AIR CONDITIONING
3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM OPERATION
The air conditioning system provides the means of
supplying cooled and dehumidified, fresh or
recirculated air to the interior of the vehicle. The
cooling effect is obtained by blowing air through the
matrix of an evaporator unit and when required,
mixing that air with heated air by means of the heater
distribution and blend unit, to provide the conditions
required inside the vehicle. The volume of conditioned
air being supplied is controlled by a variable speed
blower.
A sealed system, charged with Refrigerant R134a,
together with a blower unit, blend unit and control
system combine to achieve the cooled air condition.
For air conditioning air distribution system.
See
HEATING AND VENTILATION, Description and
operation, Heating and ventilation unit
The air conditioning system comprises five major
units:
1.An engine-mounted compressor.
2.A condenser mounted in front of the radiator.
3.A receiver/drier unit located in front of the
condenser.
4.Thermostatic expansion valve mounted above
the evaporator.
5.An evaporator unit mounted in front of the heater
matrix.
NOTE: Vehicles fitted with rear air
conditioning have an additional
evaporator/blower motor assembly located
behind the LH rear compartment lower trim panel.
These units are interconnected by hoses and pipes
carrying Refrigerant R134a, the evaporator is linked
into the vehicle ventilation system.
Refrigeration cycle
1. Compressor
The compressor (1), belt driven from the crankshaft
pulley, pressurises and circulates the refrigerant
through the system. Mounted on the compressor, an
electro-mechanical clutch maintains the correct
temperature and pressure by engaging or disengaging
to support the system's requirements. The clutch
action is normally controlled by a thermostat located
at the evaporator (5). The compressor is of the
swashplate type having fixed displacement.Should the temperature at the evaporator (5) fall low
enough for ice to begin to form on the fins, the
thermostat disengages the clutch and also isolates the
cooling fans relays. When the temperature at the
evaporator (5) rises to the control temperature, the
clutch is re-engaged.
Should the system pressure become excessive or
drop sufficiently to cause damage to the compressor
(1) a dual pressure switch (7), located in the high
pressure line, signals the relay unit to disengage the
clutch. The compressor also has an emergency high
pressure relief valve (9) fitted.
The cooling fans are controlled by engine temperature
when the air conditioning is not switched on.
2. Condenser
From the compressor, hot high pressure vaporised
refrigerant (F1) passes to the condenser (2), which is
mounted in front of the engine coolant radiator. Ram
air(A1) passing through the condenser (2),
supplemented by 2 cooling fans (8) mounted in front
of the condenser, cools the refrigerant vapour
sufficiently to form a high pressure slightly subcooled
liquid (F2).
3. Receiver/drier
This liquid then passes to a receiver/drier (3) which
fulfils two functions. It acts as a reservoir and moisture
extractor (11).
A sight glass (10), in the high pressure line, provides a
method of determining the state of the refrigerant
without breaking into the system.
4. Expansion valve
From the receiver/drier (3) the moisture free high
pressure liquid refrigerant (F3) passes through a
thermostatic expansion valve (4). A severe pressure
drop occurs across the valve and as the refrigerant
enters the evaporator space at a temperature of
approximately -5°C it boils and vaporises.
82AIR CONDITIONING
4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 5. Evaporator
As this change of state occurs, a large amount of
latent heat is absorbed. The evaporator is therefore
cooled and as a result heat is extracted from the air
flowing across the evaporator. The air flow is
controlled by the ventilation fan which can be
operated at anyone of four speeds.
To prevent liquid passing through to the compressor,
a capillary tube (6), attached to the outlet pipe of the
evaporator (5) and connected to the thermostatic
expansion valve (4), controls the amount that the
valve opens and closes in relation to the temperature
of the low pressure high temperature refrigerant
vapour (F4) at the outlet. The atomised refrigerant
then passes through the evaporator (5). Fan blown air
(A2) passes through the matrix (A3) of the evaporator
and is cooled by absorption due to the low
temperature refrigerant passing through the
evaporator.
A thermostat is fitted in the airflow out of the
evaporator to sense the temperature of the exterior
fins. Should ice begin to form, due to a too cold
condition, it will signal to disengage the
electro-mechanical clutch on the compressor (1).
From the evaporator, low pressure slightly
superheated refrigerant (F5) passes to the
compressor to complete the cycle.AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM
The air conditioning control system comprises relays,
thermostat, pressure switches, and a control panel.
Inputs from outside the air conditioning system
comprise temperature information from the engine
cooling system. Together these controls, in
conjunction with the cooling fans, compressor clutch,
blower and heater distribution and blend unit enable
minimal input to maintain the required environment
inside the vehicle.
When air conditioning is not selected, air is supplied
by ram effect or blower to the areas selected by the
controls. The air mix flap on the blend unit controls the
temperature of the air being supplied. No cooled air is
available.
Selecting air conditioning provides the added facility of
cooled air available to be mixed as before. When
required a fully cold condition can be selected by
turning the temperature controls to cold, which
automatically closes the heated coolant access to the
heater matrix. Mixtures of cooled, fresh, and hot air
can be selected to give required interior environmental
conditions by selection at the control panel.
Dual pressure switch
This switch, located in the high pressure line between
the receiver drier and the expansion valve, monitors
refrigerant pressure and by means of the relay module
controls the following system functions:
1.Refrigerant pressure drops below 2.0 bar, 29
lbf/in
2(due to possible leakage), the
compressor's electro-mechanical clutch is
dis-engaged.
When pressure rises above 2.0 bar, 29 lbf/in
2the
compressor's clutch is re-engaged.
2.Refrigerant pressure rises above 32 bar, 455
lbf/in
2(due to possible blockage), even with
cooling fan operation, the compressor's
electro-mechanical clutch is dis-engaged.
When the pressure drops below 26 bar, 375
lbf/in
2the compressor clutch is re-engaged.
AIR CONDITIONING
5
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Condenser cooling fans
The condenser cooling fans operate automatically
whenever the air conditioning system is switched on.
Fan timer unit
The thermostatically controlled timer will continue to
operate the cooling fans after the air conditioning or
ignition is switched off. When the system temperature
is excessive, the fans will operate for 10 minutes to
reduce condenser and underbonnet temperature.
Blower control
The blower can be operated at any one of four speeds
by sliding the blower switch to the required position.
When the blower is switched off the air conditioning
system will not operate.
The fresh air/recirculation flaps can move between
two positions. One position covers the outside air
inlet, leaving open an inlet from the inside of the
vehicle clear, when recirculated air is required. In the
other position they will cover the inlet from the inside
of the vehicle leaving open the outside air inlet when
fresh air is required.Heater distribution and blend unit control
Blower unit air flow, having passed through the
evaporator passes into the heater blend unit to be
heated, if required. It is then directed into the vehicle
interior in accordance with the flap positions
designated by the air distribution control. Heater flaps
control the amount of air flowing through the heater
matrix. These flaps are controlled individually by the
driver's and passenger's temperature controls.
When the temperature control is in the cold position, a
micro switch actuates a vacuum control to close the
coolant valve on the engine. As the temperature
control is moved away from cold, the coolant valve is
opened allowing heated engine coolant to flow
throught the heater matrix. The temperature of the
heated air flow into the vehicle interior is controlled by
the blend flaps.
The distribution control moves the flaps which control
the direction of the air flow into the interior of the
vehicle.
82AIR CONDITIONING
4
FAULT DIAGNOSISFAULT CAUSE REMEDY
E.
NOISY
EXPANSION
VALVE
(steady hissing)1. Low refrigerant charge; evident by
bubbles in sight glass.1. Leak test. Repair or replace
components as required.
F.1. Expansion valve not operating 1. Refer to C-2, C-3, D-1
INSUFFICIENTproperly. and E.
COOLING2. Low refrigerant charge-evident 2. Refer to B-1 and E.
by bubbles in sight glass.
3. Compressor not pumping. 3. Refer to B-2 and B-3
G.1. Belt tension. 1. Adjust belt tension.
COMPRESSOR2. Excessive head pressure. 2. Refer to A-1 through
BELTA-4 and C-6.
SLIPPING3. Incorrect alignment of pulleys 3. Repair as needed.
or worn belt not riding properly.
4. Nicked or broken pulley. 4. Replace as needed.
5. Seized compressor. 5. Replace compressor.
1. Loose or missing mounting bolts. 1. Repair as necessary.
2. Broken mounting bracket. 2. Replace bracket.
3. Loose flywheel or clutch 3. Repair as necessary.
retaining bolt.
H.4. Rough idler pulley bearing. 4. Replace bearing.
ENGINE5. Bent, loose, or improperly 5. Repair as necessary.
NOISEmounted engine drive pulley.
AND/OR6. Defective compressor bearing. 6. Replace bearing.
VIBRATION7. Insecure mountings of 7. Repair as necessary.
accessories; generator, power
steering, air filter, etc.
8. Excessive head pressure. 8. Refer to A-1, A-2, A-3
A-4 and C-6.
9. Incorrect compressor oil level. 9. Refer to compressor Oil
Level Check.
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING - CIRCUIT
DIAGRAMS
1.For details of heating and air conditioning
electrics
See Electrical Trouble Shooting
Manual.
82AIR CONDITIONING
4
ADJUSTMENT Evacuation and recharging
1.Add refrigerant oil to compressor if necessary.
2.Renew the receiver/drier.
CAUTION: When a major repair has been
carried out, a leak test should be carried
out using inert gas.
3.Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and
low pressure servicing connections.
CAUTION: Whenever the refrigerant
system is opened, the receiver/drier must
be renewed immediately before evacuating
and recharging the system.
4.Operate the refrigerant evacuation system
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE: If the vacuum reading is below
700mmHg after 15 minutes, suspect a leak
in the system. Partially recharge the
system and check for leaks using an electronic
leak tester. Check suction lines first, then run the
compressor for 5 minutes and then check the high
pressure lines.
CAUTION: The system must be evacuated
immediately before recharging
commences. Delay between evacuation
and recharging is not permitted.
5.Operate the refrigerant recharging system
according to the manufacturer's instructions:-
Refrigerant required to charge system:
Without rear air conditioning = 0.90kg (32 fl/oz)
With rear air conditioning = 1.15kg (40 fl/oz)
6.If the full charge has not been accepted by the
system, start the engine and run it at 1500
rev/min for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Switch on the air conditioning system, open the
car windows, set the temperature control to cold
and switch the blower to maximum speed.
7.Consult Refrigerant Station Manual for correct
procedure to complete the charge.
8.Carry out the air conditioning system
performance test.LEAK TEST SYSTEM
The following instructions refer to an electronic type
Refrigerant Leak Detector for use with R134a, which
are the safest and most sensitive.
CAUTION: When a major repair has been
carried out, a leak test should be carried
out using an inert gas (see below).
1.Place the vehicle in a well ventilated area but
free from draughts, as leakage from the system
could be dissipated without detection.
2.Follow the instructions issued by the
manufacturer of the particular leak detector
being used.
3.Commence searching for leaks by passing the
detector probe around all joints and components,
refrigerant gas is heavier than air.
4.Insert the probe into an air outlet of the
evaporator or into the evaporator drain tube.
Switch the air conditioning blower on and off at
intervals of ten seconds. Any leaking refrigerant
will be gathered in by the blower and detected.
5.Insert the probe between the magnetic clutch
and compressor to check the shaft seal for
leaks.
6.Check all service valve connections, valve plate,
head and base plate joints and back seal plate.
7.Check the condenser for leaks at the pipe
unions.
8.If any leaks are found, the system must be
discharged before rectification.
9.Rectify any leaks and recheck for leaks during
evacuation prior to charging.
Leak test using inert gas
Use Nitrogen or Helium gas.
1.Connect gas line to recharging station.
2.Pressurise system to 3 bar.
3.Carry out leak test as above.
AIR CONDITIONING
5
ADJUSTMENT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - PERFORMANCE
TEST
WARNING: R134a is hazardous, refer to
the GENERAL PRECAUTIONS given at the
beginning of this section.
Carry out this test with bonnet and doors or windows
open, air conditioning switched on, temperature
control set to cold and blower at maximum speed. Set
the air supply control to supply fresh air.
1.Close low pressure valve on refrigerant station.
2.Close high pressure valve on refrigerant station.
3.Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and
low pressure servicing connections.4.Insert dry bulb thermometer into cold air outlet
and position dry and wet bulb thermometer close
to outside air inlet.
Do not spill water from the wet thermometer
(psychrometer).
5.Start engine and run it at 1500 rev/min for 10
minutes with air conditioning switched on.
6.Check that sight glass is free of bubbles.
7.Read both pressure gauges and thermometers.
Check readings against table below with
humidity between 60% and 80%. If readings are
incorrect.
See Fault diagnosis, Refrigeration
System Faults.
8.Switch off air conditioning, stop engine,
disconnect test equipment.
Performance range
Intake temperature Outlet temperature Low pressure High pressure
20 - 24°C4-10°C 18 - 28 lbf/in
2213 - 299 lbf/in2
1.2 - 1.9 bar 14.7 - 20.6 bar
25 - 29°C9-19°C 27 - 37 lbf/in2256 - 341 lbf/in2
1.9 - 2.6 bar 17.6 - 23.5 bar
30 - 35°C20-27°C 33 - 47 lbf/in2299 - 384 lbf/in2
2.3 - 3.2 bar 20.6 - 26.5 bar
Table 1
Ambient Compound Gauge High Pressure
Temperature Readings Gauge Readings
ÊC°F bar lbf/in
2bar lbf/in2
16 60 1,03-1,4 15-20 6,9-10,3 100-150
26,7 80 1,4-1,72 20-25 9,6-13,1 140-190
38 100 1,72-2,1 25-30 12,4-15,5 180-225
43,5 110 2,1-2,4 30-35 14,8-17,2 215-250
82AIR CONDITIONING
6
ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM TEST
1.Place the vehicle in a ventilated, shaded area
free from excessive draught, with the doors and
windows open.
2.Check that the surface of the condenser is not
restricted with dirt, leaves, flies, etc. Do not
neglect to check the surface between the
condenser and the radiator. Clean as necessary.
3.Switch on the ignition and the air conditioner air
flow control. Check that the blower is operating
efficiently at low, medium and high speeds.
Switch off the blower and the ignition.
4.Check that the evaporator condensate drain
tubes are open and clear.
5.Check the tension of the compressor driving belt,
and adjust if necessary.
6.Inspect all connections for the presence of
refrigerant oil. If oil is evident, check for leaks,
and repair as necessary.
NOTE: The compressor oil is soluble in
Refrigerant R134a and is deposited when
the refrigerant evaporates from a leak.
7.Start the engine.
8.Set the temperature controls to cold and switch
the air conditioner blower control on and off
several times, checking that the magnetic clutch
on the compressor engages and releases each
time.9.With the temperature control at maximum
cooling and the blower control at high speed,
warm up the engine and fast idle at 1000
rev/min. Check the sight glass for bubbles or
foam. The sight glass should be generally clear
after five minutes running, occasional bubbles
being acceptable. Continuous bubbles may
appear in a serviceable system on a cool day, or
if there is insufficient air flow over the condenser
at a high ambient temperature.
10.Repeat at 1800 rev/min.
11.Gradually increase the engine speed to the high
range, and check the sight glass at intervals.
12.Check for frosting on the service valves.
13.Check the high pressure hoses and connections
by hand for varying temperature. Low
temperature indicates a restriction or blockage at
that point.
14.Switch off the air conditioning blower and stop
the engine.
15.If the air conditioning equipment is still not
satisfactory, carry out a pressure test as
previously described in this section.
COMPRESSOR DRIVE BELT
Service repair no - 82.10.01.
Tdi -
See ENGINE, Repair, Compressor drive belt
V8i and MpiSee ENGINE, Repair, Drive belt
AIR CONDITIONING
5
REPAIR COMPRESSOR
Service repair no - 82.10.20
Remove
1.Disconnect battery negative lead.
2.Recover refrigerant from air conditioning system.
See Adjustment, Refrigerant Recovery
Recycling Recharging
3.Remove screws retaining centre panel to fan
cowl
4.Remove centre panel.
V8i engine illustrated
5.Remove 2 bolts securing hose flanges to
compressor.
WARNING: Wear eye and hand protection
when disconnecting components
containing refrigerant. Plug all exposed
connections immediately.6.Disconnect high pressure hose from
compressor.
7.Disconnect low pressure hose from compressor.
8.Remove 'O' ring from each flange.
9.Disconnect electrical lead from compressor
clutch.
10.Release drive belt from compressor pulley.
See
ENGINE, Repair, Drive Belt
11.Remove 4 bolts securing compressor to
mounting bracket.
12.Remove compressor from mounting bracket.
Refit
13.New compressor to be fitted: Drain oil from new
compressor outlet port. Drain and measure oil
from old compressor. Measure new oil equal to
amount drained from old compressor, add 30 ml
extra to this amount and refill new compressor
through outlet port.
14.Locate compressor in mounting bracket, fit bolts.
Tighten to
25 Nm.
15.Connect electrical lead to compressor clutch.
16.Fit new 'O' rings to high and low pressure hose
flanges, lubricate with refrigerant oil.
17.Engage hose flanges, fit bolts. Tighten to
10
Nm.
18.Fit compressor drive belt.See ENGINE, Repair,
Drive Belt
19.Fit centre panel to fan cowl.
20.Evacuate and recharge air conditioning system.
See Adjustment, Refrigerant Recovery
Recycling Recharging
21.Perform a leak test on disturbed joints.
22.Carry out a functional check.