(3) Install bolts to hold ends of crossmember to
radiator closure panel (Fig. 75).
(4) Install bolts to hold radiator isolators to cross-
member.
(5) Install screw to hold coolant recovery bottle to
crossmember.
(6) Install bolt to hold air cleaner housing to cross-
member.
(7) Install engine air inlet resonator.
(8) Install radiator sight shield.
(9) Align hood latch by placing latch over netpierce
tabs. If alignment is required, flatten tabs.
(10) Install bolts to hold hood latch to crossmem-
ber.
(11) Verify hood latch operation and hood align-
ment.
RAIL LAMP MODULE
WITHOUT REAR HVAC
REMOVAL
(1) Pull coat hook open.
(2) Remove screw attaching rail lamp module to
roof rail.
(3) Remove rail lamp module from headlining (Fig.
76).
(4) Disconnect wire connector from body wiring
harness.
(5) Remove rail lamp module from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position rail lamp module in vehicle.
(2) Connect wire connector to body wiring harness.
(3) Position rail lamp module to headlining.
(4) Install screw attaching module to roof rail
inside coat hook.
WITH REAR HVAC
REMOVAL
(1) Pull coat hook open.
(2) Remove screw attaching rail lamp module to
roof rail inside coat hook (Fig. 77).
(3) Remove screws attaching rail lamp module to
roof rail from behind grab handle.
(4) Remove rail lamp module from headlining.
(5) Disconnect wire connector from body wiring
harness.
(6) Remove rail lamp module from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position rail lamp module to vehicle.
(2) Connect wire connector to body wiring harness.
(3) Position rail lamp module to headlining.
(4) Install screws to attach rail lamp module to
roof rail behind grab handle.
(5) Install screw to attach rail lamp module to roof
rail inside coat hook.
Fig. 75 Radiator Closure Panel CrossmemberFig. 76 Rail Lamp Module ± w/o Rear HVAC
Fig. 77 Rail Lamp Module ± w/Rear HVAC
23 - 54 BODYNS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
CONTENTS
page page
FRONT HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM............................... 1REAR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM.............................. 41
FRONT HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION......................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS...... 2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER.............. 2
A/C SERVICE PORTS..................... 2
AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS................. 2
COMPRESSOR HIGH-PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE................................ 3
CONDENSATE DRAIN..................... 3
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS . . 3
EVAPORATOR PROBE..................... 3
HANDLING TUBING AND FITTINGS........... 3
HVAC CONTROL MODULE................. 4
REAR BLOWER SPEED SWITCH............ 3
SIDE DOOR HEATER A/C OUTLETS.......... 4
SIDE WINDOW DEMISTER................. 4
SYSTEM AIRFLOW....................... 4
SYSTEM OIL LEVEL...................... 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C PERFORMANCE TEST................ 12
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER............. 12
ACTUATOR CALIBRATION/DIAGNOSTICS AND
COOLDOWN TEST...................... 6
BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY.... 13
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL.............. 13
COMPRESSOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS.......... 13
EXPANSION VALVE...................... 13
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST............ 15
HVAC CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC CONDITIONS . . . 9
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST............ 16SERVICE PROCEDURES
CHARGING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM........ 17
EVACUATING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM....... 18
R-134a REFRIGERANT................... 16
STICKING HVAC CONTROL MODULE PUSH
BUTTONS............................ 19
SYSTEM LEAK CHECKING................ 19
THERMOCOUPLE PROBE................. 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER............. 20
A/C SERVICE PORTS.................... 20
BLEND-AIR DOOR ACTUATOR............. 20
BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY.... 21
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK........ 21
BLOWER MOTOR WHEEL................. 22
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL.............. 23
COMPRESSOR......................... 23
CONDENSER ASSEMBLY................. 25
DISCHARGE LINE....................... 26
EVAPORATOR PROBE.................... 27
EXPANSION VALVE...................... 28
FILTER-DRIER ASSEMBLY................. 28
HEATER A/C UNIT HOUSING............... 29
HEATER CORE......................... 30
HEATER HOSES........................ 31
LIQUID LINE........................... 32
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR................. 32
RECIRC DOOR ACTUATOR................ 34
SIDE WINDOW DEMISTER DUCTS.......... 33
SUCTION LINE.......................... 33
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
HEATER A/C UNIT RECONDITION........... 34
NSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Both the heater and the heater/air conditioning
systems share many of the same components. This
group will deal with both systems together when
component function is common, and separately when
they are not.
For proper operation of the instrument panel con-
trols, refer to the Owner's Manual provided with the
vehicle.
All vehicles are equipped with a common A/C-
heater unit housing assembly. When the vehicle has
only a heater system, the evaporator and recirculat-
ing air door are omitted.
An optional zone control HVAC unit is available.
This unit has dual blend-air doors that can be regu-
lated independently of each other. The temperature
setting can be different from driver's side to passen-
ger side. There is also a rear (aux.) heating and A/C
system available when the vehicle is equipped with
zone control.
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 ORINHALED. 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 are
not 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 (Fig. 2). The High Side (Discharge)
valve service port is located on the liquid line near
the right frame rail. The Low Side (Suction) valve
service port is located on the suction line near the
compressor.
24 - 2 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGNS
The High Side service port is a two piece port and
is serviceable. The Low Side service port is not ser-
viceable, the suction line would have to be replaced.
REAR BLOWER SPEED SWITCH
The rear blower speed switch controls the rear
blower with the choice of low and high speeds. When
the switch is on it allows the blower speed switch
located on the rear headliner to control rear blower
speed. This switch will override the rear headliner
blower switch. For operation instructions refer to the
Owner's Manual. The rear blower speed switch is
serviced separately from the A/C control module. For
service procedures, refer to Group 8E, Instrument
Panel And Gauges.
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
Fig. 1 A/C Pressure Transducer
Fig. 2 Valve Service Ports
NSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
CAUTION: The refrigerant oil used in a R-134a A/C
system is unique. Use only oils which were
designed to work with R-134a refrigerant. The oil
designated for this vehicle is ND8 PAG (polyalka-
lene glycol).
SERVICING 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 capacity minus the capacity of
components that have not been replaced through suc-
tion port on compressor. Refer to the Refrigerant Oil
Capacity Chart.
(6) Install compressor, connect refrigerant lines,
evacuate, and charge refrigerant system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
ACTUATOR CALIBRATION/DIAGNOSTICS AND
COOLDOWN TEST
GENERAL INFORMATION
If the HVAC control module is replaced, the Cali-
bration Diagnostic and Cooldown tests will need to
be performed. Once this group of tests have success-
fully passed, they can be performed individually. The
engine must be running during the test to provide
hot coolant for the heater, A/C compressor operation
and to assure that the actuators are calibrated cor-
rectly. The HVAC control module is capable of trou-
bleshooting the system in approximately 120 seconds.
If a condition is detected, an error code is displayed.
The error code cannot be erased until the condition is
repaired and the diagnostic test is performed. Check
wire before replacing components, refer to Group 8W,
Wiring Diagrams.CAUTION: Do not remove the actuators from the
Heater-A/C unit assembly with power applied.
Removal should only be done with the Ignition OFF.
The actuators have no mechanical stops to limit the
travel. If the actuator rotates and is not connected
to the unit assembly, it will become out of calibra-
tion.
ACTUATOR CALIBRATION
Mode, Blend and Zone (if equipped) door calibra-
tion compensates for mechanical variations in the
actuators, HVAC control module and its linkages. In-
vehicle calibration can be entered from the control's
front panel. If the REAR WIPE and INTERMIT-
TENT LED's flash simultaneously when Ignition is
cycled ON, the actuators have not been calibrated or
during the previous calibration a failure occurred
(Fig. 6) and (Fig. 7). Diagnostics will always occur
during Calibration Diagnostic and Cooldown test.
REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES
Refrigerant
Oil Capaci-
tiesFront A/C Dual A/C
Component ml oz ml oz
Compressor 150 ml 5.0 oz 220 ml 7.4 oz
Filter-Drier 30 ml 1.0 oz 30 ml 1.0 oz
Condenser 30 ml 1.0 oz 30 ml 1.0 oz
Evaporator 60 ml 2.0 oz 60 ml 2 .0 oz
Rear Evap. N/A N/A 60 ml 2.0 oz
Fig. 6 Radio Bezel and HVAC Control
24 - 6 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
probe will drop the temperature 7ÉC (20ÉF) in two
minutes. If the Evaporator Probe is found to be
faulty, check that the sensor is positioned in the
evaporator fins properly. If not, correct and repeat
test. If OK, replace the evaporator probe.
Once the repairs are completed, repeat the Calibra-
tion Diagnostic and Cooldown test. Repeating the
test is necessary to clear the fault codes.
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, is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing point. As warm damp air passes over the
fins in the evaporator, moisture in the air condenses
to water, dehumidifying the air. Condensation on the
evaporator fins reduces the evaporators ability to
absorb heat. During periods of high heat and humid-
ity, an air conditioning system will be less effective.
With the instrument control set to RECIRC, only air
from the passenger compartment passes through the
evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehu-
midifies, A/C performance levels rise.
PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings in this
group before proceeding with this procedure. Air tem-
perature in test room and on vehicle must be 21É C
(70ÉF) minimum for this test.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Connect a tachometer and manifold gauge set.
(2) Set control to A/C, RECIRC, and PANEL, tem-
perature 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.
(5) Insert a thermometer in the left center A/C
outlet and operate the engine for five minutes. The
A/C clutch may cycle depending on ambient condi-
tions.
(6) With the A/C clutch engaged, compare the dis-
charge air temperature to the A/C Performance Tem-
peratures table.
(7) If the discharge air temperature fails to meet
the specifications in the performance temperature
chart. Refer to the Refrigerant Service Procedures for
further diagnosis.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
The work area temperature must not be below
10ÉC (50ÉF) to test the compressor clutch circuit.
Before starting to test the transducer ensure that the
wire connector is clean of corrosion and connected
properly.
(1) With gear selector in park or neutral and park
brake set, start engine and allow to idle.
(2) Install scan tool (DRB):
²Go to main menu
²Select stand alone scan tool (DRB)
²Select refer to the proper year diagnostics
²Select climate control
²Select sensor display
²Select A/C high side volts
For A/C system to operate a voltage between .451
(Low Pressure Cutout) to 4.519 (High Pressure Cut-
out is required. Voltages outside this range indicate a
low or high pressure condition andwill notallow
the compressor to cycle.
Refer to the A/C Pressure Transducer Voltage table
for the appropriate condition(s):
A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURES
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE 21ÉC
(70ÉF)26.5ÉC
(80ÉF)32ÉC
(90ÉF)37ÉC
(100ÉF)43ÉC
(110ÉF)
AIR TEMPERATURE AT LEFT
CENTER PANEL OUTLET1-8ÉC
(34-46ÉF)3-9ÉC
(37-49ÉF)4-10ÉC
(39-50ÉF)6-11ÉC
(43-52ÉF)7-18ÉC
(45-65ÉF)
COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE
PRESSURE AFTER THE FILTER
DRIER1034-1724
kPa
(150-250
PSI)1517-2275
kPa
(220-330
PSI)1999-2620
kPa
(290-380
PSI)2068-2965
kPa
(300-430
PSI)2275-3421
kPa
(330-496
PSI)
EVAPORATOR SUCTION
PRESSURE103-207 kPa
(15-30 PSI)117-221 kPa
(17-32 psi)138-241 kPa
(20-35 PSI)172-269 kPa
(25-39 PSI)207-345 kPa
(30-50 PSI)
24 - 12 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
The blower speed switch, in conjunction with the
resistor block, supplies the blower motor with varied
voltage.
CAUTION: Stay clear of the blower motor and resis-
tor block (Hot). Do not operate the blower motor
with the resistor block removed from the heater A/C
housing.
Refer to the Blower Motor Vibration/Noise chart in
this section for diagnosis.
COMPRESSOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Excessive noise while the A/C is being used, can be
caused by loose mounts, loose clutch, or high operat-
ing pressure. Verify compressor drive belt condition,
proper refrigerant charge and head pressure before
compressor repair is performed.
If the A/C drive belt slips at initial start-up, it does
not necessarily mean the compressor has failed.
With the close tolerances of a compressor it is pos-
sible to experience a temporary lockup. The longer
the A/C system is inactive, the more likely the condi-
tion to occur.
This condition is the result of normal refrigerant
movement within the A/C system caused by temper-
ature changes. The refrigerant movement may wash
the oil out of the compressor.
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL
The air conditioning compressor clutch electrical
circuit is controlled by the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule. It is located in the engine compartment outboard
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 pressure transducer located
on the liquid line. If voltage is not detected, refer to:
²Group 8W, Wiring diagrams.
²Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual for
diagnostic information.
If voltage is detected at the pressure transducer,
connect pressure transducer and check for battery
voltage between the compressor clutch connector ter-
minals.
If voltage is detected, perform A/C Clutch Coil
Tests.
TESTS
(1) Verify battery state of charge. (Test indicator in
battery should be green).
(2) Connect an ampmeter (0-10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(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 fuse.
(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.
(6) If coil current reads zero, the coil is open and
should be replaced. If the ammeter reading is 4
amperes or more, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced. If the coil voltage is not within two volts of
the battery voltage, test clutch coil feed circuit for
excessive voltage drop.
EXPANSION VALVE
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.
TESTS
NOTE: Expansion valve tests should be performed
after compressor tests.
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings in this
group. The work area and vehicle temperature must
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE CONDITION
0 TRANSDUCER FAULTY
OR NO VOLTAGE FROM
PCM
.150 TO .450 TRANSDUCER
GOOD/LOW PRESSURE
CUTOUT CONDITION
.451 TO 4.519 NORMAL OPERATING
CONDITION
4.520 TO 4.850 TRANSDUCER
GOOD/HIGH
PRESSURE CUTOUT
CONDITION
5 TRANSDUCER FAULTY
NSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
be 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 85ÉF). To test the expansion
valve:
NOTE: Liquid CO2 is required to test the expansion
valve. It is available from most welding supply facil-
ities. CO2 is also available from companies which
service and sell fire extinguishers.
(1) Connect a charging station or manifold gauge
set to the refrigerant system service ports. Verify the
refrigerant charge level.
(2) Close all doors, windows and vents to the pas-
senger compartment.
(3) Set heater A/C control to A/C, full heat,
FLOOR, and high blower.
(4) Start the engine and allow to idle (1000 rpm).
After the engine has reached running temperature,
allow the passenger compartment to heat up. This
will create the need for maximum refrigerant flow
into the evaporator.
(5) 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 psig). 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 CO2 PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
(6) If suction side low pressure is within specified
range, freeze the expansion valve control head for 30
seconds. Use a super cold substance (liquid CO2).Do
not spray R-134a or R-12 Refrigerant on the
expansion valve for this test.Suction side low
pressure should drop by 10 psi. If not, replace expan-
sion valve.
(7) Allow expansion valve to thaw. The low pres-
sure gauge reading should stabilize at 140 kPa to
240 kPa (20 psi to 30 psig). If not, replace expansion
valve.
(8) When expansion valve test is complete, test
A/C overall performance. Remove all test equipment
before returning vehicle to use.
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST
PRE-DIAGNOSTIC PREPARATIONS
Review Safety Precautions and Warnings in this
group before performing the following procedures.
Check the coolant level, drive belt tension, vacuum
line connections, radiator air flow and fan operation.
Start engine and allow to warm up to normal tem-
perature.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
escape 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 Table.
If the floor outlet air temperature is insufficient,
refer to Group 7, Cooling Systems for specifications.
Both heater hoses should be HOT to the touch (cool-
ant 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 cool-
ant flow obstruction in heater system.
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 REFERENCE TABLE
AMBIENT
TEMPERATUREMINIMUM FLOOR
OUTLET TEMPERATURE
CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT
15.5É 60É 62.2É 144É
21.1É 70É 63.8É 147É
26.6É 80É 65.5É 150É
32.2É 90É 67.2É 153É
NSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 15
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)