2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 8J Instrument

(14) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle,
ensuring that the interior is covered in case of loss of
fluids.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Place the HVAC housing with the tubing side
down on a work bench, making allowance for leakage
of fluids.
(3) Using a sharp knife, split the foam seal sur-
rounding the panel outlet opening, at the dividing
line of the upper and lower cases (Fig. 12).
(4) Place the HVAC housing in the upright position
on the work bench.
(5) Remove the mode door actuator on the left side
of the housing, which controls the mode door in the
top of the case (Fig. 13) (Fig. 14).
(6) Remove the screw with plastic washer holding
the lever assembly to the upper case section, and
move aside (Fig. 15).
(7) Remove the 5 clips that secure the two housing
halves to each other. There are 2 on either side at
the center, and 1 located at the forward end of the
mode door side of the case (Fig. 16).
Fig. 10 REAR FLOOR DUCTS
1 - LEFT REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AIR DUCT
2 - RIGHT REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AIR DUCT
3 - TO CARPET DUCT
4 - TO CARPET DUCT
Fig. 11 Passenger Side Instrument Panel to
Heater-A/C Housing Mounting
1 - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL STRUCTURAL DUCT
3 - SCREW (2)
Fig. 12 SPLIT FOAM SEAL AT PANEL OUTLET
1 - ONE PIECE FOAM SEAL
2 - FLOOR DUCT
3 - TO REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AIR DUCT
24 - 42 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

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)

REMOVAL - PANEL/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.
See HVAC Housing in this group for the procedures.
(2) Pinch the retention tabs holding the panel/de-
frost door pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs,
located on the inside of the case, are part of the shaft
retainer (Fig. 25).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the panel/defrost door
pivot shaft retainer from the pivot shaft.
(4) Remove the panel/defrost door from the HVAC
housing.
Fig. 23 HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
1 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
2 - LEVERS
3 - LOWER HOUSING
4 - SCREWS
5 - LINKAGE
Fig. 24 HEAT/DEFROST DOOR REMOVAL
1 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
2 - LOWER HOUSING
3 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
4 - FLOOR DUCTS
5 - DOOR LEVER
Fig. 25 PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
1 - UPPER HOUSING
2 - LEVER
3 - PANEL/DEFROST MODE DOOR
24 - 48 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
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)

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)

INSTALLATION - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL
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) Carefully position the suction line in the vehi-
cle.
(2) Remove the cap or tape and install the suction
line on the compressor. Be certain the sealing o-ring
is well lubricated with PAG oil and free of tears.
Torque the retaining fastener to 22 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(3) Position and install the refrigerant line support
bracket bolt on the cylinder head cap. Torque the bolt
to 20 N´m (177 in. lbs.).
(4) Remove the cap or tape and install the suction
line on the H-Valve Block. Be certain the sealing
O-ring is well lubricated with PAG oil and free of
tears. Torque the retaining fastener to 28 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.).
(5) Install the tie-straps retaining the wire har-
ness on the suction line.
(6) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(7) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(8) Connect the negative battery cable.
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The evaporator coil is located in the HVAC hous-
ing, under the instrument panel. The evaporator coil
is positioned in the HVAC housing so that all air that
enters the housing must pass over the fins of the
evaporator before it is distributed through the sys-
tem ducts and outlets. However, air passing over the
evaporator coil fins will only be conditioned when the
compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant
through the evaporator coil tubes.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the evaporator from the orifice
tube as a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. As
air flows over the fins of the evaporator, the humidity
in the air condenses on the fins, and the heat from
the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat absorp-
tion causes the refrigerant to boil and vaporize. The
refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas before it
leaves the evaporator.
The evaporator coil cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
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.
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) 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) Lift the evaporator coil unit out of the lower
half of the HVAC housing (Fig. 11).
WJPLUMBING 24 - 69
SUCTION LINE (Continued)

HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is located in the HVAC housing,
under the instrument panel. It is a heat exchanger
made of rows of tubes and fins.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through heater hoses
to the heater core at all times. As the coolant flows
through the heater core, heat removed from the
engine is transferred to the heater core fins and
tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks up
the heat from the heater core fins. The temperature
control door allows control of the heater output air
temperature by controlling how much of the air flow-
ing through the HVAC housing is directed through
the heater core. The blower motor speed controls the
volume of air flowing through the HVAC housing.
The heater core cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced. Refer to Cooling for
more information on the engine cooling system, the
engine coolant and the heater hoses.
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.
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) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the foam gasket surrounding the core
tubes.
NOTE: Notice the orientation of the irregularly
shaped gasket on the tubes. The gasket must be
placed correctly to ensure proper sealing against
the body during reinstallation.(3)
Remove the screws and retainers that secure the
heater core and tubes to the HVAC housing (Fig. 12).
(4) Remove the mode door actuator if necessary,
for clearance to remove the core.
(5) Lift the heater core straight up and out of the
HVAC housing (Fig. 13).
(6) When replacing individual tubes, loosen and
remove the round tube-to-core clamp, and pull tube
from core.
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
Fig. 12 HEATER CORE, TUBES, AND RETAINERS
1 - TUBE-TO-CORE CLAMPS
2 - GROUND STRAP
3 - HVAC HOUSING
4 - TUBE RETAINERS AND SCREWS
5 - HEATER CORE
WJPLUMBING 24 - 71