2002 JEEP LIBERTY warning

HVAC HOUSING
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehi-
cle(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) If the vehicle is not equipped with air condi-
tioning, go to Step 6. If the vehicle is equipped with
air conditioning, recover the refrigerant from the
refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(4) Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line fit-
ting from the evaporator inlet tube (Fig. 5). (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE COU-
PLERS)
(5) Disconnect the accumulator inlet tube refriger-
ant line fitting from the evaporator outlet tube.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C LINE
COUPLERS) Install plugs in, or tape over all of the
opened refrigerant line fittings.
(6) Drain the engine cooling system(Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 5 HVAC CASE ASSEMBLY
1 - BLOWER MOTOR AND CAGE
2 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR LINKAGE
3 - RECIRCULATION DOOR VACUUM ACTUATOR
4 - CASE RETAINER SCREW
5 - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR MOUNTING SCREWS
6 - ELECTRIC BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
7 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
8 - HEATER CORE RETAINER TABS (4) AND SCREWS (2)9 - HEATER CORE
10 - HVAC CASE RETAINER CLIP
11 - HEATER CORE INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
12 - EVAPORATOR CONNECTION FLANGE
13 - HVAC CASE RETAINER SCREWS
14 - HVAC HOUSING
KJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 33

(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)

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) Install the instrument panel in the vehicle(Re-
fer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(10) Connect the battery negative cable.
(11) 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) Lift the blend door pivot shaft out of the pivot
hole in the bottom of the lower half of the HVAC
housing (Fig. 6).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place the blend door pivot shaft in of the pivot
hole in the bottom of the lower half of the HVAC
housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 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.
Fig. 6 Blend Door
1 - DEFROSTER DOOR
2- HEATER CORE
3- BLEND DOORS
4- BLOWER MOTOR HOUSING
5- EVAPORATOR (A/C ONLY)
6- LOWER HVAC CASE ASSEMBLY
KJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 35
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

WARNING: (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION).
(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) Insert a screwdriver into the latch hole (Fig. 7)
of the panel door pivot shaft to release the latch of
the panel door lever, and pull the lever out of the
pivot shaft from the outside of the upper half of the
HVAC housing.
(3) Remove the defrost door from the HVAC hous-
ing.
REMOVAL - FLOOR - 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.WARNING: (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION).
(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 floor door vacuum actuator from
the lower HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR
ACTUATOR - REMOVAL - FLOOR DOOR ACTUA-
TOR)
(3) Insert a screwdriver into the latch hole (Fig. 8)
of the floor door pivot shaft to release the latch of the
floor door lever, and pull the lever out of the pivot
shaft from the outside of the lower half of the HVAC
housing.
(4) Reach inside the lower half of the HVAC hous-
ing and carefully flex the floor door (Fig. 9) enough
so that the door pivot clears the pivot hole in the
housing.
(5) Remove the floor door from the HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - PANEL DOOR
(1) Install the panel door in the HVAC housing.
(2) Snap the panel door pivot shaft over the latch
of the panel door lever.
(3) Attach the demist door and lever to the upper
HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
Fig. 7 PANEL DOOR REMOVE/INSTALL
1 - DOOR PIVOT SHAFT
2 - LATCH HOLE
3 - CRANK ARM LATCH
4 - FLAT BLADE PRY TOOL
Fig. 8 FLOOR DOOR REMOVE/INSTALL (typical)
1 - DOOR PIVOT SHAFT
2 - LATCH HOLE
3 - CRANK ARM LATCH
4 - FLAT BLADE PRY TOOL
24 - 36 DISTRIBUTIONKJ
MODE DOOR (Continued)

DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/MODE DOOR -
INSTALLATION - PANEL/DEMIST DOOR)
(4) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(5) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - FLOOR - DEFROST DOO
(1) Install the floor-defrost door in the HVAC hous-
ing by placing the door in the lower housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the floor door vacuum actuator in the
lower HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR
ACTUATOR - INSTALLATION - FLOOR DOOR
ACTUATOR)
(4) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
RECIRC DOOR
REMOVAL
A recirculation door and vacuum actuator are used
only on models with the optional air conditioning sys-
tem.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFOREATTEMPTING 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: 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)
(1) Remove the HVAC housing and disassemble.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove the four screws to remove the recircu-
lation door assembly. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/RECIRCULATION
DOOR ACTUATOR - REMOVAL)
(3) Insert a screwdriver into the latch hole of the
panel door pivot shaft to release the latch of the
panel door lever and pull the lever out of the pivot
shaft from the outside of the upper half of the HVAC
housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Guide the recirculation door lever through the
air intake grille of the HVAC housing while installing
the door in the housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(3) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
(4) Install the recirculation door vacuum actuator
on the lower HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/RECIRCULA-
TION DOOR ACTUATOR - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 9 FLOOR DOOR (typical)
1 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
2 - PIVOT SHAFT
3 - CRANK ARM
4 - FLOOR DOOR
KJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 37
MODE DOOR (Continued)

PLUMBING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE.......38
WARNING
SERVICE WARNINGS..................39
CAUTION
SERVICE CAUTIONS..................39
CAUTION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/
TUBES PRECAUTIONS.................40
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT..........40
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY..........................41
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE...................41
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE.....................41
SPECIFICATIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY.....42
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................42
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................42
OPERATION
OPERATION.........................42
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................42
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
COMPRESSOR NOISE.................42
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION.........................45
OPERATION...........................45
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
A/C DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL.............................46INSTALLATION.........................47
A/C LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
A/C SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL.............................48
INSTALLATION.........................49
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................49
OPERATION...........................49
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................49
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
DESCRIPTION.........................50
OPERATION...........................50
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................51
OPERATION...........................51
REMOVAL.............................51
INSTALLATION.........................51
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................52
OPERATION...........................52
REMOVAL.............................52
INSTALLATION.........................53
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION.........................53
OPERATION...........................53
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION.........................53
OPERATION...........................54
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
OIL LEVEL...........................54
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry
the refrigerant between the various air conditioning
system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber lay-
ers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on
this vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further containthe R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecu-
lar structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
24 - 38 PLUMBINGKJ

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)