and the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrig-
erant. Heat absorption causes the refrigerant to boil
and vaporize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure
gas when it leaves the evaporator.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING),
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING),
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
(1) Remove the HVAC unit housing from the vehi-
cle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/DISTRIBUTION - FRONT/HVAC HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the heater core tubes from the heater
core. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER CORE -
REMOVAL - HEATER CORE TUBES).
(3) Remove and discard the foam seal from the
HVAC housing seal flange around the fresh air inlet
opening and the expansion valve/evaporator tube
opening on the dash panel side of the unit.
(4) Remove the expansion valve from the evapora-
tor inlet and outlet tube fittings. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/EXPANSION VALVE - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the blower motor from the motor connector recep-
tacle on the bottom of the outboard end of the evap-
orator housing.
(6) Disengage the HVAC wire harness from the
routing clips molded into the outside of the HVAC
housing components.
(7) Remove the three screws from the dash panel
side of the unit that secure the top of the distribution
housing to the inboard end of the evaporator housing
(Fig. 9).
(8) Pull the top of the distribution housing away
from the evaporator housing far enough to disengage
the two hook formations on the bottom of the distri-
bution housing from the two receptacles on the evap-
orator housing (Fig. 10).
(9) Remove the two screws that secure the upper
intake air housing to the lower intake air housing.
(10) Remove the three screws that secure the
upper intake air housing to the top of the outboard
end of the evaporator housing. Be certain not to miss
the screw located just inside the inboard side of the
fresh air intake opening.(11) Remove the upper intake air housing from the
top of the evaporator housing to expose the recircu-
lation air door and the blower wheel housing (Fig.
11).
(12) Remove the two screws that secure the upper
half of the recirculation air door to the lower half of
the door.
(13) Remove the upper half of the recirculation air
door from the lower half of the door (Fig. 12).
(14) Remove the twelve screws around the perime-
ter of the evaporator housing that secure the upper
housing half to the lower half.
Fig. 9 HVAC Housing
1 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
2 - SCREWS (3)
3 - HVAC WIRING HARNESS
4 - ROUTING CLIP
5 - EVAPORATOR HOUSING
Fig. 10 Distribution Housing Hooks
1 - RECEPTACLES ON EVAPORATOR HOUSING
2 - HOOKS ON DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-69
EVAPORATOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
REMOVAL
REMOVAL- HEATER CORE EXTENSION TUBES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
hose tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the silencer from beneath the driver
side end of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL SILENCER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the heater
core shield to the left end of the HVAC distribution
housing (Fig. 15).
(6) Pull the heater core shield rearward far enough
to disengage the two location tabs that position the
front of the shield to the receptacles in the two lower
finger formations of the evaporator housing near the
dash panel.
(7) Remove the heater core shield from the distri-
bution housing.
(8) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the heater core from spilled engine cool-
ant and have absorbent toweling readily available to
clean up any spills.
(9) Remove the screw that secures the heater core
tube sealing plate to the heater core supply and
return ports (Fig. 16).(10) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(11) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(12) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(13) Pull both heater core tubes simultaneously
slightly away from the distribution housing and rear-
Fig. 15 Heater Core Shield
1 - HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - HEATER CORE SHIELD
3 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
4 - SCREWS (3)
5 - LOCATION TABS (2)
Fig. 16 Heater Core Tubes
1 - SEAL
2 - HEATER CORE TUBES
3 - SCREW
4 - HEATER CORE
5 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
6 - SEALING PLATE
24 - 74 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
ward far enough to disengage the engine compart-
ment ends of the tubes from the dash panel seal.
(14) Remove the heater core tubes and sealing
plate as a unit from beneath the instrument panel.
(15) Use absorbent toweling to clean up any
engine coolant spills from the preceding operation.
REMOVAL - HEATER CORE
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the silencer boot fasteners located
around the base of the lower steering shaft from the
dash panel so that it may be pushed aside.
(4) Remove the brake lamp switch from its mount-
ing bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the power brake booster input rod
(push rod) from the pin on the brake pedal arm.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - ABS/HYDRAULIC/ME-
CHANICAL/POWER BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOV-
AL).
(6) Remove the three screws that secure the heater
core shield to the left end of the HVAC distribution
housing (Fig. 17).
(7) Pull the heater core shield rearward far enough
to disengage the two location tabs that position the
front of the shield to the receptacles in the two lower
finger formations of the evaporator housing near the
dash panel.(8) Remove the heater core shield from the distri-
bution housing.
(9) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the heater core from spilled engine cool-
ant and have absorbent toweling readily available to
mop up any spills.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the heater core
tube sealing plate to the heater core supply and
return ports (Fig. 18).
Fig. 17 Heater Core Shield
1 - HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - HEATER CORE SHIELD
3 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
4 - SCREWS (3)
5 - LOCATION TABS (2)
Fig. 18 Heater Core
1 - SEALING PLATE
2 - SCREW
3 - SCREWS (2)
4 - HEATER CORE
5 - HEATER CORE TUBES
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-75
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(11) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(13) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(14) Remove the two screws that secure the heater
core mounting plate to the distribution housing.
(15) While pulling the accelerator pedal upward
(Fig. 19) and pushing the brake pedal downward
(Fig. 20) far enough for clearance, pull the heater
core out of the distribution housing.(16) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation. Also, if
the heater core was leaking, use absorbent toweling
and reach into the heater core opening to mop up
any residual engine coolant within the distribution
housing.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION- HEATER CORE EXTENSION
TUBES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove the plugs or tape from both heater core
tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(2) Position the heater core tubes and sealing plate
as a unit beneath the instrument panel.
(3) Align the engine compartment ends of both
heater core tubes with the openings in the dash
panel seal and push them simultaneously forward
through the seal far enough to engage the heater
core ends of the tubes with the heater core supply
and return ports.
(4) Position both heater core tubes and the sealing
plate simultaneously to the heater core supply and
return ports.
(5) The heater core tubes each have a slot that
must be indexed to a location tab within each of the
heater core ports. Adjust the position of the tubes as
required so that the sealing plate fits flush against
the heater core supply and return ports, which indi-
cates that the tubes are properly indexed.
Fig. 19 Accelerator Pedal
1 - SLIDE HEATER CORE PAST ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Fig. 20 Brake Pedal
1 - SLIDE HEATER CORE PAST BRAKE PEDAL
2 - DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL
24 - 76 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
heater core tube sealing plate to the heater core sup-
ply and return ports. Tighten the screw to 3 N´m (27
in. lbs.).
(7) Position the heater core shield onto the distri-
bution housing. Be certain that the two location tabs
on the front of the shield are engaged in the recepta-
cles in the two lower finger formations of the evapo-
rator housing near the dash panel.
(8) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heater core shield to the left end of the HVAC
distribution housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the silencer under the driver side end
of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
SILENCER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reconnect the heater hoses to the heater hose
tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(12) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.(1) While pushing the brake pedal downward and
pulling the accelerator pedal upward far enough for
clearance, slide the heater core into the distribution
housing.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the heater core mounting plate to the distribution
housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove the plugs or tape from the heater core
tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(4) Position both heater core tubes and the sealing
plate simultaneously to the heater core supply and
return ports.
(5) The heater core tubes each have a slot that
must be indexed to a location tab within each of the
heater core ports. Adjust the position of the tubes as
required so that the sealing plate fits flush against
the heater core supply and return ports, which indi-
cates that the tubes are properly indexed.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
heater core tube sealing plate to the heater core sup-
ply and return ports. Tighten the screw to 3 N´m (27
in. lbs.).
(7) Position the heater core shield onto the distri-
bution housing. Be certain that the two location tabs
on the front of the shield are engaged in the recepta-
cles in the two lower finger formations of the evapo-
rator housing near the dash panel.
(8) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heater core shield to the left end of the HVAC
distribution housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Reconnect the power brake booster input rod
(push rod) to the pin on the brake pedal arm(Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER
BRAKE BOOSTER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the brake lamp switch into its
mounting bracket(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Reinstall the silencer boot around the base of
the lower steering shaft on the dash panel.
(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(13) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(14) Operate system for two thermostat cycles to
assure elimination of air in the system.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-77
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(17) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REAR SECTION
(1) Position the rear section of the front liquid line
into the engine compartment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
and liquid line fittings and both expansion valve
ports.
(3) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the suction line
and liquid line fittings.
(4) Reconnect the liquid line and suction line fit-
tings to the expansion valve.
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
suction line and liquid line fittings to the expansion
valve. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section fitting for the filter-drier and the filter-
drier outlet port.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(8) Reconnect the liquid line fitting to the filter-
drier outlet port on the top of the filter-drier.
(9) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
liquid line fitting to the filter-drier. Tighten the screw
to 2 N´m (16 in. lbs.).
(10) Reinstall the A/C ground strap eyelet terminal
connector onto the weld stud on the top of the right
front strut tower.
(11) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
A/C ground strap to the weld stud. Tighten the nut
to 12 N´m (106 in. lbs.).
(12) Reinstall the A/C pressure transducer onto
the fitting on the front liquid line rear section. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CON-
TROLS - FRONT/A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the drain tube to the wiper module
drain on the right side of the engine compartment.
(14) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the
right side of the engine compartment.
(15) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(16) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
rear air conditioner, go to Step 17. If the vehicle does
not have the optional rear air conditioner, go to Step
23.
(17) Raise and support the vehicle.
(18) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section extension fitting and the underbody liq-
uid line fitting.(19) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the underbody liquid
line fitting.
(20) Reconnect the liquid line rear section exten-
sion fitting to the underbody liquid line fitting.
Tighten the fittings to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install a new tie strap just forward of the con-
nections between the underbody plumbing and the
engine compartment plumbing for the rear heater
and air conditioner.
(22) Lower the vehicle.
(23) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(24) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
RECEIVER/DRIER
DESCRIPTION
The filter-drier is mounted in a bracket secured to
the right front strut tower in the engine compart-
ment. The filter-drier is connected between the front
and rear sections of the liquid line between the con-
denser outlet and the evaporator inlet. The filter-
drier cannot be repaired. If the filter-drier is faulty
or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been
contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an
indeterminable period, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The filter-drier performs a filtering action to pre-
vent foreign material in the refrigerant from contam-
inating the expansion valve. A desiccant bag is
mounted inside the filter-drier canister to absorb any
moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition,
during periods of high demand air conditioner opera-
tion, the filter-drier acts as a reservoir to store sur-
plus refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the filter-drier as
a high-pressure, low temperature liquid.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-85
LIQUID LINE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system, whenever the refrigerant system must
be opened for service. See the operating instructions
supplied by the equipment manufacturer for the
proper care and use of this equipment.
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant sys-
tems is a synthetic-based, PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG),
wax-free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant
oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should
never be introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.
There are different PAG oils available, and each con-
tains a different additive package. The 10S20H com-
pressor used in this vehicle are designed to use an
ND-8 PAG refrigerant oil. Use only refrigerant oil of
this same type to service the refrigerant system.
OPERATION
After performing any refrigerant recovery or recy-
cling operation, always replenish the refrigerant sys-
tem with the same amount of the recommended
refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant
oil can cause compressor damage, and too much can
reduce air conditioning system performance. PAG
refrigerant oil is much more hygroscopic than min-
eral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes into
contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG oil
container should always be kept tightly capped until
it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil con-
tainer immediately to prevent moisture contamina-
tion.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
When an air conditioning system is assembled at
the factory, all components except the compressor are
refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has
been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the
compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant
system. The receiver/drier, evaporator, condenser, and
compressor will each retain a significant amount of
the needed refrigerant oil.
It is important to have the correct amount of oil in
the refrigerant system. This ensures proper lubrica-
tion of the compressor. Too little oil will result in
damage to the compressor. Too much oil will reduce
the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the
compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil
loss. An oil loss may occur due to a rupture or leak
from a refrigerant line, a connector fitting, a compo-
nent, or a component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30
milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system after the repair has been made.
Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak point
by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the
leak.
Refrigerant oil must be added when an receiver/
drier, evaporator or condenser is replaced. See the
Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart for the proper
amount of refrigerant oil to add. When a compressor
is replaced, the refrigerant oil must be drained from
the old compressor and measured. Drain all of the
refrigerant oil from the new compressor, then fill the
new compressor with the same amount of fresh new
refrigerant oil that was drained out of the old com-
pressor.
REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES
Front A/C Front & Rear
A/C
COMPONENT ml fl oz ml fl oz
Compressor 150 5.0 220 7.4
Filter-Drier 30 1.0 30 1.0
Condenser 30 1.0 30 1.0
Front Evaporator 60 2.0 60 2.0
Rear Evap. (including
underbody lines)N/A N/A 60 2.0
Compressor Drain and measure the oil
from the old compressor -
See text above.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-93
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
PLUMBING - REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................97
OPERATION...........................97
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - REAR EVAPORATOR.........97
REMOVAL - EVAPORATOR LINE
EXTENSION.........................98
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - REAR EVAPORATOR.....99
INSTALLATION - EVAPORATOR LINE
EXTENSION.........................99
EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION.........................99
OPERATION..........................100
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EXPANSION
VALVE .............................100
REMOVAL............................100
INSTALLATION........................101
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION........................101
OPERATION..........................101STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER CORE
FILLING............................101
REMOVAL............................102
INSTALLATION........................103
HEATER HOSE
REMOVAL............................103
INSTALLATION........................103
SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL............................104
INSTALLATION........................105
UNDERBODY LINES
DESCRIPTION........................106
OPERATION..........................106
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - REAR HEATER LINES.......107
REMOVAL - REAR AIR CONDITIONING
LINES.............................107
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - REAR HEATER LINES....108
INSTALLATION - REAR AIR CONDITIONING
LINES.............................108
EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The rear evaporator is located in the rear heater-
A/C unit housing, behind the right rear wheel house.
The evaporator is positioned in the rear heater-A/C
housing so that all air that enters the housing must
pass over the fins of the evaporator before it is dis-
tributed through the system ducts and outlets. How-
ever, air passing over the evaporator fins will only be
conditioned when the compressor is engaged and cir-
culating refrigerant through the evaporator tubes.
The rear heater-A/C unit housing must be removed
from the vehicle to access the evaporator for service.
The evaporator cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the rear evaporator from the
rear expansion valve as a low-temperature, low-pres-
sure liquid. As air flows over the fins of the evapora-
tor, the humidity in the air condenses on the fins,
and the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrig-
erant. Heat absorption causes the refrigerant to boil
and vaporize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure
gas when it leaves the evaporator.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - REAR EVAPORATOR
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING),
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING),
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
(1) Remove the rear heater-A/C unit housing from
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION - REAR/REAR HEATER-
A/C HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the rear evaporator line extension from
the expansion valve. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - REAR/EVAPORA-
TOR - REMOVAL - EVAPORATOR LINE EXTEN-
SION).
(3) Remove the rear expansion valve from the rear
evaporator. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
RSPLUMBING - REAR24-97
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