SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS
For service valve locations, see SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS
(CARS) or SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS (TRUCKS & VANS) table.
SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS (CARS)
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Vehicle High Low
Chrysler Corp.
Avenger & Sebring Coupe .................... ( 1) ........... ( 2)
Concorde, Intrepid, LHS & 300M
2.7L ...................................... ( 3) ........... ( 4)
3.2L & 3.5L ............................... ( 5) ........... ( 6)
Breeze, Cirrus & Stratus ................... ( 7) ........... ( 4)
Neon ....................................... ( 7) ........... ( 4)
Sebring Convertible ........................ ( 7) ........... ( 4)
Ford Motor Co.
Continental ................................ ( 9) .......... ( 10)
Contour, Cougar & Mystique
2.0L Engine ............................... ( 7) .......... ( 11)
2.5L Engine ............................... ( 7) .......... ( 12)
Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Town Car ... ( 7) .......... ( 13)
Escort & Tracer ............................ ( 14) ......... ( 10)
Mustang .................................... ( 7) .......... ( 12)
Sable & Taurus ............................. ( 8) .......... ( 11)
General Motors
"C" Body ................................... ( 3) .......... ( 15)
"E" & "K" Bodies ........................... ( 3) .......... ( 15)
"F" Body ................................... ( 9) ........... ( 4)
"G" Body ................................... ( 3) .......... ( 15)
"H" Body ................................... ( 7) .......... ( 12)
"J" Body ................................... ( 7) .......... ( 12)
"M" Body ................................... ( 9) ........... ( 4)
"N" Body ................................... ( 9) ........... ( 4)
"S" Body ................................... ( 9) ........... ( 4)
"V" Body ................................... ( 9) ........... ( 4)
"W" Body ................................... ( 9) ........... ( 4)
"Y" Body ................................... ( 3) .......... ( 12)
"Z" Body ................................... ( 7) .......... ( 15)
( 1) - On high-side liquid line, between receiver-drier and evaporator.
( 2) - On low-side hose between evaporator and compressor.
( 3) - On high-side liquid line.
( 4) - On low-side suction line.
( 5) - On top of compressor manifold.
( 6) - On compressor manifold, closest to compressor clutch.
( 7) - On high-side line, between compressor and condenser.
( 8) - On extension of high-side line, between condenser and
evaporator.
( 9) - On high-side line (or extension), near condenser.
( 10 ) - On low-side line (or extension), near accumulator.
( 11 ) - On low-side line, between the evaporator and
accumulator/receiver-drier.
( 12 ) - On low-side line, between acumulator/receiver-dryer and
compressor.
( 13 ) - On acumulator/receiver-drier.
( 14 ) - On high-side line, near condenser.
( 15 ) - On low-side line, between orifice tube and evaporator.
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SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS (TRUCKS & VANS)
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Vehicle High Low
Chrysler Corp.
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager ......... (1) ........... ( 2)
Dakota ..................................... ( 3) ........... ( 4)
Durango .................................... ( 3) ........... ( 4)
Ram Pickup ................................. ( 3) ........... ( 5)
Ram Van/Wagon .............................. ( 6) ........... ( 7)
Ford Motor Co.
"E" Series ................................. ( 4) ........... ( 8)
Explorer, Mountaineer & Ranger ............. ( 6) ........... ( 9)
F150, F250LD, Expedition & Navigator ....... ( 6) ........... ( 9)
F250HD, F350 & Super Duty .................. ( 6) ........... ( 5)
Villager ................................... ( 10) .......... ( 5)
Windstar ................................... ( 11) .......... ( 9)
General Motors
"C" & "K" Series ........................... ( 4) ........... ( 9)
"G" Series ................................. ( 12) .......... ( 9)
"J" Series ................................. ( 9) .......... ( 13)
"L" & "M" Series ........................... ( 12) .......... ( 5)
"P" Series ................................. ( 14) ......... ( 15)
"S" & "T" Serie ............................ ( 16) .......... ( 9)
"U" Series ................................. ( 1) ........... ( 5)
Jeep
Cherokee ................................... ( 6) .......... ( 17)
Grand Cherokee ............................. ( 18) ......... ( 14)
Wrangler ................................... ( 4) .......... ( 14)
( 1) - On high-side line, near right frame rail. See Fig. 7.
( 2) - On low-side line, near compressor. See Fig. 7.
( 3) - On high-side line, between condenser and evaporator, near front
of engine compartment.
( 4) - On compressor manifold.
( 5) - On low-side line, near accumulator.
( 6) - On high-side line, between compressor and condenser, near front
of engine compartment.
( 7) - On low-side line extension, near receiver-drier, at front of
engine compartment.
( 8) - On low-side line from accumulator, near windshield washer
reservoir.
( 9) - On accumulator/receiver-drier.
( 10 ) - On high-side line extension from compressor.
( 11 ) - On high-side line, between compressor and condenser, near
accumulator. See Fig. 8.
( 12 ) - On high-side line between evaporator and condenser, near
evaporator.
( 13 ) - On low-side (suction) line, near compressor.
( 14 ) - On high-side inlet line, at evaporator.
( 15 ) - On low-side outlet line, at evaporator.
( 16 ) - On high-side line.
( 17 ) - On low-side (suction) line, between accumulator outlet and
compressor.
( 18 ) - On high-side (liquid) line, near evaporator inlet, at rear of
engine compartment.
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2) Ensure service hoses are equipped with valve core
depressor to match Schrader valve. If not, install special adapters
for this purpose. If the high-side service hose connector will not fit
on high-side Schrader valve, a special adapter must be used. See
SPECIAL VALVE CONNECTORS.
3) Ensure both manifold gauge set hand valves are closed.
Connect low-side service hose to low-side (suction) service valve, and\
finger tighten connections. Connect high-side service hose to high-
side (discharge) service valve, and finger-tighten connections.
NOTE: After test gauges are installed, test hoses must be purged of
all air before proceeding with testing.
PURGING TEST HOSES
1) Ensure high-side and low-side hoses are properly connected
to service valves, and all hose connections are tight. Place a clean
shop towel over end of center service hose.
2) Purge high-side test hose by opening hand valve on high-
side gauge for 3-5 seconds. This allows the system's refrigerant to
force air through test hoses and out of center service hose into the
shop towel. Immediately close high-side gauge hand valve.
3) Purge low-side test hose in the same manner using hand
valve of low-side gauge. Close hand valve after 3-5 seconds. Purging
of test hoses is now complete, and system is ready for testing.
NOTE: If manifold gauge set is to be used in conjunction with
refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment, use instructions
provided with the recovery/recycling equipment to properly
purge test hoses.
STABILIZING A/C SYSTEM
1) Once manifold gauge set is attached to system and test
hoses have been purged, the system is ready for testing. Place all
test hoses, gauge set and other equipment away from all moving parts
of engine.
2) Start engine, and turn A/C controls to maximum cooling
position (full cold or MAX A/C). Set blower on high speed. Open doors
and/or windows. Operate system for 5-10 minutes. System should now be
stabilized and ready for test readings.
PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIP
A refrigerant, when confined in an enclosed space, increases
in pressure as the temperature increases. Conversely, if the
temperature is lowered, the pressure also decreases.
Depending on temperature, a corresponding pressure will exist
in such an enclosed space. For example, at 70
F (21.1 C) a gauge will
indicate about 71.0 psi (5.0 kg/cm). The R-134a PRESSURE- TEMPERATURE
RELATIONSHIP table shows this relationship.
R-134a PRESSURE-TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIP
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Temperature F ( C) ( 1) psi (kg/cm)
20 (-6.7) ................................................. 18 (1.3\
)
30 (-1.1) ................................................. 26 (1.8\
)
40 (4.4) .................................................. 35 (2.5\
)
50 (10.0) ................................................. 45 (3.2\
)
60 (15.6) ................................................. 57 (4.0\
)
test system. Ensure A/C system is operating properly.
Orifice Tube Replacement Kit (Villager)
1) Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant
recovery/recycling equipment. Drain engine coolant to a level below
thermostat. Remove upper radiator hose and bracket to gain access to
condenser end of liquid line. Remove condenser-to-evaporator liquid
line from vehicle.
2) Locate orifice tube in metal portion of liquid line, at
indentation. See Fig. 20. Make a 4" (102 mm) index line on liquid line
with indentation at the midpoint. Cut a 2.5" (63.5 mm) section from
liquid line with indentation in the middle, at least 1" (25.4 mm) from\
start of closest bend. Clean out liquid line to remove contaminants.
3) Lubricate orifice tube replacement kit compression nuts
and rings with refrigerant oil and install on liquid line. See Fig. 21
. Ensure flow direction arrow points toward evaporator. Ensure index
line on liquid line is properly aligned for installation. Tighten
compression nuts to 65-70 ft. lbs. (88-95 N.m).
4) To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
Lubricate "O" rings with refrigerant oil. Evacuate, charge and leak
test system. Ensure A/C system is operating properly.
Fig. 20: Locating Orifice Tube (Continental & Mustang Shown; Villager
Is Similar)
Courtesy of ford motor co.
evaporator inlet line and "O" rings with refrigerant oil. Lubricate
orifice tube and "O" ring with refrigerant oil. Insert orifice tube
into evaporator inlet line with short screen toward condenser.
2) Tighten liquid line nut to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m). To
complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Evacuate, charge,
and test system for proper operation.
Removal ("F" Body)
Discharge A/C system, using approved recovery/recycling
equipment. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect A/C pressure
switch connector. Use a backup wrench to hold evaporator fitting, and
loosen evaporator liquid line fitting. Remove bolt. Disconnect
evaporator liquid line. Remove and discard "O" rings. Using needle-
nose pliers, remove orifice tube from evaporator inlet line.
Installation
1) Clean evaporator line fitting with refrigerant oil. Coat
inside of inlet line and evaporator line "O" rings with refrigerant
oil. Lubricate orifice tube and "O" ring with refrigerant oil and
insert them into inlet line. Insert orifice tube into evaporator inlet
line with long screen inlet end toward condenser.
2) Tighten bolt to 12 ft. lbs. (16 N.m). Tighten evaporator
line fitting to 28 ft. lbs. (38 N.m). To complete installation,
reverse removal procedure. Evacuate, charge, and test system for
proper operation.
Removal ("J" & "N" Body)
1) Locate orifice tube. See ORIFICE TUBE LOCATION &
REMOVER/INSTALLER APPLICATION table. Discharge A/C system, using
approved recovery/recycling equipment. On "J" body, remove upper
closeout panel. On "N" body, raise and support vehicle. On all models,
disconnect condenser-to-evaporator line at condenser outlet and
discard "O" rings.
2) Disconnect condenser-to-evaporator line clip on right side
body rail, behind engine mount. Remove orifice tube using Orifice Tube
Remover/Installer (J-26549-E) or needle-nose pliers.
3) If difficulty is encountered during removal of a plugged
or restricted orifice tube, remove as much residue as possible. Using
a heat gun, carefully apply heat 1/4" from dimples on condenser inlet
line. Be careful not to overheat line.
4) If A/C pressure switch is located near orifice tube,
remove switch to protect it from heat. While heat is being applied,
grip orifice tube using orifice tube remover/installer or needle-nose
pliers. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen
and remove orifice tube.
Installation
1) Coat inside of condenser inlet line and "O" rings with
refrigerant oil. Lubricate orifice tube "O" ring with refrigerant oil
and insert into condenser inlet line. Insert orifice tube into
condenser inlet line with shorter screen toward evaporator.
2) Connect condenser-to-evaporator line clip on right side
body rail. Lubricate "O" rings and connect condenser inlet line.
Tighten condenser inlet line nut to 12 ft. lbs. (16 N.m). Install
closeout panel. Evacuate, charge, and test system for proper
operation.
Removal ("W" Body)
1) Locate orifice tube. See ORIFICE TUBE LOCATION &
REMOVER/INSTALLER APPLICATION table. Remove air cleaner and duct
assembly. Discharge A/C system, using approved recovery/recycling
equipment. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect ABS modulator
and A/C pressure sensor/fan switch electrical connectors.
1) Manufacturer recommends flushing contaminated system using
one gallon of Ford A/C System Flushing Solvent (F4AZ-19579-A), a
Filter (FL-1A), an A/C Flusher Fitting Kit (014-00992). DO NOT reuse\
flushing solvent and filter, they are intended to be used on one
vehicle only.
2) Discharge A/C system, using approved refrigerant
recovery/recycling equipment. Flush specified A/C components using A/C
System Flusher (014-00991), according to manufacturer's operating
instructions.
3) If an A/C system flusher is not available to clean A/C
system, an in-line filter kit can be used. Filter kit is installed
before replacement compressor, accumulator/receiver-drier, muffler,
and thermal expansion valve/fixed orifice tube have been installed.
4) Filter kits are used with either a rubber lined suction
hose or with a nylon lined suction hose located between compressor and
evaporator. Rubber lined hose has a wall thickness of 1/4" and nylon
lined hose has a wall thickness of 1/8". See Fig. 22.
5) The filter kit for either type hose has 2 filters. A
temporary pancake filter and a permanent in-line suction filter.
Pancake filter is temporarily installed between condenser and
condenser-to-evaporator line. See Fig. 23. Permanent filter is
installed in suction line between accumulator and compressor.
6) Install replacement components (compressor, accumulator
and fixed orifice) with correct amount of refrigerant oil. See
COMPRESSOR REFRIGERANT OIL CHECKING article.
7) Cut suction hose between compressor and accumulator
(closer to compressor). Remove a length of suction hose to accommodate\
suction filter. Measure side wall of suction hose and install
appropriate filter with "O" rings and filter clamps. If side wall is
1/4", use in-line filter labeled USE WITH RUBBER INNER LINED HOSE. If
side wall is 1/8", use in-line filter labeled USE WITH NYLON INNER
LINED HOSE. Ensure arrow on filter is pointing in direction of
refrigerant flow. Tighten hose clamps to 54 INCH lbs. (6 N.m). See
Fig. 22 .
8) Install pancake filter in liquid line between condenser
and condenser-to-evaporator line. Ensure filter inlet (label) is
toward condenser. Evacuate, charge, and leak test A/C system. See
EVACUATING A/C SYSTEM, CHARGING A/C SYSTEM and LEAK TESTING. Check
filters and hoses for clearance from other engine components. Use tie
straps if necessary.
9) Place an external cooling fan in front of radiator. Select
MAX A/C operation and set blower motor speed to maximum. Start engine
and allow to idle. Ensure A/C is operating properly. Slowly increase
engine speed to 800 RPM, then 1000 RPM, and then to 1200 RPM. With
engine speed set to 1200 RPM, operate engine for one hour with A/C
system operating.
10) Stop engine. Discharge A/C system, using approved
refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove pancake filter, hoses
and fittings. Discard pancake filter. Reconnect liquid line, evacuate,
charge, and leak test A/C system. Ensure A/C system is operating
properly.
vacuum reading of 26 in. Hg or more. Close all valves and turn vacuum
pump off. Observe vacuum gauge, go to next step.
2) If A/C system maintains specified vacuum for 5 minutes,
open low-side and high-side valves, restart vacuum pump and operate
for an additional 10 minutes. Close all valves. Turn vacuum pump off
and disconnect pump.
3) If A/C system cannot get to or maintain specified vacuum,
check for a defective vacuum pump or leak in A/C system or gauge set.
See LEAK TESTING. Repair or replace components as necessary.
CHARGING A/C SYSTEM
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
CAUTION: During charging of A/C system, refrigerant container must be
in an upright position. If refrigerant container is
upside down, compressor may be damaged by liquid refrigerant
drawn into A/C system.
CHRYSLER CORP.
Avenger 2.0L & Sebring Coupe 2.0L
1) Ensure A/C system has no leaks and has been evacuated. See
EVACUATING A/C SYSTEM and LEAK TESTING. Locate sight glass on
receiver-drier and ensure it is clean. Close low-pressure adapter
valve and remove from manifold gauge set.
2) Connect low-pressure adapter valve to refrigerant
container and open container valve. Ensure Blue charging hose is
properly connected to vehicle low-pressure service valve. Open adapter
valve.
3) If refrigerant is not drawn in, fully close adapter valve
and check for hose connection leaks. If leak is detected, retighten
connections and repeat A/C system evacuation. See EVACUATING A/C
SYSTEM.
4) If refrigerant is drawn in, start engine. Turn A/C on and
set temperature control to maximum cold and blower motor to low speed.
Operate engine at 1500 RPM. As refrigerant is drawn into system, foam
or bubbles will appear in sight glass.
5) System charge will be close to full when sight glass is
clear, compressor clutch is engaged, and compressor suction and
discharge line temperatures are similar. System charge will be
complete when sight glass is clear, compressor clutch is engaged,
compressor discharge line is warm and suction line is cool.
6) When proper amount of refrigerant has been added, stop
engine. Close refrigerant container and adapter valve, and disconnect
gauge set.
Breeze, Cirrus, Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, Stratus & 300M (Scan
Tool Method)
1) Attach Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB) to Data Link Connecto\
r
(DLC). Set DRB (scan tool) to PARTIAL CHARGE TEST. Attach clamp-on
Thermocouple (80PK-1A) to liquid line, as close to condenser outlet as\
possible.
2) Set parking brake, and place transaxle in Park position.
Start engine and allow to idle. Set A/C controls to outside air, panel
mode, full cool, and high blower speed. Turn A/C on, and open vehicle
windows. Operate A/C system for a few minutes to allow system to
stabilize.
3) Place cardboard over front grille area, to block airflow
through part of condenser, to set A/C system pressure to 260 psi (18.3
kg/cm
). This will stop cooling fans from alternating speeds and
maintain constant pressure.
4) Scan tool will automatically calculate system charge.
Depending on system charge condition, corrections are made 2 ounces at
a time. Each time a correction is made, recheck readings to ensure
proper charge. For system refrigerant capacity, see REFRIGERANT OIL &
REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article.
Breeze, Cirrus, Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, Stratus & 300M
(Manifold Gauge Set Method)
1) Attach clamp-on Thermocouple (80PK-1A) to liquid line, as\
close to condenser outlet as possible. Attach manifold gauge set to
vehicle.
2) Set parking brake, and place transaxle in Park position.
Start engine and allow to idle. Set A/C controls to outside air, panel
mode, full cool, and high blower speed. Turn A/C on, and open windows.
Operate system for a few minutes to allow system to stabilize.
3) Place cardboard over front grille area, to block airflow
through part of condenser, to set A/C pressure to 260 psi (18.3
kg/cm
). This will stop cooling fans from alternating speeds and
maintain constant pressure.
4) Record temperature reading at liquid line and discharge
pressure reading on gauges. Compare readings with values in
REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL table.
5) Depending on system charge condition, corrections are made
2 ounces at a time. Each time a correction is made, recheck readings
to ensure proper charge. For system refrigerant capacity, see
REFRIGERANT OIL & REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article.
REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL
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Liquid Line Temp. ( 1) Discharge Pressure F ( C) psi (kg/cm)
40 (4.4) ........................................... 53-75 (3.7-5.3\
)
60 (15.6) ......................................... 81-104 (5.7-7.3\
)
80 (26.7) ....................................... 111-142 (7.8-10.0\
)
100 (37.8) ..................................... 156-194 (11.0-13.6\
)
120 (48.9) ..................................... 208-259 (14.6-18.2\
)
140 (60.0) ..................................... 272-331 (19.1-23.3\
)
160 (71.1) ..................................... 353-420 (24.8-29.5\
)
180 (82.2) ..................................... 447-516 (31.4-36.3\
)
( 1) - When pressure is lower than specified, system is undercharged.
When pressure is higher than specified, system is overcharged.
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All Other Models
Ensure A/C system has been checked for leaks and evacuated.
See EVACUATING A/C SYSTEM and LEAK TESTING. Charge A/C system to
specifications. For system refrigerant capacity, see REFRIGERANT OIL &
REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article.
FORD MOTOR CO.
1) If using approved Recovery/Recycling/Charging Center (023-\
00105 or 023-00150), connect to high-side and low-side service valves.
See SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS under SYSTEM SERVICE VALVES. Operate
charging center according to manufacturer's instructions. Charge
system with specified amount of refrigerant and refrigerant oil. See
REFRIGERANT OIL & REFRIGERANT SPECIFICATIONS article. Check amount of
refrigerant oil in system before adding oil. See COMPRESSOR
REFRIGERANT OIL CHECKING article.
2) If using manifold gauge set, connect to high-side and low-
side service valves. See SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS under SYSTEM SERVICE