2002 JEEP LIBERTY eco

A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION - 3.7L and 2.4L
The compressor clutch assembly consists of a sta-
tionary electromagnetic coil, a rotor bearing and
rotor assembly, and a clutch plate (Fig. 1). The elec-
tromagnetic coil unit and the rotor bearing and rotor
assembly are each retained on the nose of the com-
pressor front housing with snap rings. The clutch
plate is keyed to the compressor shaft and secured
with a nut. These components provide the means to
engage and disengage the compressor from the
engine serpentine accessory drive belt.
OPERATION - 3.7L and 2.4L
When the clutch coil is energized, it magnetically
draws the clutch into contact with the rotor and
drives the compressor shaft. When the coil is not
energized, the rotor freewheels on the clutch rotor
bearing, which is part of the rotor. The compressor
clutch and coil are the only serviced parts on the
compressor.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components: the A/C Heater mode control
switch, the A/C low pressure switch, the A/C high
pressure switch, the compressor clutch relay, and the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM may
delay compressor clutch engagement for up to thirty
seconds. Refer to Electronic Control Modules for
more information on the PCM controls.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH COIL
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information). The battery must
be fully-charged before performing the following
tests. Refer to Battery for more information.
(1) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale) in
series with the clutch coil terminal. Use a voltmeter
(0 to 20 volt scale) with clip-type leads for measuring
the voltage across the battery and the compressor
clutch coil.
(2) With the A/C Heater mode control switch in
any A/C mode, and the blower motor switch in the
lowest speed position, start the engine and run it at
normal idle.
(3) The compressor clutch coil voltage should read
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage. If there is
voltage at the clutch coil, but the reading is not
within 0.2 volts of the battery voltage, test the clutch
coil feed circuit for excessive voltage drop and repair
as required. If there is no voltage reading at the
clutch coil, use a DRB IIItscan tool and (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information) for testing of the
compressor clutch circuit and PCM control. The fol-
lowing components must be checked and repaired as
required before you can complete testing of the clutch
coil:
²Fuses in the junction block and the Power Dis-
tribution Center (PDC)
²A/C heater mode control switch
²Compressor clutch relay
²A/C high pressure switch
²A/C low pressure switch
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
(4) The compressor clutch coil is acceptable if the
current draw measured at the clutch coil is 2.0 to 3.9
amperes with the electrical system voltage at 11.5 to
12.5 volts. This should only be checked with the work
area temperature at 21É C (70É F). If system voltage
is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by turn-
ing on electrical accessories until the system voltage
drops below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the clutch coil current reading is four
amperes or more, the coil is shorted and should be
replaced.
(b) If the clutch coil current reading is zero, the
coil is open and should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH BREAK-IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the A/C Heater control to the
Recirculation Mode, the blower motor switch in the
highest speed position, and the engine speed at 1500
Fig. 1 COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - TYPICAL
1 - CLUTCH PLATE
2 - NOT USED ON KJ
3 - ROTOR
4 - COIL
5 - CLUTCH SHIMS
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SNAP RING
24 - 12 CONTROLSKJ

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)

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

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)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY
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)
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for the proper
care and use of this equipment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE
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 refrigerant system has been open to the
atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system
can be charged. If moisture and air enters the system
and becomes mixed with the refrigerant, the com-
pressor head pressure will rise above acceptable
operating levels. This will reduce the performance of
the air conditioner and damage the compressor.
Evacuating the refrigerant system will remove the
air and boil the moisture out of the system at near
room temperature. To evacuate the refrigerant sys-
tem, use the following procedure:
(1) Connect a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recy-
cling/charging station that meets SAE Standard
J2210 and a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system of the vehicle.
(2) Open the low and high side valves and start
the charging station vacuum pump. When the suc-
tion gauge reads 88 kPa (26 in. Hg.) vacuum or
greater, close all of the valves and turn off the vac-
uum pump.
(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
Fig. 1 MANIFOLD GAUGE SET - TYPICAL
1 - HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE
2 - VALVE
3 - VACUUM/REFRIGERANT HOSE (YELLOW W/ BLACK
STRIPE)
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE (RED W/ BLACK STRIPE)
5 - LOW PRESSURE HOSE (BLUE W/ BLACK STRIPE)
6 - VALVE
7 - LOW PRESSURE GAUGE
KJPLUMBING 24 - 41
PLUMBING (Continued)