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
NOTE: The blend door sub-assembly is attached to
the housing with 2 screws, and may be removed for
service (Fig. 19).
ASSEMBLY
(1) Place the top half of the HVAC housing on the
bottom half. Be certain that each of the door pivot
pins align with the pivot holes in the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the 10 screws that secure the two hous-
ing halves to each other. Tighten the HVAC housing
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Attach the wire harness electrical connector(s)
to the mounts on the lower case at the blower motor
end of the unit.
(4) Install the 5 clips that secure the two housing
halves to each other. Check doors for binding after
replacement, and after assembly of housing.
(5) Install the screw with plastic washer holding
the lever assembly to the upper case section.
(6) Install the mode door actuator on the left side
of the housing.
INSTALLATION
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)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) Position the HVAC housing to the dash panel.
Be certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
and the housing mounting studs are inserted into
their correct mounting holes.
(2) Install the HVAC housing mounting nuts to the
studs on the passenger compartment side of the dash
panel. Tighten the nuts to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC housing wire harness con-
nectors.
(4) Reinstall the rear floor heat ducts to the center
floor heat duct outlets.
(5) Install and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC
housing mounting studs on the engine compartment
side of the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 7 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the PCM to the passenger side dash
panel in the engine compartment. Refer to Electronic
Control Modules for the procedures.
(7) Reinstall the coolant reserve/overflow bottle to
the passenger side inner fender shield. Refer to Cool-
ing for the procedures.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with the manual tem-
perature control system, connect the HVAC system
vacuum supply line connector to the tee fitting near
the heater core tubes.
(9) Unclamp/unplug the heater core hoses and
tubes. Connect the heater hoses to the heater core
tubes and fill the engine cooling system. Refer to
Cooling for the procedures.
(10) Unplug or remove the tape from the suction
line and the evaporator outlet tube fittings. Connect
the suction line to the evaporator outlet tube.
Tighten retaining nut to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid
line and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect
the liquid line to the evaporator inlet tube. Tighten
retaining nut to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(12) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
Fig. 19 BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY (AZC)
1 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR
2 - BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
3 - DOOR PIVOT SHAFT BUSHING
4 - DOOR SHAFT LEVER
5 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 45
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)
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)
(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)
(5) Remove the (2) refrigerant line retaining bolts
that secure the suction line and discharge line to the
compressor. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the
opened refrigerant fittings.
(6) Remove the bolts that secure the compressor
(Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4).
(7) Remove the compressor.
Fig. 2 COMPRESSOR REMOVE/INSTALL - 4.0L
ENGINE
1 - POWER STEERING PUMP MOUNTING BRACKET
2 - BOLT
3 - BRACE
4 - BOLT
5 - BOLT
6 - A/C COMPRESSOR
7 - BOLT
Fig. 3 COMPRESSOR AND A/C LINES - V8
1 - DISCHARGE LINE
2 - A/C COMPRESSOR
3 - SUCTION LINE
4 - A/C/ CONDENSOR
5 - DISCHARGE LINE TO CONDENSOR
6 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER SWITCH
7 - A/C/ SERVICE PORT
8 - RECEIVER DRIER
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR REMOVE/INSTALL - V8
ENGINE - RIGHT VIEW
1 - BOLT
2 - A/C COMPRESSOR
3 - BOLT
WJPLUMBING 24 - 59
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)