2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE low oil pressure

(9) Compare the compressor discharge pressure to
the Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. If
the compressor discharge pressure is high, see the
Pressure Diagnosis chart.
Pressure Diagnosis
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Rapid compressor clutch
cycling (ten or more cycles
per minute).1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
Equal pressures, but the
compressor clutch does not
engage.1. No refrigerant in the
refrigerant system.1. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power Distribution
Center and the junction block. Repair the shorted
circuit or component and replace the fuses, if
required.
3. Faulty a/c compressor
clutch coil.3. See A/C Compressor/Diagnosis and Testing -
Compressor Clutch Coil in this group. Test the
compressor clutch coil and replace, if required.
4. Faulty compressor clutch
relay.4. See A/C Compressor Clutch Relay/Diagnosis
and Testing - Compressor Clutch Relay in this
group. Test the compressor clutch relay and relay
circuits. Repair the circuits or replace the relay, if
required.
6. Faulty a/c high pressure
transducer.6. See A/C High Pressure Transducer/Diagnosis
and Testing in this group. Test the a/c high
pressure transducer and replace, if required.
7. Faulty Fin Probe. 7. Check for open circuit.
8. Faulty Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).8. Refer to the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual for testing of the PCM. Test the PCM and
replace, if required.
Normal pressures, but A/C
Performance Test air
temperatures at center panel
outlet are too high.1. Excessive refrigerant oil in
system.1. See Refrigerant Oil/Standard Procedure -
Refrigerant Oil Level in this group. Recover the
refrigerant from the refrigerant system and
inspect the refrigerant oil content. Restore the
refrigerant oil to the proper level, if required.
2. Blend door inoperative or
sealing improperly.2. See Blend Door in this group. Inspect the
blend door for proper operation and sealing and
correct, if required.
3. Blend door actuator faulty
or inoperative.3. Perform blend door actuator diagnosis, replace
if faulty.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGWJ
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

Pressure Diagnosis
Condition Possible Causes Correction
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly low, and
the high side pressure is too
low.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
2. Refrigerant flow through
the accumulator is restricted.2. See Accumulator in this group. Replace the
restricted accumulator, if required.
3. Refrigerant flow through
the evaporator coil is
restricted.3. See A/C Evaporator in this group. Replace the
restricted evaporator coil, if required.
4. Faulty compressor. 4. See A/C Compressor in this group. Replace
the compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly high, and
the high side pressure is too
high.1. Condenser air flow
restricted.1. Check the condenser for damaged fins, foreign
objects obstructing air flow through the condenser
fins, and missing or improperly installed air seals.
Refer to Cooling for more information on air
seals. Clean, repair, or replace components as
required.
2. Inoperative cooling fan. 2. Refer to Cooling for more information. Test the
cooling fan and replace, if required.
3. Refrigerant system
overcharged.3. See Plumbing/Standard Procedure -
Refrigerant System Charge in this group. Recover
the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
Charge the refrigerant system to the proper level,
if required.
4. Air in the refrigerant
system.4. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
5. Engine overheating. 5. Refer to Cooling for more information. Test the
cooling system and repair, if required.
The low side pressure is too
high, and the high side
pressure is too low.1. Accessory drive belt
slipping.1. Refer to Cooling for more information. Inspect
the accessory drive belt condition and tension.
Tighten or replace the accessory drive belt, if
required.
2. Faulty compressor. 2. See A/C Compressor in this group. Replace
the compressor, if required.
The low side pressure is too
low, and the high side
pressure is too high.1. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the refrigerant lines.1. See Liquid, Suction, and Discharge Line in this
group. Inspect the refrigerant lines for kinks, tight
bends or improper routing. Correct the routing or
replace the refrigerant line, if required.
2. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the a/c expansion
valve.2. See A/C Expansion Valve in this group.
Replace the Expansion Valve if restricted.
3. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the condenser.3. See A/C Condenser in this group. Replace the
restricted condenser, if required.
WJHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 5
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CONTROLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
CONTROLS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
SYSTEM............................10
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL........................13
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN....................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSPECTION..........................15
INSTALLATION.........................15
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY..........16
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................17
A/C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
ZONE CONTROL SYSTEM..............18
REMOVAL.............................24
INSTALLATION.........................25
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................25
OPERATION...........................25
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.......................26
REMOVAL.............................26
INSTALLATION.........................26
BLOWER MOTOR CONTROLLER
DESCRIPTION.........................26
OPERATION...........................26
REMOVAL.............................27
INSTALLATION.........................27
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................27
OPERATION...........................27
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK..............27
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................28BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER
MOTOR SWITCH-MANUAL TEMPERATURE
CONTROL SYSTEM....................28
REMOVAL.............................29
IN-CAR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
REMOVAL.............................29
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................30
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - HEAT/DEFROST - PANEL/
DEFROST DOOR ELECTRIC ACTUATOR . . . 31
REMOVAL - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
VACUUM ACTUATOR..................31
REMOVAL - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
VACUUM ACTUATOR..................32
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - HEAT/DEFROST -
PANEL/DEFROST DOOR ELECTRIC
ACTUATOR..........................32
INSTALLATION - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
VACUUM ACTUATOR..................33
INSTALLATION - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
VACUUM ACTUATOR..................33
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - RECIRCULATION DOOR
VACUUM ACTUATOR..................33
REMOVAL - RECIRCULATION DOOR
ELECTRIC ACTUATOR.................33
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - RECIRCULATION DOOR
VACUUM ACTUATOR..................34
INSTALLATION - RECIRCULATION DOOR
ELECTRIC ACTUATOR.................34
VACUUM CHECK VALVE
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
WJCONTROLS 24 - 9

A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch assembly consists of a sta-
tionary electromagnetic coil, a hub bearing and pul-
ley assembly, and a clutch plate (Fig. 4). The
electromagnetic coil unit and the hub bearing and
pulley assembly are each retained on the nose of the
compressor front housing with snap rings. The clutch
plate is keyed to the compressor shaft and secured
with a bolt.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch components provide the
means to engage and disengage the compressor from
the engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the clutch hub bearing, which is
part of the pulley. The compressor clutch and coil are
the only serviced parts on the compressor.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the a/c switch on the a/c heater
control panel, the Automatic Zone Control (AZC) con-
trol module (if the vehicle is so equipped), the evap-
orator probe, the a/c high pressure transducer, the
a/c compressor clutch relay, the body control module
(BCM) and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM may delay compressor clutch engagement
for up to thirty seconds. Refer to Electronic Control
Modules for more information on the PCM controls.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring diagrams. The battery must be
fully-charged before performing the following tests.
Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the a/c heater mode control switch in any
a/c mode, the a/c heater control a/c switch in the ON
position, and the blower motor switch in the lowest
speed position, start the engine and run it at normal
idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRBIIItscan tool and the appro-
priate diagnostic information for testing of the com-
pressor clutch circuit. The following components
must be checked and repaired as required before you
can complete testing of the clutch coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC)
²A/C heater mode control switch
²A/C compressor clutch relay
²A/C high pressure transducer
²A/C evaporator probe
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Body Control Module (BCM)
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is 2.0 to 3.9
amperes with the electrical system voltage at 11.5 to
12.5 volts. This should only be checked with the work
area temperature at 21É C (70É F). If system voltage
is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turn-
ing on electrical accessories until the system voltage
drops below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is four
amperes or more, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - TYPICAL
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - SHAFT KEY
3 - PULLEY
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
WJCONTROLS 24 - 13

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is tested using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. Before testing the A/C pressure
transducer, be certain that the transducer wire har-
ness connection is clean of corrosion and properly
connected. For the air conditioning system to operate,
an A/C pressure transducer voltage reading between0.7 and 4.56 volts is required. Voltage outside this
range indicate a low or high refrigerant system pres-
sure condition to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM is programmed to respond to a low
or high refrigerant system pressure by suppressing
operation of the compressor. Refer to the A/C Pres-
sure Transducer Voltage table for the possible condi-
tion indicated by the transducer voltage readings.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE POSSIBLE INDICATION
0.0 1. NO SENSOR SUPPLY VOLTAGE FROM PCM.
2. SHORTED SENSOR CIRCUIT.
3. FAULTY TRANSDUCER
0.150 TO 0.450 1. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BELOW 10É c (50É F).
2. LOW REFRIGERANT SYSTEM PRESSURE.
0.451 TO 4.519 1. NORMAL REFRIGERANT SYSTEM PRESSURE.
4.520 TO 4.850 1. HIGH REFRIGERANT SYSTEM PRESSURE.
5.0 1. OPEN SENSOR CIRCUIT.
2. FAULTY TRANSDUCER.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Transducer can be removed without
recoverying the system, but some loss of refriger-
ant can be expected(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the A/C pressure transducer from
the transducer connector receptacle.
(3) Using an open end wrench, unscrew the A/C
pressure transducer from the fitting on the discharge
line.
(4) Remove the seal from the A/C pressure trans-
ducer fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the A/C pressure trans-
ducer fitting.
(2) Using an open end wrench, install and tighten
the A/C pressure transducer onto the fitting on the
discharge line.
(3) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the A/C pressure transducer to the
transducer connector receptacle.(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLOWER MOTOR
CONTROLLER
DESCRIPTION
Models equipped with the optional Automatic Zone
Control (AZC) system have a blower motor controller.
The controller allows the selection of almost infi-
nitely variable blower motor speeds. The controller is
mounted to the HVAC housing, under the instrument
panel and just inboard of the blower motor, in the
same location used for the blower motor resistor on
manual temperature control systems. It can be
accessed without removing any other components.
OPERATION
The blower motor controller output to the blower
motor can be adjusted by the blower motor speed
switch knob on the AZC A/C Heater control panel, or
it can be adjusted automatically by the logic circuitry
and programming of the AZC control module. In
either case, the AZC control module sends the correct
pulse width modulated signal to the blower motor
controller to obtain the selected or programmed
blower motor speed.
The blower motor controller cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
24 - 26 CONTROLSWJ
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER (Continued)

VISCOUS HEATER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................76
DESCRIPTION - VISCOUS HEATER
CLUTCH............................76
OPERATION
OPERATION - VISCOUS HEATER.........76
OPERATION - VISCOUS HEATER CLUTCH . . 76REMOVAL
REMOVAL - VISCOUS HEATER...........76
REMOVAL - VISCOUS HEATER CLUTCH . . . 76
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................78
INSTALLATION - VISCOUS HEATER
CLUTCH............................78
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry
the refrigerant between the various air conditioning
system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber lay-
ers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on
this vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further contain
the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecu-
lar structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT LINE
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING
WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CON-
TAINS REFRIGERANT UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM
IMPROPER SERVICE PROCEDURES. REPAIRS
SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT AND
REFRIGERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE
MAY IRRITATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR THROAT.
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE
AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERI-
OUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM DIRECT
CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CON-
TACT OCCURS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMME-
DIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC LEAK
DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING
SERVICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT
RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DIS-
PLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a REFRIGER-
ANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE
IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING
THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGER-
ANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT THE SKIN
OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT
WITH THE REFRIGERANT.
THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR THE VEHI-
CLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE
PRESSURE 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 PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
24 - 52 PLUMBINGWJ

CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to
use R-134a. Damage to the system will result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a
refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
Do not use R-12 equipment or parts on the R-134a
system. Damage to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. This will
cause excessive compressor head pressure and
can cause noise and system failure.
Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
The refrigerant system must always be evacuated
before charging.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. This will prevent contamination in
the system.
Before disconnecting a component, clean the out-
side of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contami-
nation from entering the refrigerant system.
Immediately after disconnecting a component from
the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a
cap or plug.
Before connecting an open refrigerant fitting,
always install a new seal or gasket. Coat the fitting
and seal with clean refrigerant oil before connect-
ing.
Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement
component until it is to be installed.
When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp
bends that may restrict refrigerant flow. Position the
refrigerant lines away from exhaust system compo-
nents or any sharp edges, which may damage the
line.
Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the specified
torque. The aluminum fittings used in the refriger-
ant system will not tolerate overtightening.
When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a
wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will pre-
vent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of
refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace
the cap on the oil container immediately after using.
Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and
moisture-free container.Keep service tools and the work area clean. Con-
tamination of the refrigerant system through care-
less work habits must be avoided.REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS
Kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing
will reduce the capacity of the entire system. High
pressures are produced in the system when it is oper-
ating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that all refrigerant system connections are pressure
tight.
A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is
to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the
diameter of the hose. Sharp bends will reduce the
flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be
routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches)
from the exhaust manifold. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible refrigerant system hose lines at
least once a year to make sure they are in good con-
dition and properly routed.
There are two types of refrigerant fittings:
²All fittings with O-rings need to be coated with
refrigerant oil before installation. Use only O-rings
that are the correct size and approved for use with
R-134a refrigerant. Failure to do so may result in a
leak.
²Unified plumbing connections with gaskets can-
not be serviced with O-rings. The gaskets are not
reusable and new gaskets do not require lubrication
before installing.
Using the proper tools when making a refrigerant
plumbing connection is very important. Improper
tools or improper use of the tools can damage the
refrigerant fittings. Always use two wrenches when
loosening or tightening tube fittings. Use one wrench
to hold one side of the connection stationary, while
loosening or tightening the other side of the connec-
tion with a second wrench.
The refrigerant must be recovered completely from
the system before opening any fitting or connection.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the refrig-
erant has been recovered. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, tighten the fitting and
recover the refrigerant from the system again.
Do not discharge refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling device
that meets SAE Standard J2210.
The refrigerant system will remain chemically sta-
ble as long as pure, moisture-free R-134a refrigerant
and refrigerant oil is used. Dirt, moisture, or air can
upset this chemical stability. Operational troubles or
serious damage can occur if foreign material is
present in the refrigerant system.
When it is necessary to open the refrigerant sys-
tem, have everything needed to service the system
WJPLUMBING 24 - 53
PLUMBING (Continued)

ready. The refrigerant system should not be left open
to the atmosphere any longer than necessary. Cap or
plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened
to prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture. All lines
and components in parts stock should be capped or
sealed until they are to be installed.
All tools, including the refrigerant recycling equip-
ment, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should
be kept clean and dry. All tools and equipment must
be designed for R-134a refrigerant.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
If the air conditioning system is not cooling prop-
erly, determine if the refrigerant system is fully-
charged. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
A/C PERFORMANCE)
An electronic leak detector designed for R-134a
refrigerant is recommended for locating and confirm-
ing refrigerant system leaks. Refer to the operating
instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer
for proper care and use of this equipment.
An oily residue on or near refrigerant system lines,
connector fittings, components, or component seals
can indicate the general location of a possible refrig-
erant leak. However, the exact leak location should
be confirmed with an electronic leak detector prior to
component repair or replacement.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures:
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(2) Connect and dispense 0.283 kilograms (0.625
pounds or 10 ounces) of R-134a refrigerant into the
evacuated refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
CHARGE)
(3) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(4) With the engine not running, use a electronic
R-134a leak detector and search for leaks. Because
R-134a refrigerant is heavier than air, the leak detec-tor probe should be moved slowly along the bottom
side of all refrigerant lines, connector fittings and
components.
(5) To inspect the evaporator coil for leaks, insert
the electronic leak detector probe into the center
instrument panel outlet. Set the blower motor switch
to the lowest speed position, the A/C button in the
On position, and select the Recirculation Mode.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(2) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run with the air conditioning system
turned on for five minutes.
(3) With the engine not running, use a electronic
R-134a leak detector and search for leaks. Because
R-134a refrigerant is heavier than air, the leak detec-
tor probe should be moved slowly along the bottom
side of all refrigerant lines, connector fittings and
components.
(4) To inspect the evaporator coil for leaks, insert
the electronic leak detector probe into the center
instrument panel outlet. Set the blower motor switch
to the lowest speed position, the A/C button in the
On position, and select the Recirculation Mode.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN
WHEN SERVICING AN AIR CONDITIONING REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM. TURN OFF (ROTATE CLOCKWISE)
ALL VALVES ON THE EQUIPMENT BEING USED,
BEFORE CONNECTING TO OR DISCONNECTING
FROM THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN PER-
SONAL INJURY.
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION)
When servicing the air conditioning system, a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used.
Contact an automotive service equipment supplier for
refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging equipment.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied by the
24 - 54 PLUMBINGWJ
PLUMBING (Continued)