NOTE: If the heater core was emptied and was not
prefilled, it is necessary to thermal cycle the vehicle
TWICE. The heater core is positioned higher than
the radiator fill cap. Therefore the heater core will
not gravity fill to level. To thermal cycle the vehicle,
it must be operated till the thermostat opens, then
turned off and allowed to cool. In order to verify
that the auxiliary unit is filled completely, the follow-
ing procedure can be used:
²Vehicle at room temperature.
²Engine is brought up to operating temperature.
²Front unit is OFF, temperature slides are at full
HEAT position.
²Engine is at idle.
²With rear blower motor ON HIGH
²Discharge air temperature, measured at the
dual register located on the C-pillar base, is between
57ÉC to 62ÉC (135É and 145É F).
REAR HEATER LINES
REMOVAL
NOTE: Review Safety Precautions and Warnings
before proceeding with this operation.
(1) Partially drain engine cooling system. Refer to
Group 7, Engine Cooling.
(2) Loosen clamp at the front end of the hose
located at the right, outboard side of the underbody,
rearward of the front crossmember. (Fig. 2)
(3) Carefully rotate hose back and forth while tug-
ging slightly away from connector nipple. If the hose
will not come off, slice the hose at the connector nip-
ple and peel off heater hose. This method will require
heater hose replacement.
CAUTION: When removing hoses from outlet nip-
ples, do not use excessive force. Outlet nipples
may become damaged and leak engine coolant.
(4) Compress insert in rear heater hose quick con-
nection and pull downward on hose. (Fig. 4)(5) Remove (3) straps securing underbody lines.
(Fig. 1)
(6) Separate and remove rear heater lines from
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove A/C unit.
(2) Place unit on bench.
(3) Remove heater core.
(4) Remove blower scroll.
(5) Remove evaporator cover.
(6) Remove A/C line to expansion valve mounting
nut.
(7) Carefully pull evaporator out of housing.
(8) Remove mode door actuator and gear exten-
sion.
(9) Remove Heater-A/C housing clips and screws.
(10) Separate housing halves.
(11) Remove mode door.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove A/C unit.
(2) Place unit on bench.
(3) Remove mode door actuator connector.
(4) Remove mode door actuator mounting screws
and remove actuator.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
NSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 49
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION........................ 1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS.... 2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER............ 2
A/C SERVICE PORTS.................... 2
AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS............... 2
COMPRESSOR......................... 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................ 3
SIDE DOOR HEATER A/C OUTLETS........ 4
SIDE WINDOW DEMISTER............... 4
SYSTEM AIRFLOW..................... 4
SYSTEM OIL LEVEL..................... 4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C PERFORMANCE TEST............... 11
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER........... 11
ACTUATOR CALIBRATION/DIAGNOSTICS AND
COOLDOWN TEST..................... 5
BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY . 12
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH/COIL............ 12
COMPRESSOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS........ 12
EXPANSION VALVE.................... 14
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST........... 14
HVAC CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC CONDITIONS . 9
SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST........... 15SERVICE PROCEDURES
CHARGING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM....... 17
EVACUATING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM..... 17
R-134a REFRIGERANT.................. 16
STICKING HVAC CONTROL MODULE PUSH
BUTTONS.......................... 18
SYSTEM LEAK CHECKING............... 19
THERMOCOUPLE PROBE............... 18
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER........... 19
A/C SERVICE PORTS................... 19
BLEND-AIR DOOR ACTUATOR........... 20
BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY . 20
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK...... 21
BLOWER MOTOR WHEEL............... 22
COMPRESSOR (2.5L TURBO DIESEL)..... 22
CONDENSER ASSEMBLY................ 23
DISCHARGE LINE..................... 23
EVAPORATOR PROBE.................. 24
EXPANSION VALVE.................... 25
FILTER-DRIER ASSEMBLY............... 26
HEATER A/C UNIT HOUSING............. 26
HEATER CORE........................ 26
HEATER HOSES....................... 28
LIQUID LINE......................... 28
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR................ 29
RECIRC DOOR ACTUATOR.............. 30
SIDE WINDOW DEMISTER DUCTS........ 29
SUCTION LINE........................ 29
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
HEATER A/C UNIT RECONDITION......... 30
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The Heater, or Heater and Air Conditioning sys-
tems 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 Heater
A/C 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.
NS/GSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1
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)
capacity of the system and consequently result in
higher discharge air temperatures.
NOTE: The oil used in the Denso 2.5L Turbo Diesel
and the Denso 2.0L gasoline engine compressors is
ND-8 PAG R134a refrigerant oil. Only refrigerant oil
of the same type should be used to service the sys-
tem. Do not use any other oil. The oil container
should be kept tightly capped until it is ready for
use. Tightly cap afterwards to prevent contamina-
tion from dirt and moisture. Refrigerant oil will
quickly absorb any moisture it comes in contact
with. 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 reli-
ability problem with the compressor.
It will not be necessary to check oil level in the
compressor or to add oil unless there has been an oil
loss. Oil loss at a leak point will be evident by the
presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
When an air conditioning system is first assem-
bled, all components (except the compressor) are
refrigerant oil free. After the system has been
charged with R134a refrigerant and operated, the oil
in the compressor is dispersed through the lines and
components. The evaporator, condenser, and filter-
drier will retain a significant amount of oil, refer to
the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart. When a compo-
nent is replaced, the specified amount of refrigerant
oil must be added. When the compressor is replaced,
the amount of oil that is retained in the rest of the
system must be drained from the replacement com-
pressor. When a line or component has ruptured and
oil has escaped, the compressor should be removed
and drained. The compressor is drained through the
suction port or by removing the sump bolt on top of
the compressor, refer to Compressor Removal and
Installation procedures. The filter-drier must be
replaced along with the ruptured part. The oil capac-
ity of the system, minus the amount of oil still in the
remaining components, can be measured and poured
into the suction port of the compressor.
Example: The evaporator retains 50 ml (1.7 oz.).
The condenser retains 30 ml (1 oz) of oil, and system
capacity may be 220 ml (7.40 oz) of oil.
220 ml minus 90 ml = 130 ml (4.40 oz.).
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 the Denso 2.5L Turbo Diesel and Denso 2.0L gas-
oline engine compressors is ND-8 PAG compressor
oil. For gasoline vehicles still using R-12 refrigerant,
use ND8 PAG compressor oil.
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 calibration.
ACTUATOR CALIBRATION
Mode, Blend and Zone (if equipped) door calibra-
tion compensates for mechanical variations in the
REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES
REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES
COMPONENT ML OZ
Compressor 135 ml 4.5 oz
Filter-Drier 30 ml 1.0 oz
Condenser 30 ml 1.0 oz
Evaporator 50 ml 1.7 oz
NS/GSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 5
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
²No charge
²Compressor not operating
Verify that the test was done with the evaporator
at room temperature. The test consists of starting
the compressor and measuring the time it takes for
the evaporator temperature to fall 7ÉC (20ÉF). If the
compressor has been running, the evaporator is cold
already and will not be capable of falling 7ÉC (20ÉF).
If the test was run with a cold evaporator, turn A/C
off and turn the blower motor switch to high position
for 3 to 5 minutes till the evaporator is to room tem-
perature. Then repeat the Calibration Diagnostic and
Cooldown test.
If refrigerant system is performing properly and
the system will not pass test. Repeat the Calibration
Diagnostic and Cooldown test to determine if the
evaporator temperature FIN sensor has developed an
open or a short circuit. If the HVAC control module
still passes Calibration test, verify Cooldown test
manually with a pocket thermometer. The outlet air
temperature must drop at least 7ÉC (20ÉF) within
two minutes. If the vehicle passes with the manual
thermometer, take HVAC control to level 4 (evapora-
tor probe temperature readout) and repeat the
Cooldown test. Ensure the evaporator is at room tem-
perature before starting test. Check if evaporator
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 chart (Fig. 7).
(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.
The following chart denotes voltages and the
appropriate condition(s):
NS/GSHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 11
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, clutch, or high operating
pressure. Verify compressor drive belt condition,
proper refrigerant charge and head pressure before
compressor repair is performed.
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.
Fig. 7 A/C PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURES
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
24 - 12 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGNS/GS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
(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
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) I
f 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 expan-
sion 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 Refrigerant on the expansion
valve for this test.Suction side low pressure should
drop by 10 psi. If not, replace expansion 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 chart.
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.
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE CHART
AMBIENT TEMP.MINIMUM FLOOR
OUTLET TEMP.
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
24 - 14 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGNS/GS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)