1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM warning light

HEATER AND A/C PERFORMANCE TESTS
HEATER OUTPUT TEST
PRE-DIAGNOSTIC PREPARATIONS
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings before
performing the following procedures. Check the radiator coolant level, drive belt tension,
and engine vacuum line connections. Also check ra-
diator air flow and radiator fan operation. Start en-
gine and allow to warm up to normal operating
temperature.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP
WHEN ENGINE IS HOT, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
If vehicle has been run recently, wait 15 minutes
before removing cap. Place a rag over the cap and
turn it to the first safety stop. Allow pressure to es-
cape through the overflow tube. When the system
stabilizes, remove the cap completely.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT: TEST AND ACTION
Engine coolant is provided to the heater system by
two 16 mm (5/8 inch inside diameter) heater hoses.
With engine idling at normal running temperature,
set the control to maximum heat, floor, and high
blower setting. Using a test thermometer, check the
air temperature coming from the floor outlets, refer
to Temperature Reference chart.
If the floor outlet air temperature is low, refer to
Group 7, Cooling System for coolant temperature
specifications. Both heater hoses should be HOT to
the touch. The coolant return hose should be slightly
cooler than the supply hose. If coolant return hose is
much cooler than the supply hose, locate and repair
engine coolant flow obstruction in heater system.
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS OR CAUSE OF OBSTRUCTED
COOLANT FLOW
(a) Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
(b) Improper heater hose routing. (c) Plugged heater hoses or supply and return
ports at cooling system connections, refer to Group
7, Cooling System. (d) Plugged heater core.
If proper coolant flow through heater system is ver-
ified and outlet air temperature is still low, a me-
chanical problem may exist.
POSSIBLE LOCATION OR CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT HEAT
(a) Obstructed cowl air intake.
(b) Obstructed heater system outlets.
(c) Blend-air door not functioning properly.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL If temperature cannot be adjusted with the TEMP
lever on the control panel, or TEMP lever is difficult
to move, the following could require service: (a) Blend-air door binding.
(b) Control cables miss-routed, pinched, kinked,
or disconnected. (c) Improper engine coolant temperature.A/C PERFORMANCE TEST
The air conditioning system is designed to remove
heat and humidity from the air entering the passen-
ger compartment. The evaporator, located in the
heater A/C unit behind the instrument panel, is
cooled to temperatures near the freezing point. As
warm damp air passes over the fins in the evapora-
tor, moisture in the air condenses to water, dehumid-
ifying the air. Condensation on the evaporator fins
reduces the evaporators ability to absorb heat. Dur-
ing periods of high heat and humidity an A/C system
will be less effective than during periods of high heat
and low humidity. With the instrument control set to
RECIRC, only air from the passenger compartment
passes through the evaporator. As the passenger
compartment air dehumidifies, A/C performance lev-
els rise.
PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings before
proceeding with this procedure. Air temperature in
test room and on vehicle must be 70ÉF (21ÉC) mini-
mum for this test. (1) Connect a tachometer and manifold gauge set.
(2) Set control to A/C, RECIRC, PANEL, or MAX
A/C, temperature lever on full cool and blower on
high. (3) Start engine and hold at 1000 rpm with A/C
clutch engaged. (4) Engine should be warmed up with doors and
windows closed.
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE CHART
24 - 6 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä

REFRIGERANT SERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Adding Partial Refrigerant Charge ............ 10
Charging Refrigerant SystemÐEmpty System . . . 11
Discharging Refrigerant System .............. 11
Evacuating Refrigerant System .............. 11
Manifold Gauge Set Connections ............. 9 Oil Level
............................... 12
R-12 Refrigerant Equipment ................. 8
Refrigerant Recycling ...................... 9
Sight Glass Refrigerant Level Inspection ........ 8
Testing for Refrigerant Leaks ............... 10
SIGHT GLASS REFRIGERANT LEVEL INSPECTION
The filter-drier is equipped with a sight glass (Fig.
1) that is used as a refrigerant level indicator only.
This sight glass is not to be used for A/C perfor-
mance testing. To check the refrigerant level re-
move the vehicle jack. Then clean the sight glass,
start and warm up engine, and hold rpm slightly
above idle (1100 rpm). Place the air conditioning con-
trol on A/C, RECIRC and high blower. The work
area should be at least 21ÉC (70ÉF). If a Fixed Dis-
placement type compressor does not engage, the re-
frigerant level is probably too low for the Low
Pressure Cut-Off switch to detect. Or, with a Vari-
able Displacement compressor, for the Differential
Pressure Cut-off to detect. If compressor clutch does
not engage, test the refrigerant system for leaks. If
compressor clutch engages, allow approximately one
minute for refrigerant to stabilize. View refrigerant
through sight glass. The suction line should be cold
to the touch and the sight glass should be clear.
If foam or bubbles are visible in sight glass, the re- frigerant level is probably low. Occasional foam or
bubbles are normal when the work area temperature
is above 43ÉC (110ÉF) or below 21ÉC (70ÉF). If suction
line is cold and occasional bubbles are visible in the
sight glass, block the condenser air flow. This will in-
crease the compressor discharge pressure. Do not al-
low engine to over heat. Bubbles should dissipate.
If not, the refrigerant level is low.
CAUTION: Do not allow engine to over heat while
blocking the condenser air flow.
WARNING: R-12 REFRIGERANT IS DETRIMENTAL
TO THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN RELEASED TO THE
ATMOSPHERE. DO NOT ADD R-12 REFRIGERANT
TO A SYSTEM THAT HAS A KNOWN LEAK.
The refrigerant system will not be low on (R-12)
unless there is a leak. Find and repair the leak be-
fore charging.
R-12 REFRIGERANT EQUIPMENT
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION MUST BE USED
WHEN SERVICING AN AIR CONDITIONING REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM. TURN OFF (ROTATE CLOCKWISE)
ALL VALVES ON THE EQUIPMENT BEING USED
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS OPERATION.
PERSONNEL INJURY CAN RESULT.
When servicing an air conditioning system, an A/C
charging station is recommended (Fig. 2). An (R-12)
refrigerant recovery/recycling device (Fig. 3) should
also be used. This device should meet SAE standards.
Contact an automotive service equipment supplier
for refrigerant recycling/recovering equipment. Refer
to the operating instructions provided with the
equipment for proper operation. A manifold gauge set (Fig. 4) must also be used in
conjunction with the charging and/or recovery/recy-
cling device. The service hoses on the gauge set be-
ing used should have manual (turn wheel) or
automatic back flow valves at the service port con-
nector ends. This will prevent refrigerant from being
release into the atmosphere.
Fig. 1 Filter Drier and Sight Glass
24 - 8 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä

FIXED DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORÐMODEL SD709P INDEX
page page
Compressor ............................. 38
Compressor Clutch/Coil Assembly ............ 38
Compressor Shaft Seal .................... 41 Cylinder Head/Valve Plate
.................. 44
Description ............................. 38
Refrigerant System Diagnosis ............... 45
DESCRIPTION
The Sanden compressor is a 7 piston design. Sys-
tem lubrication is provided by 135 ml 615 ml (4.6 oz.
6 0.5 oz.) of 500 viscosity refrigerant oil.
The clutch used on the compressor consists of 3 ba-
sic components:
² The pulley
² Front plate
² Field coil
The pulley and field coil are attached to the front
head of the compressor with tapered snap rings. The
hub is keyed to the compressor shaft and is retained
on the shaft with a self-locking nut. Special service
tools are required to remove and install the clutch
plate on the compressor shaft.
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 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.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(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 removal procedure.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL ASSEMBLY
The magnetic clutch consists of a stationary elec-
tro-magnetic coil and a rotating pulley and plate as-
sembly. The electromagnetic coil is retained on the com-
pressor with a snap ring and is dimpled to maintain
its position. The pulley and plate assembly are mounted on the
compressor shaft. When the compressor is not in operation, the pul-
ley free wheels on the clutch hub bearing. When the
coil is energized the plate is magnetically engaged
with the pulley and turns the compressor shaft.
REMOVAL
(1) Insert the 2 pins of the front plate spanner into
any 2 threaded holes of the clutch front plate (Fig.
1). Hold clutch plate stationary. Remove hex nut
with 19 mm (3/4 inch) socket.
(2) Remove clutch front plate using puller. Align
puller center bolt to compressor shaft (Fig. 2). Thumb
tighten the puller bolts into the threaded holes. (3) Turn center bolt clockwise with 19 mm (3/4
inch) socket until front plate is loosened. (4) Remove shaft key by lightly tapping it loose
with a slot screwdriver and hammer (Fig. 3). (5) Remove the external front housing snap ring
by using spread type snap ring pliers (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1 Hex Nut Removal
24 - 38 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä

INSTALLATION
(1) Remove and replace the aluminum gasket on
the evaporator sealing plate. (2) Carefully hold the expansion valve to the evap-
orator sealing plate (do not scratch sealing surface).
Install two attaching screws and tighten to 11 63
N Im (100 630 inch lbs.).
(3) Remove and replace the aluminum gasket (Fig.
15) on the refrigerant line-sealing plate assembly. (4) Carefully hold the refrigerant line-sealing plate
assembly to the expansion valve, install bolt and
tighten to 23 63N Im (200 630 inch lbs.).
(5) Connect wires to low pressure cut-off switch.
(6) Evacuate and recharge system.
(7) After expansion valve is installed, system is
charged, and leaks have been checked, repeat A/C
performance check.
FILTER-DRIER ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST
BE COMPLETELY EMPTY BEFORE PROCEEDING
WITH THIS OPERATION.
(1) Remove the two high pressure lines from the
sides of the filter-drier assembly (Fig. 1). Then care-
fully separate the lines from filter-drier. Discard old
gaskets. (2) Cover the open ends of the A/C lines to mini-
mize system contamination. (3) Remove two mounting strap bolts and lift the
filter-drier from vehicle. If replacing the filter-drier
assembly, transfer the mounting strap to replace-
ment part. To install, replace both refrigerant line to filter-
drier gaskets, and reverse the preceding operation. Evacuate and recharge system.
CONDENSER ASSEMBLY
The A/C condenser is mounted to the radiator with
bolts (upper) and mounting pads (lower).
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST BE
COMPLETELY REMOVED BEFORE PROCEEDING
WITH THIS OPERATION. REFER TO DISCHARGING
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM IN THIS GROUP.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
(1) Using a refrigerant recovery machine, remove
the refrigerant from the A/C system. (2) Remove the refrigerant line mounting nut (Fig.
2) and separate the refrigerant lines from condenser
sealing plate. (3) Cover the open ends of the A/C lines and con-
denser to minimize system contamination. (4) Remove the coolant overflow bottle, electric cool-
ing fans and radiator assembly. Also remove the turbo-
charger inter-cooler if equipped. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System. On some models, complete removal of the ra-
diator, or coolant drainage is not necessary. The
radiator may be moved slightly rearward to re-
move the condenser. (5) Remove the two bolts securing the condenser
assembly to the radiator. (6) Slip the condenser from the lower radiator
mounting brackets. (7) Remove condenser.
To install, replace all O-rings and gaskets and coat
sealing surfaces with approved refrigerant oil. Then
reverse the preceding operation. When installing a
Fig. 27 Expansion Valve
Fig. 1 Filter-DrierÐTypical
Ä HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 57

AA BODY PROCEDURE
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH A/C, THE REFRIG-
ERATION SYSTEM MUST BE COMPLETELY EMPTY
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS OPERATION. Refer to Group 8E and Group 23 for component re-
moval and installation when performing this opera-
tion. (1) Perform steps 1 through 7 of Blower Motor re-
moval and installation. (2) Remove relay panel above glove compartment
opening. (3) Disconnect the A/C vacuum line connector and
radio noise capacitor connectors. (4) Remove left windshield pillar trim cover.
(5) Remove left lower side cowl trim cover.
(6) Remove hood release handle mechanism attach-
ing screws. (7) Remove steering column trim covers.
(8) Disconnect parking brake release mechanism
connecting rod. Gain access through fuse panel open-
ing. (9) Remove lower left instrument panel silencer.
(10) Remove lower left instrument panel reinforce-
ment. (11) Remove instrument panel center (radio) bezel.
(12) Remove forward floor console.
(13) Remove the radio.
(14) Remove the heater-A/C control.
(15) Remove cigar lighter.
(16) Remove message center/trip computer, if
equipped. (17) Disconnect side window demister tubes from
top of heat A/C unit. (18) Remove steering column upper attaching bolts
and allow the steering wheel to rest on the driver
seat cushion. (19) Remove upper instrument panel (defroster
outlet) cover. (20) Remove upper instrument panel attaching
screws from below the windshield opening. (21) Loosen (do not remove) the left lower cowl in-
strument panel attaching screw. (22) Remove the right lower cowl instrument panel
attaching screw.
CAUTION: Protect the passenger seat cover from
soiling or damage using a suitable cover.
(23) Carefully pull the right side of the instrument
panel away from the vehicle. Allow the instrument
panel to rest on the passenger seat cushion.
CAUTION: Before proceeding with the next opera-
tion, review the Safety Precautions and Warnings at
the front of this Group. (24) From the engine compartment, drain the cool-
ing system and disconnect the heater hoses from the
heater core nipples. Plug the nipples to avoid spilling
coolant inside the vehicle. (25) Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the ex-
pansion-valve at the dash panel on the right side of
the vehicle. Seal the refrigerant lines to prevent con-
tamination. (26) Remove the expansion valve from the evapo-
rator plate. Seal the valve to avoid contamination. (27) Remove the condensate drain tube.
(28) Remove heater-A/C unit to dash panel attach-
ing nuts. (29) From inside the vehicle, pull rearward on the
heater-A/C unit to clear the dash panel silencer and
remove the unit from the vehicle. To install, reverse the preceding operation. Refill
cooling system and test for leaks. Evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system and test overall perfor-
mance.
AG, AJ BODY PROCEDURE
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH A/C, THE REFRIG-
ERATION SYSTEM MUST BE COMPLETELY EMPTY
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS OPERATION.
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Drain the coolant from cooling system. Refer to
Group 7, Cooling System. (3) Remove the air conditioner expansion valve (if
equipped). (4) Disconnect the heater hoses from heater core.
Then plug or cap the tubes on heater core. This will
prevent spilling coolant into the interior of vehicle
during unit removal. (5) Remove the condensate drain tube.
(6) Disconnect the A/C-heater vacuum supply line
from vacuum supply nipple (in the engine compart-
ment). (7) Remove the four A/C-heater assembly-to-dash
panel attaching nuts. (8) Remove the passenger side front seat. Refer to
Group 23, Body. (9) Remove the kick panel/sill cover at right door
opening. (10) Remove the body computer (Fig. 6) located at
the lower right section of the right front door pillar. (11) Remove the glove box assembly. Refer to
Group 8E, Instrument Panel. (12) Remove the carpeted panels from both sides of
the console. (13) Un-clip the radio antenna cable from the
metal support (Fig. 6) located behind and below the
glove box opening. (14) Instrument panel removal is not necessary to
remove the A/C-heater assembly from the vehicle.
24 - 62 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä

These systems do not allow EGR at idle. The 2.2L/
2.5L EGR systems operate at all temperatures. The
3.0L, 3.3L and 3.8L EGR systems do not operate
when coolant temperature is below 4.5ÉC (40É)F at
start-up. These systems activate when coolant tem-
perature reaches 77ÉC (170ÉF).
EGR SYSTEM ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
The powertrain control module (PCM) performs an
on-board diagnostic check of the EGR system on all
California vehicles with EGR systems. The diagnos-
tic system uses the Electric EGR Transducer (EET)
for the system tests. The diagnostic check activates only during selected
engine/driving conditions. When the conditions are
met, the PCM energizes the transducer solenoid to
disable the EGR. The PCM checks for a change in the oxygen sensor signal. If the air-fuel mixture goes
lean, the PCM will attempt to enrichen the mixture.
The PCM registers a fault if the EGR system has
failed or degraded. After registering a fault, the PCM
turns on the malfunction indicator lamp (instrument
panel Check Engine light). The malfunction indicator
lamp indicates the need for immediate service.
If a problem is indicated by the malfunction indicator
lamp and a diagnostic trouble code for the EGR system,
check for proper operation of the EGR system. Use the
System Test, EGR Gas Flow Test and EGR Diagnosis
Chart. If the EGR system tests properly, check the sys-
tem using the DRBII scan tool. Refer to On-Board Di-
agnosis in the General Diagnosis sections of Group 14.
Also, refer to the DRBII scan tool and the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostics Procedure manual.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM
TEST
WARNING: APPLY PARKING BRAKE AND/OR
BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING EGR SYS-
TEM TEST.
A failed or malfunctioning EGR system can cause
engine spark knock, sags or hesitation, rough idle,
and/or engine stalling. To ensure proper operation of
the EGR system, all passages and moving parts must
be free of deposits that could cause plugging or stick-
ing. Ensure system hoses do not leak. Replace leak-
ing components. Inspect hose connections between the throttle body,
intake manifold, EGR solenoid and transducer, and
EGR valve. Replace hardened, cracked, or melted
hoses. Repair or replace faulty connectors.
Check the EGR control system and EGR valve with
the engine fully warmed up and running (engine cool-
ant temperature over 150ÉF). With the transmission in
neutral and the throttle closed, allow the engine to idle
for 70 seconds. Abruptly accelerate the engine to ap-
proximately 2000 rpm, but not over 3000 rpm. The EGR
valve stem should move when accelerating the engine
(the relative position of the groove on the EGR valve
stem should change). Repeat the test several times to
confirm movement. If the EGR valve stem moves, the
control system is operating normally. If the control sys-
tem is not operating normally, refer to the EGR Diag-
nosis Chart to determine the cause.
EGR GAS FLOW TEST
The following procedure should be used to determine
if exhaust gas is flowing through the EGR system.
Connect a hand vacuum pump to the EGR valve
vacuum motor. With engine running at idle speed,
slowly apply vacuum. Engine speed should begin to
drop when applied vacuum reaches 2.0 to 3.5 inches.
Fig. 14 EGR MountingÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines
Fig. 15 Electric EGR Transducer (EET) Assembly
Ä EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 21