
ing the wobble plate angle to increase the piston
stroke. When the A/C system cooling demand is low,
the compressor will decrease its pumping capacity by
reducing the piston pumping stroke. The low cooling
capacity will prevent evaporator from freezing.
COMPRESSOR IDENTIFICATION
The Variable Displacement Compressor can be
identified by the location of the high pressure line. It
is mounted to the end of the compressor case (Fig. 1).
COMPRESSOR DIAGNOSIS
(1) Verify that refrigerant system is at full charge.
Refer to the Refrigerant Service Procedures section
in this Group. (2) Perform A/C Performance Test. Refer to Heater
and A/C Performance Test section in this Group. (3) If performance is not acceptable, perform ex-
pansion valve tests. Refer to Expansion Valve Tests
in this section. (4) If expansion valve test is correct, refer to the
Variable Displacement Compressor Diagnosis charts.
COMPRESSOR NOISE
Excessive noise that occurs when the air condition-
ing is being used, can be caused by:
² Loose bolts
² Mounting brackets
² Loose clutch
² Excessive high refrigerant system operating pres-
sure Verify compressor drive belt condition, proper re-
frigerant charge and head pressure before compressor
repair is performed. For noise diagnostic procedures, refer to the Com-
pressor Noise and Compressor Clutch Diagnosis
chart in this section.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH INOPERATIVE
The air conditioning compressor clutch electrical
circuit is controlled by the engine controller. The
controller is located in the engine compartment out-
board of the battery. If the compressor clutch does not engage:
Verify refrigerant charge. Refer to Refrigerant Ser-
vice Procedures in this section. If the compressor clutch still does not engage:
Check for battery voltage at the differential pres-
sure cut-off switch located on the expansion valve. If
voltage is not detected, refer to: (1) Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 1 Variable Displacement CompressorÐModel 6C17
Ä HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 13
(2) The appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures Manual for diagnostic information. (3) The Compressor Clutch DiagnosisÐVariable
Displacement Compressor chart in this section. (4) On 2.2 L Turbo III engines, check for battery
voltage at the Thermal Limiter Switch located on the
compressor. If voltage is found at the cut-off and/or thermal
limiter switch, reconnect switch. Then check for bat-
tery voltage between the compressor clutch connector
terminals. If voltage is detected, perform A/C Clutch Coil
Tests. Refer to Clutch Coil Tests in this section.
CLUTCH COIL TESTS
(1) Verify battery state of charge. (Test indicator
in battery should be green). (2) Connect an ammeter (0-10 ampere scale) in se-
ries with the clutch coil terminal. Use a volt meter
(0-20 volt scale) with clip leads measuring voltage
across the battery and A/C clutch. (3) With A/C control in A/C mode and blower at
low speed, start the engine and run at normal idle. (4) The A/C clutch should engage immediately and
the clutch voltage should be within two volts of the
battery voltage. If the A/C clutch does not engage,
test the fusible link. (5) The A/C clutch coil is acceptable if the current
draw is 2.0 to 3.7 amperes at 11.5-12.5 volts at clutch
coil. This is with the work area temperature at 21ÉC
(70ÉF). If voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add electri-
cal loads by turning on electrical accessories until
voltage reads below 12.5 volts. If coil current reads zero, the coil is open and
should be replaced. If the ammeter reading is 4 am-
peres or more, the coil is shorted and should be re-
placed. If the coil voltage is not within two volts of
the battery voltage, test clutch coil feed circuit for
excessive voltage drop.
COMPRESSOR
The A/C compressor may be removed and posi-
tioned without discharging the refrigerant system.
Discharging is not necessary if removing the A/C
compressor clutch/coil assembly, engine, cylinder
head, or generator.
WARNING: REFRIGERANT PRESSURES REMAIN HIGH
EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE MAY BE TURNED OFF.
BEFORE REMOVING A FULLY CHARGED COMPRES-
SOR, REVIEW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS SECTION IN THIS GROUP. DO NOT TWIST
OR KINK THE REFRIGERANT LINES WHEN REMOV-
ING A FULLY CHARGED COMPRESSOR. SAFETY
GLASSES MUST BE WORN.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
(1) Disconnect NEGATIVE battery cable.
(2) Loosen and remove drive belts (Refer to Group
7, Cooling System) and disconnect compressor clutch
wire lead. (3) Remove refrigerant lines from compressor (if
necessary). (4) Remove compressor attaching nuts and bolts
(Fig. 2 or 3).
(5) Remove compressor. If refrigerant lines were
not removed, lift compressor/clutch assembly and tie
it to a suitable component. To install, reverse the preceding operation.
Fig. 2 A/C Compressor Removal and InstallationÐ3.3L Engines
Fig. 3 A/C Compressor Removal and InstallationÐ3.0 L Engine
Ä HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 17
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL ASSEMBLY
Compressor assembly must be removed from
mounting. Refrigerant removal is not necessary to
replace the clutch/coil assembly. Refer to Compressor
Removal and Installation. On 3.0 liter engine, remove the front lower splash
shield and front engine mount through-bolt. Allow
the engine to swing down to provide access to the
front of the compressor. On 3.3 liter engine, remove the coolant recovery
bottle to provide access the front of the compressor.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
(1) Remove clutch retaining center nut by using
Clutch Plate Holder (6355) (Fig. 4).
(2) Using a Clutch Plate Remover (6354), remove
the clutch front plate from the compressor (Fig. 5).
When installing the front plate, select the proper
shims to achieve .5 to .9 mm (.020 to .035 inch) air
gap to the pulley surface (Fig. 6). To install front
plate, align shaft key to groove in front plate hub.
Push on until it seats, and measure the air gap (Fig.
7). (3) Remove clutch pulley retaining snap ring (Fig.
7) and pull the pulley from the assembly (Fig. 8).
(4) Remove the clutch coil wire lead strap screw.
(5) Remove clutch coil retaining snap ring (Fig. 10)
and pull the coil from the assembly (Fig. 11). When
installing the clutch coil, align the pin on the front of
Fig. 4 Remove or Install Front Plate Retaining Nut
Fig. 5 Remove Front Plate
Fig. 6 Install Front Plate and Shims
Fig. 7 Measure Front Plate Air Gap
Fig. 8 Remove or Install Pulley Snap Ring
Ä HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 19
the compressor to the middle hole in the hub of the
coil. Position the pin in the snap ring gap.
To install, reverse the preceding operation.
COMPRESSOR FRONT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Using a refrigerant recovery machine, remove
the refrigerant from the A/C system. (2) Remove A/C compressor.
(3) Remove the compressor clutch assembly and
shaft key. (4) Remove the felt contaminant absorber and re-
tainer (Fig. 1).
(5) Using a mineral spirits based solvent, thor-
oughly clean and dry the seal end of the compressor. (6) Remove the snap ring shaft seal retainer (Fig.
2). Do not use the old snap ring to assemble.
(7) Using Seal Remover/Installer (6429), remove
the shaft seal (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the new shaft seal with refrigerant
oil. (2) Place Seal Protector (6231) over the end of com-
pressor shaft (Fig. 4). Use the larger flat end of the
remover/installer to push the seal in until it seats.
The snap ring groove should be visible above the seal
(Fig. 5). (3) Install clutch/coil assembly.
(4) Install compressor.
Fig. 9 Remove or Install Pulley
Fig. 10 Remove or Install Clutch Coil Snap Ring
Fig. 11 Remove or Install Clutch Coil
Fig. 1 Felt Contaminant Absorber
Fig. 2 Shaft Seal Snap Ring
24 - 20 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä
(5) Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system. If
oil loss of 3 ml (1 oz) or greater is suspected, refer to
Oil Level in the Refrigerant Service Procedures sec-
tion.
COMPRESSOR HIGH PRESSURE CUT-OUT SWITCH
The High Pressure Cut Out (HPCO) switch is lo-
cated on the rear cover of the Variable Displacement
Compressor (Fig. 6). The function of the switch is to disengage the compressor clutch by monitoring the
compressor discharge (high) pressure. The HPCO
Switch is in the same circuit as the Differential Pres-
sure Cut Out (DPCO) switch and Ambient Switch.
DIAGNOSIS
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings before
proceeding with this operation. Connect a suitable manifold gauge set to the refrig-
erant system service ports. Work area temperature
can not be below 21ÉC (70ÉF). (1) Raise hood of vehicle.
(2) With gear selector in park or neutral, and park
brake set, start engine and allow to idle at 1300 rpm. (3) Set the A/C controls to A/C and High blower.
(6) If the high pressure gauge reads below 2963
kPa (430 psi) 6138 kPa (20 psi) the compressor
clutch should be engaged.
CAUTION: Do not allow engine to overheat when ra-
diator air flow is blocked.
(7) Block radiator air flow with a suitable cover to
increase the high side pressure to at least 3100 kPa
(450 psi). Compressor clutch should disengage. (8) Remove cover from front of vehicle to allow
high side pressure to decrease. When pressure drops
below 1826 kPa (265 psi), compressor clutch should
engage.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
(1) Using a refrigerant recovery machine, remove
the refrigerant from the A/C system.
Fig. 3 Remove Shaft Seal
Fig. 4 Shaft Seal Protector
Fig. 5 Install Shaft Seal
Fig. 6 Variable Displacement CompressorÐModel 6C17
Ä HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 21
FIXED DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORÐMODEL 10PA17 INDEX
page page
Compressor ............................. 24
Compressor Clutch/Coil Assembly ............ 24
Compressor Front Shaft Seal ............... 27 Compressor High-Pressure Relief Valve
....... 30
Refrigerant System Diagnosis ............... 30
COMPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR NOISE
Excessive noise that occurs when the air condition-
ing is being used, can be caused by:
² Loose bolts
² Mounting brackets
² Loose clutch
² Excessive high refrigerant system operating pres-
sure Verify compressor drive belt condition, proper re-
frigerant charge and head pressure before compressor
repair is performed. For noise diagnostic procedures, refer to the Com-
pressor Noise and Compressor Clutch Diagnosis
chart in this section.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
The A/C compressor may be removed and posi-
tioned without discharging the refrigerant system.
Discharging is not necessary if removing the A/C
compressor clutch/coil assembly, engine, cylinder
head, or generator.
WARNING: REFRIGERANT PRESSURES REMAIN
HIGH EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE MAY BE
TURNED OFF. BEFORE REMOVING A FULLY
CHARGED COMPRESSOR, REVIEW THE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS SECTION IN THIS
GROUP. DO NOT TWIST OR KINK THE REFRIGER-
ANT LINES WHEN REMOVING A FULLY CHARGED
COMPRESSOR. SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE
WORN.
(1) Disconnect Negative battery cable.
(2) Loosen and remove drive belts (refer to Group
7, Cooling System) and disconnect compressor clutch
wire lead. (3) Remove refrigerant lines from compressor (if
necessary). (4) Remove compressor attaching nuts and bolts.
(5) Remove compressor. If refrigerant lines were
not removed, lift compressor/clutch assembly and tie
it to a suitable component. To install, reverse the preceding operation. If nec-
essary, refer to Charging Refrigerant System in the
Refrigerant Service Procedures section.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL ASSEMBLY
CLUTCH INOPERATIVE
The air conditioning compressor clutch electrical
circuit is controlled by the engine controller. The
controller is located in the engine compartment out-
board of the battery. If the compressor clutch does not engage:
Verify refrigerant charge.
If the compressor clutch still does not engage check
for battery voltage at the low pressure or differential
pressure cut-off switch located on the expansion
valve. If voltage is not detected, refer to:
² Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
² The appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures
Manual for diagnostic information. If voltage is detected at the cut-off switch, recon-
nect switch. Then check for battery voltage between
the compressor clutch connector terminals. If voltage is detected, perform A/C Clutch Coil
Tests.
CLUTCH COIL TESTS
(1) Verify battery state of charge. (Test indicator
in battery should be green). (2) Connect an ammeter (0-10 ampere scale) in se-
ries with the clutch coil terminal. Use a volt meter
(0-20 volt scale) with clip leads measuring voltage
across the battery and A/C clutch. (3) With A/C control in A/C mode and blower at
low speed, start the engine and run at normal idle. (4) The A/C clutch should engage immediately and
the clutch voltage should be within two volts of the
battery voltage. If the A/C clutch does not engage,
test the fusible link. (5) The A/C clutch coil is acceptable if the current
draw is 2.0 to 3.7 amperes at 11.5-12.5 volts at clutch
coil. This is with the work area temperature at 21ÉC
(70ÉF). If voltage is more than 12.5 volts, add electri-
cal loads by turning on electrical accessories until
voltage reads below 12.5 volts. If coil current reads zero, the coil is open and
should be replaced. If the ammeter reading is 4 am-
peres or more, the coil is shorted and should be re-
placed. If the coil voltage is not within two volts of
the battery voltage, test clutch coil feed circuit for
excessive voltage drop.
24 - 24 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä
REMOVAL
Compressor assembly must be removed from mount-
ing. Although, refrigerant removal is not necessary.
(1) Remove the compressor shaft bolt (Fig. 1). A
band type oil filter removal tool can be placed around
the clutch plate to aid in bolt removal.
(2) Tap the clutch plate with a plastic hammer and
remove clutch plate and shim (Fig. 2).
CAUTION: Do not use screwdrivers between the
clutch plate assembly and pulley to remove front
plate as this may damage the front plate assembly.
(3) Remove pulley retaining snap ring with Snap
Ring Pliers (C-4574), and slide pulley assembly off of
compressor (Fig. 3). (4) Remove coil wire clip screw and wire harness. (5) Remove snap ring retaining field coil onto com-
pressor housing (Fig. 4). Slide field coil off of com-
pressor housing.
(6) Examine frictional faces of the clutch pulley
and front plate for wear. The pulley and front plate
should be replaced if there is excessive wear or scor-
ing. If the friction surfaces are oily, inspect the shaft
nose area of the compressor for oil and remove the
felt from the front cover. If the compressor felt is sat-
urated with oil, the shaft seal is leaking and will
have to be replaced.
Fig. 1 Compressor Shaft Bolt and Clutch Plate
Fig. 2 Clutch Plate and Shim(s)
Fig. 3 Removing Pulley Snap Ring
Fig. 4 Clutch Coil Snap Ring
24 - 26 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä