stabilize to the pressure recorded in step 7. If the
pressure does not stabilize, replace the expansion
valve.When expansion valve tests are complete, refer to
Heater and A/C Performance Tests and remove all test
equipment before returning vehicle to use.
SILVER EXPANSION VALVE TEST
Expansion valve tests should be performed af-
ter compressor tests. Liquid CO
2is required to test the expansion
valve. It is available from most welding supply
facilities. CO
2is also available from companies
which service and sell fire extinguishers. Review Safety Precautions and Warnings in the
General Information section of this Group. The work
area and vehicle must be 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 85ÉF)
when testing expansion valve. To test the expansion
valve: (1) Connect a charging station or manifold gauge set
to the refrigerant system service ports. (2) Verify the refrigerant charge level using the sight
glass method. (3) Disconnect wire connector at low pressure cut-off
switch (Fig. 25). Using a jumper wire, jump terminals
inside wire connector boot.
(4) Close all doors, windows and vents to the passen-
ger compartment. (5) Set heater-A/C control to A/C, full heat, FLOOR,
and high blower. (6) Start the engine and hold the idle speed (1000
rpm). After the engine has reached running tempera-
ture, allow the passenger compartment to heat up.
This will create the need for maximum refrigerant flow
into the evaporator. (7) If the refrigerant charge is sufficient, discharge
(high pressure) gauge should read 965 to 1655 kPa (140
to 240 psi). Suction (low pressure) gauge should read
140 kPa to 207 kpa (20 psi to 30 psi). If system cannot achieve proper pressure readings, replace the
expansion valve. If pressure is correct, proceed with
test.
WARNING: PROTECT SKIN AND EYES FROM CON-
TACTING CO
2PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
(8) If suction side low pressure is within specified
range, freeze the expansion valve control head (Fig. 26)
for 30 seconds. Use a super cold substance (liquid CO
2).
Do not spray R-12 Refrigerant on the expansion
valve for this test. Suction side low pressure should
drop to -50 kPa (-15 in. Hg) If not, replace expansion
valve.
(9) Allow expansion valve to thaw. The low pressure
gauge reading should stabilize at 140 kPa to 240 kPa
(20 psi to 30 psi). If not, replace expansion valve. When expansion valve test is complete, test A/C
overall performance. Refer to the Heater and A/C
Performance Test in this section. Remove all test
equipment before returning vehicle to use.
REMOVAL
WARNING: THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MUST BE
COMPLETELY EMPTY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH
THIS OPERATION.
(1) Remove the boot-type wire connector from the
pressure cut-off switch. (2) Remove the attaching bolt in center of refriger-
ant line-plumbing sealing plate (Fig. 27). (3) Carefully pull the refrigerant line-sealing plate
assembly from the expansion valve towards front of
vehicle. Do Not scratch the expansion valve sealing
surfaces with pilot tubes. (4) Cover the openings on A/C line-sealing plate
assembly to prevent contamination. (5) Remove two screws securing the expansion valve
to the evaporator sealing plate. (6) Carefully remove valve.
Fig. 25 Low Pressure Cut-Off Switch
Fig. 26 Expansion Valve
24 - 56 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Ä
