INSTALLATION
(1) Plug the wire harness and/or vacuum harness
connectors into the back of the a/c heater control.
(2) Position the a/c heater control in the instru-
ment panel and secure it with 4 screws. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center upper, and center lower
bezels onto the instrument panel. Refer to Instru-
ment Panel System for the procedures.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION
The A/C pressure transducer is installed on a fit-
ting located on the refrigerant discharge line near
the condenser. An internally threaded hex fitting on
the transducer connects it to the externally threaded
Schrader-type fitting on the discharge line. A rubber
O-ring seals the connection between the transducer
and the discharge line fitting. Three terminals within
a molded plastic connector receptacle on the top of
the transducer connect it to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a take out and connector of the head-
lamp and dash wire harness.
The A/C pressure transducer cannot be adjusted or
repaired and if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The A/C pressure transducer monitors the pres-
sures in the high side of the refrigerant system
through its connection to a fitting on the discharge
line. The transducer will change its internal resis-
tance in response to the pressures it monitors. The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a five
volt reference signal and a sensor ground to the
transducer, then monitors the output voltage of the
transducer on a sensor return circuit to determine
refrigerant pressure. The PCM is preporgrammed to
respond to this and other sensor inputs by controlling
the operation of the air conditioning compressor
clutch and the radiator cooling fan to help optimize
air conditioning system performance and to protect
the system components from damage. The A/C pres-
sure transducer input to the PCM will also prevent
the air conditioning compressor clutch from engaging
when the ambient temperatures are below about
0.556É C (33É F) due to the pressure/temperature
relationship of the refrigerant. The Schrader-type
valve in the liquid line fitting permits the A/C pres-
sure transducer to be removed or installed without
distrubing the refrigerant in the system. The A/C
pressure transducer is diagnosed using the DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
Fig. 13 A/C HEATER CONTROL REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - MOUNTING SCREW TABS
Fig. 14 A/C HEATER CONTROL CONNECTIONS
1 - MODE SWITCH
2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
3 - VACUUM HARNESS
WJCONTROLS 24 - 25
A/C HEATER CONTROL (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the defroster duct on the HVAC unit
housing.
(2) Install the three screws that secure the
defroster duct to the HVAC unit housing. Tighten the
mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the instrument panel assembly in the
vehicle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
INSTALLATION).
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
REMOVAL
(1) To remove the driver side floor duct from the
vehicle, remove the knee blocker panel for access to
attaching screw. See Instrument Panel System for
the procedures.
(2) The passenger side floor duct fastener can be
accessed under the right-center instrument panel.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the floor duct(s)
to the HVAC housing (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Attach the floor duct(s) to the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the screw that secures the floor duct(s)
to the HVAC housing. Tighten the mounting screws
to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the knee blocker panel. See Instrument
Panel System for the procedures.
INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the instrument panel top pad from the
vehicle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER - REMOVAL).
(2) Unsnap the duct extension(s) from the instru-
ment panel structural duct assembly (Fig. 6).
(3) Remove the duct extension(s) from the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the duct extension(s) to the instru-
ment panel.
(2) Snap the duct extension(s) to the instrument
panel structural duct assembly.
(3) Install the instrument panel top pad in the
vehicle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
REAR FLOOR HEAT DUCT
REMOVAL
(1) To remove the rear floor ducts from the vehicle,
remove the knee blocker panels for access, and pull
carpeting back.
(2) Pull the floor ducts from the HVAC housing
(Fig. 8).
NOTE: The ductwork running from the HVAC hous-
ing rearward through the passenger compartment is
molded into the carpeting, and must be replaced as
a unit if damaged.
INSTALLATION
(1) Attach the floor ducts to the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the knee blocker panels.
(3) Install the carpeting back in its original posi-
tion.
Fig. 5 FLOOR DUCTS (HOUSING REMOVED)
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 - 39
DEFROSTER DUCTS (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)
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)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(8) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(9) Connect the negative battery cable.
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION
The condenser is located in the air flow in front of
the engine cooling radiator. The condenser is a heat
exchanger that allows the high-pressure refrigerant
gas being discharged by the compressor to give up its
heat to the air passing over the condenser fins.
OPERATION
When the refrigerant gas gives up its heat, it con-
denses. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser, it
has become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The
volume of air flowing over the condenser fins is crit-
ical to the proper cooling performance of the air con-
ditioning system. Therefore, it is important that
there are no objects placed in front of the radiator
grille openings in the front of the vehicle or foreign
material on the condenser fins that might obstruct
proper air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or
shrouds must be properly reinstalled following radia-
tor or condenser service.
The condenser cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
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)
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS GROUP BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
CAUTION: Before removing the condenser, note the
location of each of the radiator and condenser air
seals. These seals are used to direct air through the
condenser and radiator. The air seals must be rein-
stalled in their proper locations in order for the air
conditioning and engine cooling systems to per-
form as designed.(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(3) Remove the screws attaching the grille and
headlamp mounting module to the upper crossmem-
ber of the vehicle. Refer to Body for this and further
steps in the procedure.
(4) Remove the headlamps from their mounts.
(5) Remove the nuts that secure the hood latch
and brace to the upper crossmember.
(6) The radiator upper crossmember can be
adjusted left or right through the use of its slotted
mounting holes. Before removal, mark the original
position of the crossmember.
(7) Remove the bolts that secure the radiator to
the upper crossmember and set it aside (Fig. 6).
(8) Remove the engine air filter inlet duct secured
at the headlamp mounting module.
(9) Remove the headlamp mounting module and
front fascia for access to the condenser and fittings.
(10) Disconnect the discharge line and liquid line
refrigerant line fittings from the condenser. Install
plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant
line fittings.Fig. 6 CONDENSER MOUNTING - TYPICAL
1 - CONDENSER-TO-RADIATOR MOUNTING BRACKETS (2)
2 - UPPER CROSSMEMBER
3 - FAN SHROUD
4 - ALIGNMENT TABS
5 - RADIATOR
6 - ALIGNMENT DOWELS (2)
7 - RUBBER ISOLATORS (2)
8 - RUBBER GROMMETS (2)
9 - LOWER CROSSMEMBER
10 - CONDENSER
24 - 62 PLUMBINGWJ
A/C COMPRESSOR (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)