SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SER-
VICING THE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM. SERIOUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT
FROM EYE CONTACT WITH REFRIGERANT. IF EYE
CONTACT IS MADE, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC TYPE
LEAK DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT RELEASED
IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DISPLACE THE
OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF REFRIGERANT AT
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE IS
EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING THAT
COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT
WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT SKIN OR DELI-
CATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH
REFRIGERANT. R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR
VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRES-
SURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COM-
PRESSED AIR.
SOME MIXTURES OF AIR and R-134a HAVE BEEN
SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED
PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR
EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL BASE
COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR
INHALED. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDI-
ATELY IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. DO NOT
STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS.
WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER
COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.
DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE
ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: The engine cooling system is designed
to develop internal pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to
18 psi). Allow the vehicle to cool a minimum of 15
minutes before opening the cooling system. Refer
to Group 7, Cooling System.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
The air distribution ducts for the A/C, Heater,
Defroster, and Second Seating Air Distribution arenot serviceable in vehicle. The procedures for service
of these ducts are covered in Group 8E, Instrument
Panel and Gauges.
The only ducts that are serviceable in the vehicle
are the side window demister ducts and the ducts
that feed the front door outlets for the first rear pas-
senger(s) seating. To service the door ducts refer to
Group 23, Body.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
The A/C Pressure Transducer (Fig. 1) monitors the
refrigerant gas pressure on the high side of the sys-
tem. The transducer is located on the liquid line. The
pressure transducer turns off the voltage to the com-
pressor clutch coil when refrigerant gas pressure
drops to levels that could damage the compressor.
The transducer also is used to adjust condenser fan
speeds and will turn off compressor at high refriger-
ant pressures. The pressure transducer is a sealed
factory calibrated unit. It must be replaced if defec-
tive. O-ring replacement is required whenever the
pressure transducer is serviced. Be sure to use the
O-ring specified for the transducer.
A/C SERVICE PORTS
The A/C service port valve cores are located within
the A/C lines. The High Side (Discharge) valve ser-
vice port is located on the liquid line near the right
strut tower. The Low Side (Suction) valve service
port is located on the suction line near the compres-
sor.
The High Side service port is a two piece port and
is serviceable. The Low Side service port is not ser-
viceable, and the suction line would have to be
replaced.
COMPRESSOR
The A/C compressor for the 2.5L Turbo Diesel, is
located on the front side of the engine block. It is
mounted to the engine block by four bolts. The com-
Fig. 1 A/C Pressure Transducer
24 - 2 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGNS/GS
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
pressor is driven off the back of the power steering
pump. A rubber flex coupling transfers the power from
the power steering pump to the compressor clutch.
COMPRESSOR HIGH-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The High Pressure Relief Valve prevents damage
to the air conditioning system if excessive pressure
develops. Excessive pressure can be caused by con-
denser air flow blockage, refrigerant overcharge, or
air and moisture in the system.
The high pressure relief valve vents only a small
amount of refrigerant necessary to reduce system
pressure and then reseats itself. The majority of the
refrigerant is conserved in the system. The valve is
calibrated to vent at a pressure of 3450 to 4140 kPa
(500 to 600 psi). If a valve has vented a small
amount of refrigerant, it does not necessarily mean
the valve is defective.
The High Pressure Relief Valve is located on the
compressor manifold at the discharge passage.
NOTE: Special effort must be used to keep all
R-134a system components moisture-free. Moisture
in the oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a
reliability problem with the compressor.
CONDENSATE DRAIN
Condensation from the evaporator housing is
drained through the dash panel and on to the
ground. This drain must be kept open to prevent
water from collecting in the bottom of the housing.
If the drain is blocked condensate cannot drain,
causing water to back up and spill into the passenger
compartment. It is normal to see condensate drain-
age below the vehicle.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
To maintain ample temperature levels from the
heating-A/C system, the cooling system must be in
proper working order. Refer to Group 0, Lubrication
and Maintenance or Group 7, Cooling System of this
manual.
The use of a bug screen is not recommended. Any
obstructions forward of the condenser can reduce the
effectiveness of the air conditioning system.
EVAPORATOR PROBE
The Evaporator probe is located on the HVAC. The
probe prevents evaporator freeze-up by signaling the
Powertrain Control Module to cycle the compressor
ON and OFF. The probe monitors the temperature of
the refrigerant after expansion.
The evaporator probe is inserted into the evapora-
tor between the coils. The probe is a sealed unit and
cannot be adjusted or repaired. It must be replaced if
found defective.
HANDLING TUBING AND FITTINGS
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in
the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the
capacity of the entire system. High pressures are pro-
duced in the system when it is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure that all connec-
tions are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter
the system when it is opened for repair or replace-
ment of lines or components. The refrigerant oil will
absorb moisture readily out of the air. This moisture
will convert into acids within a closed system.
CAUTION: The system must be completely empty
before opening any fitting or connection in the
refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution
even after the system has been emptied. If any
pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened,
retighten fitting and evacuate the system again.
A good rule for the flexible hose lines is to keep
the radius of all bends at least 10 times the diame-
ter of the hose. Sharper bends will reduce the flow
of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be
routed so they are at least 3 inches (80 mm) from
the exhaust manifold. Inspect all flexible hose lines
to make sure they are in good condition and prop-
erly routed.
The use of correct wrenches when making con-
nections is very important. Improper wrenches or
improper use of wrenches can damage the fittings.
The internal parts of the A/C system will remain
stable as long as moisture-free refrigerant and
refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of dirt,
moisture or air can upset the chemical stability.
This may cause operational troubles or even seri-
ous damage if present in more than very small
quantities.
When opening a refrigeration system, have every-
thing you will need to repair the system ready. This
will minimize the amount of time the system must
be opened. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as
soon as they are opened. This will help prevent the
entrance of dirt and moisture. All new lines and
components should be capped or sealed until they
are ready to be used.
All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing
manifold, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses
should be kept clean and dry.
HVAC CONTROL MODULE
The HVAC control module regulates the operation
of the various actuator motors. The actuator motors
are used to move the mode, blend- air, and recirc.
doors (Fig. 2).
The control module is included in the A/C control
head located on the instrument panel. The control
head includes the blower speed switch, rear wiper
NS/GSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS OR CAUSE OF
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW
(1) Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
(2) Improper heater hose routing.
(3) Plugged heater hoses or supply and return
ports at cooling system connections, refer to Group 7,
Cooling System.
(4) Plugged heater core.
(5) Air locked heater core.
(6) If coolant flow is verified and outlet tempera-
ture is insufficient, a mechanical problem may exist.
POSSIBLE LOCATION OR CAUSE OF
INSUFFICIENT HEAT
(1) Obstructed cowl air intake.
(2) Obstructed heater system outlets.
(3) Blend-air door not functioning properly.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If temperature cannot be adjusted with the TEMP
lever on the control panel, the following could require
service:
(1) Blend-air door binding.
(2) Faulty blend-air door motor.
(3) Improper engine coolant temperature.
(4) Faulty Instrument Panel Control.
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST
The procedure below should be used to check
and/or fill the refrigerant charge in the air condition-
ing system.
NOTE: The amount of R134a refrigerant that the air
conditioning system holds is 0.96 kg (34 oz. or 2.13
lbs.).
NOTE: Low Charge, condition may be described
as:
²Loss of A/C performance
²Fog from A/C outlets
²evaporator may have a HISS sound
There are two different ways the system can be
tested:
²With a scan tool (DRB), thermocouple and the
Charge Determination Graph. Use the scan tool
(DRB) diagnostic topic: Engine±System Monitors, A/C
Pressure.
²Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and
the Charge Determination Graph.
It is recommended to use the gauges or reclaim/re-
cycle equipment.
WARNING: AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT
AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY
IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY
APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAEREQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF
ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VEN-
TILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C
SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR
LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. SOME
MIXTURES OF AIR/R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO
BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES.
THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGER-
OUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION
CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
(1) Establish your preferred method of measuring
liquid line pressure. Use a manifold gauge set or a
DRB scan tool.
(2) A
ttach a clamp-on thermocouple (Professional
Service Equipment 66-324-0014 or 80PK-1A) or equiv-
alent to the liquid line. It must be placed as close to
the A/C Pressure Transducer as possible to observe liq-
uid line temperature. Refer to ªThermocouple Probeº in
this section for more information on probe.
(3) The vehicle must be in the following modes:
²Transaxle in Park
²Engine Idling at 700 rpm
²A/C Controls Set to Outside Air
²Panel Mode
²Full Cool
²High Blower motor, (vehicle equipped with rear
A/C turn rear blower motor ON HIGH)
²A/C Button in the ON position
²Vehicle Windows Open.
²Recirc. button turned OFF
(4) Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow
the system to stabilize.
(5) Set system pressure to about 1793 kPa (260
psi) by placing a piece of cardboard over part of the
front side of the condenser. To place cardboard prop-
erly, remove the upper radiator-condenser cover.
Insert cardboard between condenser and radiator
front. This will maintain a constant pressure.
(6) Observe Liquid Line pressure and Liquid line
temperature. Using theCharge Determination
Chartdetermine where the system is currently oper-
ating. If the system is in the undercharged region,
ADD 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) to the system and recheck
readings. If the system is in the overcharged region,
RECLAIM 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) from the system and
recheck readings. Continue this process until the sys-
tem readings are in the proper charge area on the
Charge Determination Chart.
(7) The same procedure can be performed using
the scan tool (DRB). To determine liquid line pres-
sure, attach the scan tool, go to System Moni-
tors±A/C Pressure. Observe liquid line pressure from
A/C Pressure Transducer on digital display and digi-
tal thermometer. Refer toCharge Determination
Chartand determine where the system is operating.
NS/GSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)