HEATED SEAT SWITCH CONTINUITY
CONTINUITY
BETWEENSWITCH
POSITIONOHMS
READING +/±
10%
PIN 1 AND 3 OFF 2.2 K (2200)
OHMS
PIN 1 AND 3 LO .415 K (415)
OHMS
PIN 1 AND 3 HI 33 OHMS
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate seat cushion side
shield (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT CUSHION
SIDE COVERS - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the heated seat switch electrical
connector. Depress the locking tab and pull straight
apart.
(4) Working from the underside of the switch, gen-
tly rock the switch back and forth out of its mounting
location.
INSTALLATION
(1) Gently rock the switch back and forth in to its
mounting location.
(2) Connect the heated seat switch electrical con-
nector.
(3) Install the appropriate seat cushion side shield.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual for
the procedure.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
HEATED SEAT ELEMENT
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat system includes four seat heating
elements. Two are located in each front seat, one for
the seat cushion and the other for the seat back. All
models use two resistor wire heating elements for
each seat that are connected in series with the
Heated Seat Module (HSM). The temperature sensor
is a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) ther-
mistor. One temperature sensor is used for each seat,
and it is located on the seat cushion heating element
for all models.
The seat heating elements are permanently
attached to the seat cushions. The heated seat ele-
ments and the temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
seat cushions must be replaced. Refer to the Body
section for the seat cushion service procedures.
OPERATION
The heated seat elements resist the flow of electrical
current. When battery current is passed through the
elements, the energy lost by the resistance of the ele-
ments to the current flow is released in the form of
heat. When the temperature of the seat cushion cover
rises, the resistance of the sensor decreases. The Heated
Seat Module supplies a five-volt current to one side of
each sensor, and monitors the voltage drop through the
sensor on a return circuit. The Heated Seat Module
uses this temperature sensor input to monitor the tem-
perature of the seat, and regulates the current flow to
the seat heating elements accordingly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
ELEMENT
SEAT CUSHION ELEMENT
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the green heated seat cushion ele-
ment wire harness connector from the power seat
wire harness. The power seat wire harness connec-
tors for the seat cushion heating elements are
secured to a bracket located under the seat cushion
frame. Refer toWiringfor connector pin information.
(2) Check for continuity between the two heated
seat element circuit cavities. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, the elements within the seat assembly
test OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
seat heating element and cushion assembly.
(3) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness element connector for a shorted or open circuit.
If OK, element is OK, proceed with testing the
heated seat sensor and module. If not OK, repair the
shorted or open seat wire harness as required.
SEAT BACK ELEMENT
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the green heated seat back element
wire harness connector from the power seat wire har-
ness. The power seat wire harness connectors for the
seat cushion heating elements are secured to a
bracket located under the seat cushion frame. Refer
toWiringfor connector pin information.
(2) Check for continuity between the two heated
seat element circuit cavities. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, the elements within the seat assembly
test OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty
seat heating element and cushion assembly.
(3) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness element connector for a shorted or open circuit.
If OK, element is OK, proceed with testing the
heated seat sensor and module. If not OK, repair the
shorted or open seat wire harness as required.
KJHEATED SEAT SYSTEM 8G - 13
DRIVER SEAT HEATER SWITCH (Continued)
HEATED SEAT SENSOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SENSOR
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWIRING.
NOTE: ANY RESISTANCE VALUES (OHMSV) GIVEN
IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT ARE SUPPLIED USING
THE AUTOMATIC RANGE GENERATED BY A
FLUKETAUTOMOTIVE METER. IF ANOTHER TYPE
OF MEASURING DEVICE IS USED THE VALUES
GENERATED MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS THE
RESULTS SHOWN HERE, OR MAY HAVE TO BE
CONVERTED TO THE RANGE USED HERE.
(1) Disconnect the heated seat wire harness con-
nector from under the seat. Using an ohmmeter,
check the resistance between the heated seat sensor
input circuit cavity and the heated seat sensor feed
circuit cavity in the heated seat wire harness connec-
tor. The heated seat sensor resistance should be
between 1 kilohm and 100 kilohms. If OK, go to Step
2. If not OK, replace the faulty seat heating element
assembly.
(2) Test the seat wire harness between the heated
seat module connector and the heated seat wire har-
ness connector for a shorted or open circuit. If OK,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein Electronic Control Modules, for the
proper heated seat module diagnosis and testing pro-
cedures. If not OK, repair the shorted or open heated
seat wire harness as required.
PASSENGER SEAT HEATER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are located on the out-
board cushion side shield of the driver and passenger
front seats (Fig. 3). The two, three-position rocker
type switches provide a resistor multiplexed signal to
the Heated Seat Module through separate hard wired
circuits. Each switch has an Off, Low and High set-
ting. Each switch contains two light emitting diodes
(LED), one for each High and Low setting to let the
occupant know that the seat heater system is on.
The heated seat switches and their LED's cannot
be repaired. If either switch is faulty or damaged the
entire switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, and High.
When the front of the switch rocker is fullydepressed, the High position is selected and the high
position LED indicator illuminates. When the rear of
the switch rocker is fully depressed, the Low position
is selected and the low position LED indicator illumi-
nates. When the switch rocker is depressed a second
time in either direction, Off is selected and both LED
indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
to indicate the selected switch position. The heated
seat module monitors the switch inputs and responds
to the heated seat switch status messages by control-
ling the output to the seat heater elements of the
selected seat. The Low heat position set point is
about 36É C (97É F), and the High heat position set
point is about 41É C (105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
If a heated seat fails to heat and one or both of the
indicator lamps on a heated seat switch flash, refer
toHeated Seat System Diagnosis and Testingin
this section for flashing LED failure identification.
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor complete heated seat
system wiring diagrams.
(1) If the problem being diagnosed involves a
heated seat switch indicator lamp that remains illu-
minated after the heated seat has been turned Off,
refer toDiagnosis and Testing the Heated Seat
Modulein the Electronic Control Modules section for
heated seat module diagnosis and testing procedures.
If not, go to Step 2
Fig. 3 KJ POWER / HEATED SEAT
8G - 14 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMKJ
(9) Using Special Tool 8516 Valve Spring Compres-
sor, install the rocker arms and the hydraulic lash
adjusters.
(10) Install the cylinder head cover. Refer to Cylin-
der Head Cover in this Section.
CYLINDER HEAD - RIGHT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - CYLINDER HEAD
The cylinder heads are made of an aluminum alloy.
The cylinder head features two valves per cylinder
with pressed in powdered metal valve guides. The
cylinder heads also provide enclosures for the timing
chain drain, necessitating unique left and right cylin-
der heads.
DESCRIPTION - VALVE GUIDES
The valve guides are made of powered metal and
are pressed into the cylinder head. The guides are
not replaceable or serviceable, and valve guide ream-
ing is not recommended. If the guides are worn
beyond acceptable limits, replace the cylinder heads.
DESCRIPTION
The valves are made of heat resistant steel and
have chrome plated stems to prevent scuffing. Each
valve is actuated by a roller rocker arm which pivots
on a stationary lash adjuster. All valves use three
bead lock keepers to retain the springs and promote
valve rotation.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC LASH
ADJUSTER
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) Turn engine off and let set for a few minutes
before restarting. Repeat this several times after
engine has reached normal operating temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor in cylinder head gasket or the
oil passage to the cylinder head is plugged with
debris.(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Oil leak or excessive cam bore wear in cylin-
der head.
(11) Faulty lash adjuster.
²Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head and cam on camshaft at
base circle. Depress part of rocker arm over adjuster.
Normal adjusters should feel very firm. Spongy
adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
²Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace.
²Before installation, make sure adjusters are at
least partially full of oil. This can be verified by little
or no plunger travel when lash adjuster is depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
9 - 30 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
VALVE SPRINGS (Continued)
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
CHEMICAL TEST METHOD
Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also
be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or
equivalent. Perform test following the procedures
supplied with the tool kit.
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.(Refer to 14 -FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - SPECIFICA-
TIONS)
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Remove air filter housing and inlet tube.
(5) Remove intake manifold.
(6) Remove heater tube support bracket from cyl-
inder head.
(7) Disconnect radiator upper and heater supply
hoses from water outlet connections.
(8) Remove accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Raise vehicle and remove exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(10) Remove power steering pump and set aside.
Do not disconnect lines.
(11) Remove accessory drive bracket
(12) Remove ignition coil and wires from engine.
(13) Disconnect cam sensor and fuel injector wir-
ing connectors.
(14) Remove timing belt and camshaft sprockets.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(15) Remove timing belt idler pulley and rear tim-
ing belt cover. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIM-
ING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) -
REMOVAL)
(16) Remove cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(17) Remove camshafts (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/CAMSHAFT(S) - REMOVAL).
NOTE: Identify rocker arm position to ensure cor-
rect re-installation in original position, if reused.
(18) Remove rocker arms. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove cylinder head bolts in REVERSE
sequence of tightening.
(20) Remove cylinder head from engine block.
(21) Inspect and clean cylinder head. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSPECTION) (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - CLEANING)
CLEANING
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
9s - 20 ENGINEKJ
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
INSTALLATION
2.4L
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor is
mounted into the rear of the intake manifold. An
o-ring is used to seal the sensor to the intake mani-
fold (Fig. 19).
(1) Clean MAP sensor mounting hole at intake
manifold.
(2) Check MAP sensor o-ring seal for cuts or tears.
(3) Position sensor into manifold.
(4) Install MAP sensor mounting screws. Tighten
screw to 3 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect electrical connector.
3.7L
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor is
mounted into the front of the intake manifold (Fig.
18). An o-ring is used to seal the sensor to the intake
manifold (Fig. 19).
(1) Clean MAP sensor mounting hole at intake
manifold.
(2) Check MAP sensor o-ring seal for cuts or tears.
(3) Position sensor into manifold.
(4) Install MAP sensor mounting bolts (screws).
Tighten screws to 3 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect electrical connector.
OXYGEN SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Oxygen Sensors (O2S) are attached to, and
protrude into the vehicle exhaust system. Depending
on the engine or emission package, the vehicle may
use a total of either 2 or 4 sensors.
2.4L Engine:Two sensors are used: upstream
(referred to as 1/1) and downstream (referred to as
1/2). With this emission package, the upstream sen-
sor (1/1) is located just before the main catalytic con-
vertor. The downstream sensor (1/2) is located just
after the main catalytic convertor.
3.7L V-6 Engine:On this emissions package, 4
sensors are used: 2 upstream (referred to as 1/1 and
2/1) and 2 downstream (referred to as 1/2 and 2/2).
With this emission package, the right upstream sen-
sor (2/1) is located in the right exhaust downpipe just
before the mini-catalytic convertor. The left upstream
sensor (1/1) is located in the left exhaust downpipe
just before the mini-catalytic convertor. The right
downstream sensor (2/2) is located in the right
exhaust downpipe just after the mini-catalytic con-
vertor, and before the main catalytic convertor. The
left downstream sensor (1/2) is located in the left
exhaust downpipe just after the mini-catalytic con-
vertor, and before the main catalytic convertor.
OPERATION
An O2 sensor is a galvanic battery that provides
the PCM with a voltage signal (0-1 volt) inversely
proportional to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.
In other words, if the oxygen content is low, the volt-
age output is high; if the oxygen content is high the
output voltage is low. The PCM uses this information
to adjust injector pulse-width to achieve the
14.7±to±1 air/fuel ratio necessary for proper engine
operation and to control emissions.
The O2 sensor must have a source of oxygen from
outside of the exhaust stream for comparison. Cur-
rent O2 sensors receive their fresh oxygen (outside
air) supply through the O2 sensor case housing.
Four wires (circuits) are used on each O2 sensor: a
12±volt feed circuit for the sensor heating element; a
ground circuit for the heater element; a low-noise
sensor return circuit to the PCM, and an input cir-
cuit from the sensor back to the PCM to detect sen-
sor operation.
Oxygen Sensor Heater Relay - 3.7L Engine:On
the 3.7L engine, 4 heated oxygen sensors are used. A
separate oxygen sensor relay is used to supply volt-
age to the sensors heating elements for only the 1/2
and 2/2 downstream sensors. Voltage for the other 2
sensor heating elements is supplied directly from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through a Pulse
Width Module (PWM) method.
Pulse Width Module (PWM):Voltage to the O2
sensor heating elements is supplied directly from the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through two sepa-
rate Pulse Width Module (PWM) low side drivers.
PWM is used on both the upstream and downstream
O2 sensors on the 2.4L engine, and only on the 2
upstream sensors (1/1 and 2/1) on the 3.7L engine.
The main objective for a PWM driver is to avoid over-
heating of the O2 sensor heater element. With
exhaust temperatures increasing with time and
engine speed, it's not required to have a full-voltage
duty-cycle on the O2 heater elements.
To avoid the large simultaneous current surge
needed to operate all 4 sensors, power is delayed to
the 2 downstream heater elements by the PCM for
approximately 2 seconds.
Oxygen Sensor Heater Elements:
The O2 sensor uses a Positive Thermal Co-efficient
(PTC) heater element. As temperature increases,
resistance increases. At ambient temperatures
around 70ÉF, the resistance of the heating element is
approximately 4.5 ohms. As the sensor's temperature
increases, resistance in the heater element increases.
This allows the heater to maintain the optimum
operating temperature of approximately 930É-1100ÉF
(500É-600É C). Although the sensors operate the
same, there are physical differences, due to the envi-
14 - 40 FUEL INJECTIONKJ
MAP SENSOR (Continued)
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER........................1
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS.......................1
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
SERVICE PORT........................2
OPERATION
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER........................2
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
SERVICE PORT........................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE.......................2DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE.......................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VACUUM
SYSTEM.............................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT.......................9
SPECIFICATIONS
A/C APPLICATION TABLE................9
SPECIFICATIONS.....................10
CONTROLS.............................11
DISTRIBUTION..........................29
PLUMBING.............................38
HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
All vehicles are equipped with a common HVAC
housing assembly (Fig. 1). The system combines air
conditioning, heating, and ventilating capabilities in
a single unit housing mounted under the instrument
panel. On heater-only systems, the evaporator coil is
omitted from the housing.
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
To maintain the performance level of the HVAC
system, the engine cooling system must be properly
maintained. The use of a bug screen is not recom-
mended. Any obstructions in front of the radiator or
condenser will reduce the performance of the air con-
ditioning and engine cooling systems.
The engine cooling system includes the heater core
and the heater hoses. Refer to Engine Cooling for
more information before the opening of, or attempt-
ing any service to the engine cooling system.
Fig. 1 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
KJHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1
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)
Pressure Diagnosis
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Rapid compressor clutch
cycling (ten or more cycles
per minute).1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
Equal pressures, but the
compressor clutch does not
engage.1. No refrigerant in the
refrigerant system.1. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power Distribution
Center and the junction block. Repair the shorted
circuit or component and replace the fuses, if
required.
3. Faulty a/c compressor
clutch coil.3. See A/C Compressor/Diagnosis and Testing -
Compressor Clutch Coil in this group. Test the
compressor clutch coil and replace, if required.
4. Faulty a/c compressor
clutch relay.4. See A/C Compressor Clutch Relay/Diagnosis
and Testing - Compressor Clutch Relay in this
group. Test the compressor clutch relay and relay
circuits. Repair the circuits or replace the relay, if
required.
5. Improperly installed or
faulty a/c low pressure
switch.5. See A/C Low Pressure Switch/Diagnosis and
Testing in this group. Test the a/c low pressure
switch and tighten or replace, if required.
6. Faulty a/c high pressure
switch.6. See A/C High Pressure Switch/Diagnosis and
Testing in this group. Test the a/c high pressure
switch and replace, if required.
7. Faulty Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).7. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information).
Test the PCM and replace, if required.
Normal pressures, but A/C
Performance Test air
temperatures at center panel
outlet are too high.1. Excessive refrigerant oil in
system.1. See Refrigerant Oil/Standard Procedure -
Refrigerant Oil Level in this group. Recover the
refrigerant from the refrigerant system and
inspect the refrigerant oil content. Restore the
refrigerant oil to the proper level, if required.
2. Blend door inoperative or
sealing improperly.2. See Blend Door in this group. Inspect the
blend door for proper operation and sealing and
correct, if required.
3. Blend door actuator faulty
or inoperative.3. Perform blend door actuator diagnosis, replace
if faulty.
The low side pressure is
normal or slightly low, and
the high side pressure is too
low.1. Low refrigerant system
charge.1. See Plumbing/Diagnosis and Testing -
Refrigerant System Leaks in this group. Test the
refrigerant system for leaks. Repair, evacuate and
charge the refrigerant system, if required.
2. Refrigerant flow through
the accumulator is restricted.2. See Accumulator in this group. Replace the
restricted accumulator, if required.
3. Refrigerant flow through
the evaporator coil is
restricted.3. See A/C Evaporator in this group. Replace the
restricted evaporator coil, if required.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGKJ
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)