TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
DESCRIPTION
The EVIC will monitor the tire pressure signals
from the five tire sensors and determine if any tire
has gone below the low pressure threshold or raised
above the high pressure threshold. Refer to the table
below.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE THRESHOLDS
SYSTEM STATUS
INDICATORTIRE PRESSURE
ON 179 kPa (26 PSI)
OFF 214 kPa (31 PSI)
HIGH TIRE PRESSURE THRESHOLDS
SYSTEM STATUS
INDICATORTIRE PRESSURE
ON 310 kPa (45 PSI)
OFF 276 kPa (40 PSI)
The Remote Tire Pressure Monitors (RTPM) are
not internally serviceable. For a Sensor Failure or
Low Battery fault, the RTPM must be replaced.
OPERATION
If equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem, each of the vehicle's five wheels will have a
valve stem with a pressure sensor and radio trans-
mitter built in. Signals from the tire pressure sensors
are received and interpreted by the Electronic Vehi-
cle Information Center (EVIC). A sensor in a
mounted wheel will broadcast its detected pressure
once per minute when the vehicle is moving faster
than 40 km/h (25 mph). The spare tire sensor will
broadcast once every hour. Each sensor's broadcast is
uniquely coded so that the EVIC can determine loca-
tion. The individual tire pressures can be displayed
graphically on the EVIC
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM
All Tire Pressure Monitoring System Faults are
specific to one location. If a9BATTERY LOW9or
9SENSOR FAILURE9fault is detected, the location
will be displayed. The appropriate sensor/transmitter
can then be replaced. If a single sensor/transmitter
cannot be detected by the EVIC, replace that sensor
transmitter. If none of the sensors/transmitters can
be detected, refer to symptoms in the EVIC section.
For additional system description and diagnosis,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring in the Body Diag-
nostic manual.
SENSOR
REMOVAL - TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR/
TRANSMITTER
(1) Remove the tire/wheel from the vehicle.
CAUTION: When removing the stick on balancing
weights from the wheel, do not use an abrasive
cleaner or a cleaner which will damage the protec-
tive finish on the wheel.
(2) Remove the balancing weights from the wheel.
NOTE: The cap used on this valve stem contains an
O-ring seal to prevent contamination and moisture
from entering the valve stem. Retain this valve stem
cap for re-use. Do not substitute a regular valve
stem cap in its place.
(3) Remove the cap from the valve stem.
NOTE: The valve stem used on this vehicle is made
of aluminum and the core is nickel plated brass.
The original valve stem core must be reinstalled
and not substituted for a valve stem core made of a
different material. This is required to prevent corro-
sion in the valve stem caused by the different met-
als.
(4) Using the appropriate tool, remove the core
from the valve stem (Fig. 20).
(5) Let the tire fully deflate.
Fig. 20 REMOVING VALVE STEM CORE - TYPICAL
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - TIRE
4 - VALVE STEM CORE TOOL
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSWJ
gap should be between 0.35 to 0.65 millimeter (0.014
to 0.026 inch). If the proper air gap is not obtained,
add or subtract shims as needed until the desired air
gap is obtained.
(9) Install the compressor shaft bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 13 N´m (115 in. lbs.).
NOTE: The shims may compress after tightening
the shaft bolt. Check the air gap in four or more
places to verify the air gap is still correct. Spin the
pulley before performing a final check of the air
gap.
(10) To complete the installation, (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - INSTALLATION)
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch relay is a International
Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The termi-
nal designations and functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay
terminal orientation (footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch relay is a electromechanical
device that switches battery current to the compres-
sor clutch coil when the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) grounds the coil side of the relay. The PCM
responds to inputs from the a/c compressor switch on
the a/c heater control panel, the Automatic Zone Con-
trol (AZC) control module (if the vehicle is so
equipped), the a/c fin probe, and the a/c high pres-
sure transducer. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
The compressor clutch relay is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compart-
ment. Refer to the PDC label for relay identification
and location.
The compressor clutch relay cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 10) is located in
the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the
PDC label for relay identification and location.Remove the relay from the PDC to perform the fol-
lowing tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, see the Relay Circuit Test procedure
in this group. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information..
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to fused battery feed. There should be bat-
tery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 30 at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is not
used in this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal cavity (87) is
connected to the compressor clutch coil. There should
be continuity between this cavity and the A/C com-
pressor clutch relay output circuit cavity of the com-
pressor clutch coil wire harness connector. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
(4) The relay coil battery terminal (86) is con-
nected to the fused ignition switch output (run/start)
circuit. There should be battery voltage at the cavity
for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
Fig. 10 A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
24 - 16 CONTROLSWJ
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)
Both the manual A/C Heater control panel and the
AZC control panel are serviced only as complete
units and cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged,
the entire control panel unit must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC ZONE
CONTROL SYSTEM
The Automatic Zone Control (AZC) control module
has a system self-diagnostic mode which continuously
monitors various parameters during normal system
operation. If a system fault is detected, a current and
historical fault is recorded. When the current fault is
cleared, the historical fault remains until reset (man-
ually or automatically). Both the current and histor-
ical fault codes can be accessed through either the
front panel, or over the Programmable Communica-
tions Interface (PCI) bus using a DRBIIItscan tool,
and the appropriate diagnostic information.
The AZC control module is capable of three differ-
ent types of self-diagnostic tests, as follows:
²Fault Code Tests
²Input Circuit Tests
²Output Circuit/Actuator Tests
The information that follows describes:
²How to read the self-diagnostic display
²How to enter the AZC control module self-diag-
nostic test mode
²How to select the self-diagnostic test types
²How to perform the different tests
ENTERING THE AZC SELF-DIAGNOSTIC MODE
To enter the AZC self-diagnostic mode, perform the
following:
(1) Depress the a/c and recirc buttons at the same
time and hold. Rotate the left temperature control
knob clockwise (CW) one detent.
(2) If you continue to keep the a/c and recirc but-
tons depressed, the AZC control module will perform
a Segment Test of the Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) dis-
play. In the Segment Test you should see all of the
display segments illuminate as long as both buttons
are held. If a display segment fails to illuminate, the
vacuum fluorescent display is faulty and the a/c
heater control must be replaced.
(3) After viewing the Segment Test, release the
A/C and Recirc buttons and the display will clear
momentarily.Ifa0isdisplayed, then no faults
are set in the system.Should there be any faults,
either9current9or9historical9, all fault codes will be
displayed in ascending numerical sequence (note no
effort is made to display fault codes in chronological
order). Each fault code is displayed for one second
before the next code is displayed. Once all fault codes
have been displayed, the system will then repeat the
fault code numbers. This will continue until the left
side set temperature control is moved at least onedetent position in the CW direction or the ignition is
turned9OFF9.
FAULT CODE TESTS
Fault codes are two-digit numbers that identify a
circuit that is malfunctioning. There are two differ-
ent kinds of fault codes.
1.Current Fault Codes- Current means the
fault is present right now. There are two types of cur-
rent faults: input faults, and system faults.
2.Historical Fault Codes- Historical or stored
means that the fault occurred previously, but is not
present right now. A majority of historical fault codes
are caused by intermittent wire harness or wire har-
ness connector problems.
CURRENT FAULT CODES
Input faults 01 = IR thermister circuit
open
02 = IR thermister circuit
shorted
03 = Fan pot shorted
04 = Fan pot open
05 = Mode pot shorted
06 = Mode pot open
07 = IR sensor delta too
large
08 = Reserved
09 = Reserved
10 = One of four motor
drivers has drive9A9
shorted to ground
11 = Engine air intake
temperature Buss
message missing
12 = Country code Buss
message missing
24 - 18 CONTROLSWJ
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)
(a) If the refrigerant system fails to reach the
specified vacuum, the system has a leak that must
be corrected. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS)
(b) If the refrigerant system maintains the spec-
ified vacuum for five minutes, restart the vacuum
pump, open the suction and discharge valves and
evacuate the system for an additional ten minutes.
(3) Close all of the valves, and turn off the charg-
ing station vacuum pump.
(4) The refrigerant system is now ready to be
charged with R-134a refrigerant. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE
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)
After the refrigerant system has been tested for
leaks and evacuated, a refrigerant charge can be
injected into the system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - SPECIFICA-
TIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY)
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to charge the refrigerant system with R-134a
refrigerant. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care
and use of this equipment.
PARTIAL CHARGE METHOD
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)
The partial charge method is used to add a partial
charge to a refrigerant system that is low on refrig-
erant. To perform this procedure the evaporator inlet
and outlet tube temperatures are measured. The
temperature difference is measured with a tempera-
ture meter with one or two clamp-on thermocouple
probes. The difference between the evaporator inlet
and outlet tube temperatures will determine the
amount of refrigerant needed.Before adding a partial refrigerant charge, check
for refrigerant system leaks. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS)
If a leak is found, make the necessary repairs before
attempting a full or partial refrigerant charge.
(1) Attach a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system service ports.
(2) Attach the two clamp-on thermocouple probes
to the inlet and outlet tubes of the evaporator coil.
²If a single thermocouple probe is used, attach
the probe to the evaporator inlet tube just before the
collar of the refrigerant line connector fitting. The
probe must make contact with the bottom surface of
the evaporator inlet tube.
²If dual thermocouple probes are used, attach
probe 1 to the evaporator inlet tube, and probe 2 to
the evaporator outlet tube. Attach both probes to the
evaporator tubes just before the collar of the refrig-
erant line connector fittings. The probes must make
contact with the bottom surfaces of the evaporator
inlet and outlet tubes.
(3) Open all of the windows or doors of the passen-
ger compartment.
(4) Set the A/C button on the A/C Heater controls
to the on position, the temperature control knob in
the full cool position, select Recirculation Mode, and
place the blower motor switch in the highest speed
position.
(5) Start the engine and hold the engine idle speed
at 1,000 rpm. Allow the engine to warm up to normal
operating temperature.
(6) The compressor clutch may cycle, depending
upon ambient temperature, humidity, and the refrig-
erant system charge level.
(7) Hold the engine idle speed at 1,000 rpm.
(8) Allow three to five minutes for the refrigerant
system to stabilize, then record the temperatures of
the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes.
²If a single probe is used, record the temperature
of the evaporator inlet tube. Then remove the probe
from the inlet tube and attach it to the evaporator
outlet tube just before the collar of the refrigerant
line connector fitting. The probe must make contact
with the bottom surface of the evaporator outlet tube.
Allow the thermocouple and meter time to stabilize,
then record the temperature of the evaporator outlet
tube. Subtract the inlet tube temperature reading
from the outlet tube temperature reading.
²If dual probes are used, record the temperatures
of both the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes. Then
subtract the inlet tube temperature reading from the
outlet tube temperature reading.
(9) If the measured temperature differential is
higher than 22É C to 26É C (40É F to 47É F), add 0.4
kilograms (14 ounces) of refrigerant.
24 - 56 PLUMBINGWJ
PLUMBING (Continued)
(10) Allow three to five minutes for the refrigerant
system to stabilize, then take a second set of thermo-
couple measurements. Record the temperature differ-
ence to determine if an additional charge is required.(11) Record the compressor discharge pressure. If
the reading is higher than the pressure shown in the
Compressor Discharge Pressure Chart, the system
could be overcharged. If the reading is equal to, or
lower, than the pressure shown in the chart, continue
with this procedure.
Compressor Discharge Pressure Chart
Ambient
Temperature16ÉC
(60ÉF)21ÉC
(70ÉF)27ÉC
(80ÉF)32ÉC
(90ÉF)38ÉC
(100ÉF)43ÉC
(110ÉF)
Compressor
Discharge
Pressure1378 kPa
(200 psi)1516 kPa
(220 psi)1723 kPa
(250psi)1930 kPa
(280 psi)2206 kPa
(320 psi)2413 kPa
(350 psi)
(12)EXAMPLE:The ambient temperature is 21É
C (70É F). The evaporator inlet tube temperature is
12É C (54É F) and the evaporator outlet tube temper-
ature is 10É C (50É F). Subtract the inlet tube tem-
perature from the outlet tube temperature. The
difference is -2É C (-4É F). With a -2É C (-4É F) tem-
perature differential at 21É C (70É F) ambient tem-
perature, the system is fully charged.
(13) Add enough refrigerant to bring the refriger-
ant system up to a full charge.
(14) Remove the jumper wire from the low pres-
sure cycling clutch switch wire harness connector
and plug the connector back into the switch.
SPECIFICATIONS
CHARGE CAPACITY
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle is 0.765 kilograms (1.687 pounds/27
ounces).
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The air conditioning system uses a Nippondenso
10PA17 ten cylinder, double-acting swash plate-type
compressor on all models. This compressor has a
fixed displacement of 170 cubic centimeters (10.374
cubic inches), and has both the suction and discharge
ports located on the cylinder head. A label identifying
the use of R-134a refrigerant is located on the com-
pressor.
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
A high pressure relief valve is located on the com-
pressor manifold, which is on the side of the com-
pressor. This mechanical valve is designed to vent
refrigerant from the system to protect against dam-
age to the compressor and other system components,
caused by condenser air flow restriction or an over-
charge of refrigerant.
OPERATION
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The compressor is driven by the engine through an
electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement.
The compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that is
circulated throughout the refrigerant system with the
refrigerant.
The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant
vapor from the evaporator through its suction port. It
then compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure,
high-temperature refrigerant vapor, which is then
pumped to the condenser through the compressor dis-
charge port.
The compressor cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire compressor assembly must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley, and coil, are
available for service.
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The high pressure relief valve vents the system
when a discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPa (500
to 600 psi) or above is reached. The valve closes
when a minimum discharge pressure of 2756 kPa
(400 psi) is reached.
WJPLUMBING 24 - 57
PLUMBING (Continued)
The high pressure relief valve vents only enough
refrigerant to reduce the system pressure, and then
re-seats itself. The majority of the refrigerant is con-
served in the system. If the valve vents refrigerant, it
does not mean that the valve is faulty.
The high pressure relief valve is a factory-cali-
brated unit. The valve cannot be adjusted or
repaired, and must not be removed or otherwise dis-
turbed. The valve is only serviced as a part of the
compressor assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE
When investigating an air conditioning related
noise, you must first know the conditions under
which the noise occurs. These conditions include:
weather, vehicle speed, transmission in gear or neu-
tral, engine speed, engine temperature, and any
other special conditions. Noises that develop during
air conditioning operation can often be misleading.
For example: What sounds like a failed front bearing
or connecting rod, may be caused by loose bolts, nuts,
mounting brackets, or a loose compressor clutch
assembly.
Drive belts are speed sensitive. At different engine
speeds and depending upon belt tension, belts can
develop noises that are mistaken for a compressor
noise. Improper belt tension can cause a misleading
noise when the compressor clutch is engaged, which
may not occur when the compressor clutch is disen-
gaged. Check the serpentine drive belt condition and
tension as described in Cooling before beginning this
procedure.
(1) Select a quiet area for testing. Duplicate the
complaint conditions as much as possible. Switch the
compressor on and off several times to clearly iden-
tify the compressor noise. Listen to the compressor
while the clutch is engaged and disengaged. Probe
the compressor with an engine stethoscope or a long
screwdriver with the handle held to your ear to bet-
ter localize the source of the noise.
(2) Loosen all of the compressor mounting hard-
ware and retighten. Tighten the compressor clutch
mounting nut. Be certain that the clutch coil is
mounted securely to the compressor, and that the
clutch plate and pulley are properly aligned and have
the correct air gap. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH - INSTALLATION)
(3) To duplicate a high-ambient temperature condi-
tion (high head pressure), restrict the air flow
through the condenser. Install a manifold gauge set
to be certain that the discharge pressure does not
exceed 2760 kPa (400 psi).
(4) Check the refrigerant system plumbing for
incorrect routing, rubbing or interference, which cancause unusual noises. Also check the refrigerant lines
for kinks or sharp bends that will restrict refrigerant
flow, which can cause noises. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(5) If the noise is from opening and closing of the
high pressure relief valve, reclaim, evacuate, and
recharge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)If the high pressure relief valve still
does not seat properly, replace the a/c compressor.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL)
(6) If the noise is from liquid slugging on the suc-
tion line, check the refrigerant oil level and the
refrigerant system charge. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGER-
ANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
SPECIFICATIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY).
(7) If the noise continues, replace the compressor
and repeat Step 1.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL
The compressor may be removed and repositioned
without disconnecting the refrigerant lines or dis-
charging the refrigerant system. Discharging is not
necessary if servicing the compressor clutch or clutch
coil, the engine, the cylinder head, or the generator.
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)
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the system. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY)
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the serpentine drive belt. Refer to
Cooling for the procedures.
(4) Unplug the compressor clutch coil wire harness
connector.
24 - 58 PLUMBINGWJ
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - INSTALLATION).
(9) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(10) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(11) Connect the negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION
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)
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.
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.
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge
line block fitting and the manifold on the compressor.
Install the discharge line block fitting to the manifold
on the compressor. Tighten the mounting bolt to 25.4
N´m (225 in. lbs.).
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant
line fittings on the condenser inlet and the discharge
line. Connect the discharge line to the condenser
inlet. Tighten the retaining nut to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(3) Install the a/c high pressure transducer(Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CON-
TROLS/A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
(5) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)(6) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
A/C EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The ªHº valve type thermal expansion valve (TXV)
is located at the front of the heater-A/C housing
between the liquid and suction lines and the evapo-
rator coil.
The expansion valve is a factory calibrated unit
and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or dam-
aged, the expansion valve must be replaced.
OPERATION
High-pressure, high temperature liquid refrigerant
from the liquid line passes through the expansion
valve orifice, converting it inot a low-pressure, low-
temperature mixture of liquid and gas before it
enters the evaporator coil. A temperature sensor in
the expansion valve control head monitors the tem-
perature of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator coil
throught the suction line, and adjusts the orifice size
at the liquid line to let the proper amoount of refrig-
erant into the evaporator coil to meet the vehicle
cooling requirements. Controlling the refrigerant flow
through the evaporator ensures that none of the
refrigerant leaving the evaporator is still in a liquid
state, which could damage the compressor.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C EXPANSION
VALVE
The expansion valve is located on the engine side
of the dash panel near the shock tower.
The expansion valve can fail in three different
positions (open, closed or restricted).
In an Open Position: this will result in a noisy
compressor or no cooling. The cause can be broken
spring, broken ball or excessive moisture in the A/C
system. If the spring or ball are found to be defective,
replace the expansion valve. If excessive moisture is
found in the A/C system, recycle the refrigerant.
In a Closed Position: There will be low suction
pressure and no cooling. This may be caused by a
failed power dome or excessive moisture in the A/C
system. If the power dome on the expansion valve is
found to be defective replace the expansion valve. If
excessive moisture is found recycle the refrigerant.
A Restricted Orifice: There will be low suction
pressure and no cooling. This may be caused by
debris in the refrigerant system. If debris is believed
to be the cause, recycle the refrigerant and replace
the expansion valve and the receiver/drier.
WJPLUMBING 24 - 65
A/C DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning sys-
tem is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a.
Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC),
R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting
chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flam-
mable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas.
Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it
must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type
refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse
gas and can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 added to an R-134a refrigerant
system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil
sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
In addition, the PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG) synthetic
refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system
are not compatible with the mineral-based refriger-
ant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.
R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service
tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have
all been designed with unique fittings to ensure that
an R-134a system is not accidentally contaminated
with the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also
labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehi-
cle and on the compressor identifying to service tech-
nicians that the air conditioning system is equipped
with R-134a.
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
contains a different additive package. The 10PA17
compressor used in this vehicle is designed to use an
ND8 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
mineral 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
container immediately to prevent moisture contami-
nation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
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 accumulator, 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 a accumulator,
evaporator coil, or condenser are replaced. See the
Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart. 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 refrigerant
oil that was drained out of the old compressor.
Refrigerant Oil Capacities
Component ml fl oz
A/C System 130 4.40
Receiver Drier 70 2.37
Condenser 10 0.34
Evaporator 50 1.69
Compressordrain and measure
the oil from the old
compressor - see
text.
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