2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE evap temp

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

controlled vehicle accessories during periods of low
engine vacuum such as when the vehicle is climbing
a steep grade, or under other high engine load oper-
ating conditions.
The vacuum reservoir cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the right side headlamp mounting
module and headlamp assembly. Refer to Lamps/
Lighting for the procedures.
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the vacuum
reservoir to the base of the radiator closure panel.
(3) Remove the vacuum reservoir.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the vacuum reservoir in the vehicle and
tighten the two screws to 3.4 N´m (30 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the right side headlamp mounting mod-
ule and headlamp assembly. Refer to Lamps/Lighting
for the procedures.
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The evaporator probe is a 2 wire temperature sens-
ing element located at the coldest point on the face of
the evaporator. The switch is attached to the evapo-
rator coil fins. The evaporator temperature probe
prevents condensate water on the evaporator coil
from freezing and obstructing A/C system air flow.
OPERATION
The probe is used to switch the clutch OFF before
evaporator freeze-up occurs. Output from the probe is
sampled by the Body Control Module (BCM). The
clutch is switched OFF when the probe temperature
reaches 1.1É C (34É F). It is allowed to switch ON
when the probe temperature reaches 2.2É C (36É F).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehi-
cle(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(3) Disassemble the HVAC housing(Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY).
(4) Carefully pull the probe out of the evaporator
core.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the new probe into the evaporator.
NOTE: The new probe must not go into the same
hole (in the evaporator core) that the old probe was
removed from.
(2) Reassemble the HVAC housing(Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY).
(3) Reinstall the HVAC assembly in the vehicle(Re-
fer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DIS-
TRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 22 VACUUM RESERVOIR
1 - FAN RELAY
2 - SPEED CONTROL SERVO
3 - VACUUM RESERVOIR
WJCONTROLS 24 - 35
VACUUM RESERVOIR (Continued)

HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
The HVAC housing assembly must be removed
from the vehicle and the two halves of the housing
separated for service access of the heater core, evap-
orator coil, blend door(s), and each of the various
mode doors.
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION)
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehi-
cle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(4) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line from
the evaporator inlet tube(Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/LIQUID LINE -
REMOVAL) or (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING/LIQUID LINE - REMOV-
AL). Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings.
(5) Disconnect the suction line refrigerant line
from the evaporator outlet tube(Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/SUCTION
LINE - REMOVAL), (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/SUCTION LINE -
REMOVAL) or (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING/SUCTION LINE - REMOV-
AL). Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings.(6) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
core tubes. Clamp off the heater hoses to prevent loss
of coolant. Refer to Cooling for the procedures. Install
plugs in, or tape over the opened heater core tubes.
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with the manual tem-
perature control system, unplug the HVAC system
vacuum supply line connector from the tee fitting
near the heater core tubes.
(8) Remove the coolant reserve/overflow bottle
from the passenger side inner fender shield. Refer to
Cooling for the procedures.
(9) Remove the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
from the passenger side dash panel in the engine
compartment and set it aside. Do not unplug the
PCM wire harness connectors. Refer to Electronic
Control Modules for the procedures.
(10) Remove the nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs on the engine compartment side of
the dash panel (Fig. 9).
(11) Remove the rear floor heat ducts from the
floor heat duct outlets (Fig. 10).
(12) Unplug the HVAC housing wire harness con-
nectors.
(13) Remove the HVAC housing mounting nuts
from the studs on the passenger compartment side of
the dash panel (Fig. 11).
Fig. 9 HVAC Housing - (rear view)
1 - Instrument Panel
2 - Air Intake
3 - Expansion Valve
4 - HVAC Housing
5 - Heater Core Input/Output Ports
6 - Instrument Panel Wiring Harness
7 - Blower Motor
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 41

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(13) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(14) Install the instrument panel in the vehicle(Re-
fer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(15) Connect the battery negative cable.
(16) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove evaporator from lower case to ease
access to plastic door shaft bushing.
(3) Pinch the retention tabs holding the blend door
pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs, located on
the inside of the case, are part of the shaft retainer.
(4) Remove door(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the blend door(s) by snapping the pivot
shaft into the HVAC case.
(2) Install the evaporator in the lower case.
(3) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)NOTE: The blend door sub-assembly is attached to
the housing with 2 screws, and may be removed for
service (Fig. 20).
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - PANEL OUTLET DOOR
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
Fig. 20 BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
1 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR
2 - BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
3 - DOOR PIVOT SHAFT BUSHING
4 - DOOR SHAFT LEVER
5 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR
24 - 46 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

(2) Pinch the retention tabs holding the panel out-
let door pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs,
located on the inside of the case, are part of the shaft
retainer (Fig. 21).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the panel outlet door pivot
shaft retainer from the pivot shaft.
(4) Remove the panel outlet door from the HVAC
housing.
REMOVAL - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove the evaporator, and styrofoam tray
from the lower case.
(3) Place the HVAC housing upside down on a
work bench.
(4) Unscrew and remove the 2 floor heat ducts.
(5) Unsnap and remove the duct adapter from the
bottom of the heat/defrost door sub-assembly (Fig.
22).
(6) Gently pry the metal linkage from the heat/de-
frost door lever.
(7) Remove the heat/defrost door sub-assembly,
which is attached to the housing with 4 screws (Fig.
23).
(8) Pinch the retention tabs holding the heat/de-
frost door pivot shaft lever to the case. The 3 plastic
tabs, located on the inside of the case, are part of the
shaft retainer.
(9) Remove the heat/defrost door (Fig. 24).
Fig. 21 PANEL OUTLET DOOR
1 - PANEL/OUTLET DOOR
2 - DOOR SHAFT
3 - FOAM SEAL
(SPLIT)
4 - LOWER HOUSING
5 - PANEL OUTLET DOOR LEVER
6 - LEVER
Fig. 22 HEAT/DEFROST DOOR DUCTS, AND
ADAPTER
1 - FLOOR DUCT ADAPTER
2 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
3 - DOOR LEVERS
4 - LOWER HOUSING
5 - FLOOR DUCTS
6 - LINKAGE
7 - RETAINING TABS
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 47
MODE DOOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - PANEL OUTLET DOOR
(1) Snap the panel outlet door pivot shaft retainer
on the pivot shaft.
(2) Attach the panel outlet door pivot shaft to the
HVAC case.
(3) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Install the heat/defrost door by snapping the
heat/defrost door pivot shaft into the HVAC case.
(2) Install the heat/defrost door sub-assembly and
tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Attach the metal linkage to the heat/defrost
door lever.
(4) Snap the duct adapter to the bottom of the
heat/defrost door sub-assembly.
(5) Install the 2 floor heat ducts and tighten the
mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.)..
(6) Install the evaporator, and styrofoam tray in
the lower case.
(7) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Snap the panel/defrost door pivot shaft retainer
on the pivot shaft.
(2) Attach the panel/defrost door pivot shaft to the
HVAC case.
(3) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
RECIRCULATION DOOR
REMOVAL
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Place the HVAC housing right side up on the
work bench.
(3) Unplug the wire/vacuum connector from the
recirculation door actuator.
(4) Remove the 2 screws fastening the recircula-
tion door sub-assembly to the main housing (Fig. 26).
Fig. 26 RECIRCULATION DOOR HOUSING
1 - RECIRCULATION DOOR HOUSING
2 - ATTACHING SCREWS
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 49
MODE DOOR (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

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)