2002 JEEP LIBERTY vent

DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
SERVICE PORT
The two refrigerant system service ports are used
to charge, recover/recycle, evacuate, and test the air
conditioning refrigerant system. Unique service port
coupler sizes are used on the R-134a system, to
ensure that the refrigerant system is not accidentally
contaminated by the use of the wrong refrigerant
(R-12), or refrigerant system service equipment.
OPERATION
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
The heater and optional air conditioner are blend-
air type systems. In a blend-air system, a blend door
controls the amount of unconditioned air (or cooled
air from the evaporator on models with air condition-
ing) that is allowed to flow through, or around, the
heater core. A temperature control knob on the A/C
Heater control panel determines the discharge air
temperature by controlling an electric actuator,
which moves the blend door. This allows an almost
immediate control of the output air temperature of
the system.
The mode control knob on the heater-only or A/C
Heater control panel is used to direct the conditioned
air to the selected system outlets. Both mode control
switches use engine vacuum to control the mode
doors, which are operated by vacuum actuators.
On all vehicles, the outside air intake can be shut
off by selecting the Recirculation Mode with the
mode control knob. This will operate a vacuum actu-
ated recirculation door that closes off the outside
fresh air intake and recirculates the air that is
already inside the vehicle.
The optional air conditioner for all models is
designed for the use of non-CFC, R-134a refrigerant.
The air conditioning system has an evaporator to cool
and dehumidify the incoming air prior to blending it
with the heated air. This air conditioning system
uses a fixed orifice tube in the liquid line near the
condenser outlet tube to meter refrigerant flow to the
evaporator coil. To maintain minimum evaporator
temperature and prevent evaporator freezing, the
A/C low pressure switch on the accumulator cycles
the compressor clutch.
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
PORT
The high pressure service port is located on the
refrigerant line, near the discharge port of the com-
pressor. The low pressure service port is located on
the liquid line at the side of the engine compartment,
near the condensor.Each of the service ports has a threaded plastic
protective cap installed over it from the factory. After
servicing the refrigerant system, always reinstall
both of the service port caps.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE
The air conditioning system is designed to provide
the passenger compartment with low temperature
and low humidity air. The evaporator, located in the
HVAC housing on the dash panel below the instru-
ment panel, is cooled to temperatures near the freez-
ing point. As warm damp air passes through the
cooled evaporator, the air transfers its heat to the
refrigerant in the evaporator and the moisture in the
air condenses on the evaporator fins. During periods
of high heat and humidity, an air conditioning sys-
tem will be more effective in the Recirculation Mode.
With the system in the Recirculation Mode, only air
from the passenger compartment passes through the
evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehu-
midifies, the air conditioning system performance
levels improve.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the air condition-
ing system. When humidity is high, the evaporator
has to perform a double duty. It must lower the air
temperature, and it must lower the temperature of
the moisture in the air that condenses on the evapo-
rator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air trans-
fers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing.
This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature
of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Remov-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from the
air conditioning system on humid days. A perfor-
mance test is the best way to determine whether the
system is performing up to standard. This test also
provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of
trouble with the air conditioning system.
Before proceeding, (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION). The air temperature in
the test room and in the vehicle must be a minimum
of 21É C (70É F) for this test.
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGKJ
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

CAUTION: If the snap ring is not fully seated in the
groove it will vibrate out, resulting in a clutch fail-
ure and severe damage to the front housing of the
compressor.
(6) Install the original clutch shims on the com-
pressor shaft.
(7) Install the clutch plate. Install the shaft hex
nut and tighten to 15±20 N´m (11±15 ft. lbs.).
(8) Check the clutch air gap with a feeler gauge
(Fig. 9). If the air gap does not meet the specification,
add or subtract shims as required. The air gap spec-
ification is 0.41 to 0.79 millimeter (0.016 to 0.031
inch).NOTE: The air gap is determined by the spacer
shims. When installing an original, or a new clutch
assembly, try the original shims first. When install-
ing a new clutch onto a compressor that previously
did not have a clutch, use a 1.0, 0.50, and 0.13 mil-
limeter (0.040, 0.020, and 0.005 inch) shims from the
new clutch hardware package that is provided with
the new clutch.
(9) To complete the procedure, (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
COMPRESSOR - INSTALLATION).
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The compressor clutch relay is a International
Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The termi-
nal designations and functions are the same as a con-
ventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay
terminal orientation (footprint) is different, the cur-
rent capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions
are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The compressor clutch relay is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compart-
ment. Refer to the PDC label for relay identification
and location.
OPERATION
The compressor clutch relay is a electromechanical
device that switches battery current to the compres-
sor clutch coil when the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) grounds the coil side of the relay. The PCM
responds to inputs from the A/C Heater mode control
switch, the A/C low pressure switch, and the A/C
high pressure switch. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
The compressor clutch relay cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH RELAY
RELAY TEST
The compressor clutch relay (Fig. 10) is located in
the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the
PDC label for relay identification and location.
Remove the relay from the PDC to perform the fol-
lowing tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
Fig. 8 CLUTCH PULLEY INSTALL
1 - ROTOR BEARING ASSEMBLY
2 - INSTALLER
Fig. 9 CHECK CLUTCH AIR GAP
1 - FEELER GAUGE
KJCONTROLS 24 - 15
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (Continued)

electric cooling fan operations. The switch is located
on the discharge line near the compressor. The
switch is screwed onto a fitting that contains a
Schrader-type valve, which allows the switch to be
serviced without discharging the refrigerant system.
The discharge line fitting is equipped with an O-ring
to seal the switch connection.
OPERATION
The A/C high pressure switch is connected in series
electrically with the A/C low pressure switch between
ground and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The switch contacts open and close causing the PCM
to turn the compressor clutch on and off. This pre-
vents compressor operation when the discharge line
pressure approaches high levels, and also reduces
electrical surging from compressor clutch engage-
ment.
The A/C high pressure switch controls the electric
cooling fan operation by monitoring refrigerant line
pressures. When the discharge line pressure rises
above 1900 to 2200 kPa (280 to 320 psi) the fan will
turn on. The cooling fan will turn off when the dis-
charge line pressure drops to 1600 kPa (235 psi).
The A/C high pressure switch controls the A/C
clutch operation by disengaging the clutch when the
discharge line pressure rises above 3100 to 3375 kPa
(450 to 490 psi). The switch contacts will close and
allow A/C clutch engagement when the discharge line
pressure drops to 1860 to 2275 kPa (270 to 330 psi).
The A/C high pressure switch is a factory-cali-
brated unit. The switch cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C HIGH
PRESSURE SWITCH
Before performing diagnosis of the A/C high pres-
sure switch, verify that the refrigerant system has
the correct refrigerant charge. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
CHARGE)
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the A/C high pressure switch wire har-
ness connector from the switch on the refrigerant
system fitting.
(3) On the four terminal A/C high pressure switch,
check for continuity between terminals C and D. On
the two terminal A/C high pressure switch, check for
continuity between both terminals of the switch.
There should be continuity. If OK, test and repair theA/C switch sense circuit as required. If not OK,
replace the faulty switch.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
A/C high pressure switch, which is mounted to a fit-
ting on the non-flexible section of the discharge line
nearest the compressor.
(3) Unscrew the A/C high pressure switch from the
discharge line fitting.
(4) Remove the A/C high pressure switch from the
vehicle.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal from the discharge line
fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the discharge line fitting.
Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a
special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the com-
pressor in the vehicle(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - SPECIFICATIONS). (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/RE-
FRIGERANT OIL - DESCRIPTION)
(2) Install and tighten the a/c high pressure switch
on the discharge line fitting. The switch should be
hand-tightened onto the discharge line fitting.
(3) Plug the wire harness connector into the a/c
high pressure switch.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The a/c low pressure switch is located on the top of
the accumulator. The switch is screwed onto an accu-
mulator fitting that contains a Schrader-type valve,
which allows the switch to be serviced without dis-
charging the refrigerant system. The accumulator fit-
ting is equipped with an O-ring to seal the switch
connection.
OPERATION
The a/c low pressure switch is connected in series
electrically with the a/c high pressure switch,
between ground and the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The switch contacts open and close causing
the PCM to turn the a/c compressor clutch on and
off. This regulates the refrigerant system pressure
and controls evaporator temperature. Controlling the
evaporator temperature prevents condensate water
24 - 18 CONTROLSKJ
A/C HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH (Continued)

on the evaporator fins from freezing and obstructing
air conditioning system air flow.
The a/c low pressure switch contacts are open
when the suction pressure is approximately 141 kPa
(20.5 psi) or lower. The switch contacts will close
when the suction pressure rises to approximately 234
to 262 kPa (34 to 38 psi) or above. Lower ambient
temperatures, below approximately -1É C (30É F), will
also cause the switch contacts to open. This is due to
the pressure/temperature relationship of the refriger-
ant in the system.
The a/c low pressure switch is a factory-calibrated
unit. It cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C LOW
PRESSURE SWITCH
Before performing diagnosis of the a/c low pressure
switch, be certain that the switch is properly
installed on the accumulator fitting. If the switch is
too loose it may not open the Schrader-type valve in
the accumulator fitting, which will prevent the
switch from correctly monitoring the refrigerant sys-
tem pressure. Remember that lower ambient temper-
atures, below about -1É C (30É F), during cold
weather will open the switch contacts and prevent
compressor operation due to the pressure/tempera-
ture relationship of the refrigerant.
Also verify that the refrigerant system has the cor-
rect refrigerant charge. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
- A/C PERFORMANCE) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the a/c low pressure switch wire har-
ness connector from the switch on the accumulator
fitting.
(3) Install a jumper wire between the two cavities
of the a/c low pressure switch wire harness connector.
(4) Connect a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system service ports. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
EQUIPMENT) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE PORT)
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Place the A/C Heater mode control switch knob
in any A/C position and start the engine.
(7) Check for continuity between the two terminals
of the a/c low pressure switch. There should be con-
tinuity with a suction pressure reading of 262 kPa(38 psi) or above, and no continuity with a suction
pressure reading of 141 kPa (20.5 psi) or below. If
OK, test and repair the A/C switch sense circuit as
required. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c
low pressure switch on the top of the accumulator
(Fig. 13).
(3) Unscrew the a/c low pressure switch from the
fitting on the top of the accumulator.
(4) Remove the O-ring seal from the accumulator
fitting and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean refrig-
erant oil and install it on the accumulator fitting.
Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a
special material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the com-
pressor in the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT
OIL - DESCRIPTION)
Fig. 13 A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
1 - WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH
3 - A/C LINE TO EVAPORATOR
4 - ACCUMULATOR MOUNTING BRACKET
5 - ACCUMULATOR
6 - A/C LOW PRESSURE LINE
KJCONTROLS 24 - 19
A/C LOW PRESSURE SWITCH (Continued)

VACUUM CHECK VALVE
DESCRIPTION
A vacuum check valve is installed in the accessory
vacuum supply line in the engine compartment, near
the vacuum tap on the engine intake manifold, and
at the HVAC unit takeout. The vacuum check valve
is designed to allow vacuum to flow in only one direc-
tion through the accessory vacuum supply circuits.
OPERATION
The use of a vacuum check valve helps to maintain
the system vacuum needed to retain the selected A/C
Heater mode settings. The check valve will prevent
the engine from bleeding down system vacuum
through the intake manifold during extended heavy
engine load (low engine vacuum) operation.
The vacuum check valve cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
(1) Unplug the HVAC vacuum supply line connec-
tor at the vacuum check valve. The check valve is
located behind the glove box on the passengers side
of the vehicle (Fig. 22).
(2) Note the orientation of the check valve in the
vacuum supply line for correct reinstallation.
(3) Unplug the vacuum check valve from the vac-
uum supply line fittings.
INSTALLATION
(1) Plug in the vacuum check valve at the vacuum
supply line fittings making sure of proper orienta-
tion.(2) Plug in the vacuum check valve at the HVAC
vacuum supply line connector.
Fig. 22 RECIRCULATION ACTUATOR AND CHECK
VA LV E
1 - RECIRCULATION ACTUATOR
2 - VACUUM LINE TO RESEVOIR
3 - HVAC HOUSING
4 - VACUUM CHECK VALVE
24 - 28 CONTROLSKJ

(7) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
core tubes. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tubes.
(8) Unplug the HVAC system vacuum supply line
connector from the engine side harness.
(9) Remove the nuts from the HVAC housing
mounting studs.
(10) Remove the HVAC housing from inside the
vehicle taking care not to allow any remaining cool-
ant to drain on the vehicles interior.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle
and place it on the workbench. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Unplug the vacuum harness connectors from
the mode and recirculation door actuators and the
recirculation door actuator.
(3) Disengage the vacuum harness from any rout-
ing clips located on the lower half of the HVAC hous-
ing.
(4) Remove the blower motor and blower wheel
unit from the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
BLOWER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(5) Pop out the grommet onl the vacuum supply
line and slide hole in housing.
(6) Carefully remove the foam seals from the
heater core and evaporator coil tube mounting flange
of the HVAC housing. If the either seal is deformed
or damaged it must be replaced.
(7) Use a screwdriver to pry off the four snap clips
that help secure the upper and lower HVAC housing
halves together.
(8) Remove the screws that secure the upper and
lower HVAC housing halves together.
(9) Carefully separate the upper HVAC housing
from the lower half.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Assemble the upper HVAC housing half to the
lower half. During assembly, be certain of the follow-
ing.
(a) That each of the mode door pivot shaft ends
and the two temperature blend door shafts are
properly engaged in there pivot holes.
(b) That the blower motor venturi ring is prop-
erly indexed and installed.
(c) If the unit is equipped with air conditioning,
that the evaporator coil tube rubber seal is prop-
erly positioned in the grooves in both the upper
and lower HVAC housing halves.
(2) Install the screws and four snap clips that
secure the upper and lower HVAC housing halves toeach other. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.).
(3) Install the blower motor and wheel unit in the
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/BLOWER MOTOR -
INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the foam seals on the flanges around
the heater core and evaporator coil tube mounting
flange of the HVAC housing.
(5) Insert the vacuum supply line and connector
through the foam seal on the heater core and evapo-
rator coil tube mounting flange of the HVAC housing.
Check that the vacuum grommet is securely seated
into the housing hole flange.
(6) Engage the vacuum harness to the routing
clips and plug in the vacuum harness connector at
the floor door actuator and, if the unit is so equipped,
at the recirculation air door actuator.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR
CONDITIONING, REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND
CAUTIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING
THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - CAUTION) (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION -
REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES PRECAU-
TIONS)
(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 and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC
housing mounting studs. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 N´m
(55 in.lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC system vacuum supply line
connector.
(4) Unplug or remove the tape from the heater
core tubes. Connect the heater hoses to the heater
core tubes and fill the engine cooling system(Refer to
7 - COOLING/ENGINE - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) If the vehicle is not equipped with air condi-
tioning, go to Step 10.
(6) Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid line
and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect the
liquid line coupler to the evaporator inlet tube. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLERS)
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
24 - 34 DISTRIBUTIONKJ
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from an exhaust manifold.
WARNING
SERVICE WARNINGS
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 SER-
VICE PERSONNEL.
AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT AND REFRIG-
ERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRI-
TATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR THROAT. WEAR EYE
PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE AIR CONDITION-
ING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERIOUS EYE INJURY
CAN RESULT FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE
REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CONTACT OCCURS, SEEK
MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
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, VEN-
TILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT
RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DIS-
PLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a REFRIGERANT
AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE IS
EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING THAT
COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT WILL
FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT THE SKIN OR DELICATE
OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE
REFRIGERANT.
THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR THE VEHICLE
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE
TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR.
SOME MIXTURES OF AIR AND R-134a HAVE BEEN
SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRES-
SURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DAN-
GEROUS, AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION
CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
SERVICE CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal sur-
faces. 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 refrigerant.
Do not remove the secondary retention clip from any
spring-lock coupler connection while the refrigerant
system is under pressure. Recover the refrigerant
before removing the secondary retention clip. Open
the fittings with caution, even after the system has
been discharged. Never open or loosen a connection
before recovering the refrigerant.
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 service
the system. This will prevent contamination in the sys-
tem.
Before disconnecting a component, clean the outside
of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination
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 connecting.
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 refriger-
ant lines away from exhaust system components or
any sharp edges, which may damage the line.
Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the specified torque.
The aluminum fittings used in the refrigerant system
will not tolerate overtightening.
When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a wrench
on both halves of the fitting. This will prevent 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. Contami-
nation of the refrigerant system through careless work
habits must be avoided.
KJPLUMBING 24 - 39
PLUMBING (Continued)

CAUTION - 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 operating.
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:
²
All 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
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
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
equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of
this equipment.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 1). The
service hoses on the gauge set being used should
have manual (turn wheel), or automatic back-flow
valves at the service port connector ends. This will
prevent refrigerant from being released into the
atmosphere.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.
LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE The low pressure
hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to the suction
service port. This port is located on the suction line
between the accumulator outlet and the compressor.
HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE The high pres-
sure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the dis-
charge service port. This port is located on the
discharge line between the compressor and the con-
denser inlet.
RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/CHARG-
ING HOSE The center manifold hose (Yellow, or
White, with Black stripe) is used to recover, evacu-
ate, and charge the refrigerant system. When the low
or high pressure valves on the manifold gauge set
are opened, the refrigerant in the system will escape
through this hose.
24 - 40 PLUMBINGKJ
PLUMBING (Continued)