
(14) If fuel injectors are to be removed, refer to
Fuel Injector Removal/Installation.
INSTALLATION
2.4L Engine
(1) If fuel injectors are to be installed, refer to Fuel
Injector Removal/Installation.
(2) Clean out fuel injector machined bores in
intake manifold.
(3) Apply a small amount of engine oil to each fuel
injector o-ring. This will help in fuel rail installation.
(4) Position fuel rail/fuel injector assembly to
machined injector openings in intake manifold.
(5) Guide each injector into cylinder head. Be care-
ful not to tear injector o-rings.
(6) Push fuel rail down until fuel injectors have
bottomed on shoulders.
(7) Install 2 fuel rail mounting bolts and tighten.
Refer to torque specifications.
(8) Connect electrical connectors at all fuel injec-
tors. To install connector, refer to (Fig. 37). Push con-
nector onto injector (1) and then push and lock red
colored slider (2). Verify connector is locked to injec-
tor by lightly tugging on connector.
(9) Snap 2 injection wiring harness clips (Fig. 35)
into brackets.
(10) Connect 2 main engine harness connectors at
rear of intake manifold (Fig. 34).
(11) Tighten 5 intake manifold mounting bolts.
Refer to Engine Torque Specifications.
(12) Install PCV valve and hose.
(13) Install thermostat and radiator hose. Fill with
coolant. Refer to Cooling.
(14) Connect necessary vacuum lines to throttle
body.
(15) Connect fuel line latch clip and fuel line to
fuel rail. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
(16) Install air duct to throttle body.
(17) Connect battery cable to battery.
(18) Start engine and check for leaks.
3.7L Engine
(1) If fuel injectors are to be installed, refer to Fuel
Injector Removal/Installation.
(2) Clean out fuel injector machined bores in
intake manifold.
(3) Apply a small amount of engine oil to each fuel
injector o-ring. This will help in fuel rail installation.
(4) Position fuel rail/fuel injector assembly to
machined injector openings in cylinder head.
(5) Guide each injector into cylinder head. Be care-
ful not to tear injector o-rings.
(6) Pushrightside of fuel rail down until fuel
injectors have bottomed on cylinder head shoulder.Pushleftfuel rail down until injectors have bot-
tomed on cylinder head shoulder.
(7) Install 4 fuel rail mounting bolts and tighten.
Refer to torque specifications.
(8) Install 6 ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil
Removal/Installation.
(9) Connect electrical connectors to throttle body.
(10) Connect electrical connectors at all fuel injec-
tors. To install connector, refer to (Fig. 37). Push con-
nector onto injector (1) and then push and lock red
colored slider (2). Verify connector is locked to injec-
tor by lightly tugging on connector.
(11) Connect necessary vacuum lines to throttle
body.
(12) Connect fuel line latch clip and fuel line to
fuel rail. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
(13) Install air box to throttle body.
(14) Install air duct to air box.
(15) Connect battery cable to battery.
(16) Start engine and check for leaks.
FUEL TANK
DESCRIPTION
The fuel tank is constructed of a plastic material.
Its main functions are for fuel storage and for place-
ment of the fuel pump module, and certain ORVR
components.
OPERATION
All models pass a full 360 degree rollover test
without fuel leakage. To accomplish this, fuel and
vapor flow controls are required for all fuel tank con-
nections.
A check (control) valve is mounted into the top sec-
tion of the 2±piece fuel pump module. Refer to Fuel
Tank Check Valve for additional information.
An evaporation control system is connected to the
fuel tank to reduce emissions of fuel vapors into the
atmosphere. When fuel evaporates from the fuel
tank, vapors pass through vent hoses or tubes to a
charcoal canister where they are temporarily held.
When the engine is running, the vapors are drawn
into the intake manifold. Certain models are also
equipped with a self-diagnosing system using a Leak
Detection Pump (LDP) and/or an ORVR system.
Refer to Emission Control System for additional
information.
14 - 24 FUEL DELIVERYKJ
FUEL RAIL (Continued)

FUEL INJECTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FUEL INJECTION
DESCRIPTION.........................29
ACCELERATOR PEDAL
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................30
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
FUEL INJECTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION
OPERATION - FUEL INJECTOR..........33
OPERATION - PCM OUTPUT............33
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL INJECTOR . 33
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
FUEL PUMP RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL PUMP
RELAY..............................34
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................35
REMOVAL.............................36INSTALLATION.........................36
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................36
OPERATION...........................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
MAP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
OXYGEN SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................40
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................43
THROTTLE BODY
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................44
THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................46
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................47
OPERATION...........................47
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................48
FUEL INJECTION
DESCRIPTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) operates
the fuel injection system. Refer to Powertrain Control
Module in Electronic Control Modules for informa-
tion.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL
REMOVAL
The accelerator pedal is serviced as a complete
assembly including the bracket.The accelerator pedal is connected to the upper
part of the accelerator pedal arm by a plastic
retainer (clip) (Fig. 1). This plastic retainer snaps
into the top of the accelerator pedal arm.
(1) From inside the vehicle, hold up accelerator
pedal. Remove plastic cable retainer (clip) and throt-
tle cable core wire from upper end of accelerator
pedal arm (Fig. 1). Plastic cable retainer (clip) snaps
into pedal arm.
(2) Remove 2 accelerator pedal mounting bracket
nuts. Remove accelerator pedal assembly.
KJFUEL INJECTION 14 - 29

REMOVAL
2.4L
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is located on the
rear side of the throttle body (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from IAC motor.
(2) Remove two mounting bolts (screws).
(3) Remove IAC motor from throttle body.
3.7L
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is located on the
side of the throttle body (Fig. 13).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from IAC motor.
(2) Remove two mounting bolts (screws).
(3) Remove IAC motor from throttle body.
INSTALLATION
2.4L
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is located on the
rear side of the throttle body.
(1) Install IAC motor to throttle body.
(2) Install and tighten two mounting bolts (screws)
to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install electrical connector.
3.7L
The Idle Air Control (IAC) motor is located on the
side of the throttle body (Fig. 13).
(1) Install IAC motor to throttle body.(2) Install and tighten two mounting bolts (screws)
to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install electrical connector.
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The 2±wire Intake Manifold Air Temperature (IAT)
sensor is installed in the intake manifold with the
sensor element extending into the air stream.
The IAT sensor is a two-wire Negative Thermal
Coefficient (NTC) sensor. Meaning, as intake mani-
fold temperature increases, resistance (voltage) in the
sensor decreases. As temperature decreases, resis-
tance (voltage) in the sensor increases.
OPERATION
The IAT sensor provides an input voltage to the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) indicating the
density of the air entering the intake manifold based
upon intake manifold temperature. At key-on, a
5±volt power circuit is supplied to the sensor from
the PCM. The sensor is grounded at the PCM
through a low-noise, sensor-return circuit.
The PCM uses this input to calculate the following:
²Injector pulse-width
²Adjustment of spark timing (to help prevent
spark knock with high intake manifold air-charge
temperatures)
Fig. 12 TPS/IAC MOTOR - 2.4L
1 - THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
2 - MOUNTING SCREWS
3 - IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (IAC)
4 - MOUNTING SCREWS
Fig. 13 TPS/IAC MOTOR - 3.7L
1 - THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
2 - MOUNTING SCREWS
3 - IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (IAC)
4 - MOUNTING SCREWS
14 - 36 FUEL INJECTIONKJ
IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR (Continued)

The resistance values of the IAT sensor is the same
as for the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.
REMOVAL
2.4L
The intake manifold air temperature (IAT) sensor
is installed into the intake manifold plenum at the
rear end of the intake manifold (Fig. 14).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from IAT sen-
sor.
(2) Clean dirt from intake manifold at sensor base.
(3) Gently lift on small plastic release tab (Fig. 14)
or (Fig. 15) and rotate sensor about 1/4 turn counter-
clockwise for removal.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring (Fig. 15).
3.7L
The intake manifold air temperature (IAT) sensor
is installed into the left side of intake manifold ple-
num (Fig. 16).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from IAT sen-
sor.
(2) Clean dirt from intake manifold at sensor base.
(3) Gently lift on small plastic release tab (Fig. 16)
or (Fig. 15) and rotate sensor about 1/4 turn counter-
clockwise for removal.
(4) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
Fig. 14 IAT SENSOR LOCATION-2.4L
1 - RELEASE TAB
2 - IAT SENSOR
3 - PRESS HERE FOR REMOVAL
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
5 - REAR END OF INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 15 IAT SENSOR TAB / O-RING
1 - IAT SENSOR
2 - SENSOR O-RING
3 - RELEASE TAB
Fig. 16 IAT SENSOR LOCATION- 3.7L
1 - IAT SENSOR
2 - RELEASE TAB
3 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
KJFUEL INJECTION 14 - 37
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
2.4L
The intake manifold air temperature (IAT) sensor
is installed into the intake manifold plenum at the
rear end of the intake manifold.
(1) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
(2) Clean sensor mounting hole in intake manifold.
(3) Position sensor into intake manifold and rotate
clockwise until past release tab.
(4) Install electrical connector.
3.7L
The intake manifold air temperature (IAT) sensor
is installed into the left side of intake manifold ple-
num (Fig. 16).
(1) Check condition of sensor o-ring.
(2) Clean sensor mounting hole in intake manifold.
(3) Position sensor into intake manifold and rotate
clockwise until past release tab (Fig. 16).
(4) Install electrical connector.
MAP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
2.4L
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor is
mounted into the rear of the intake manifold with 1
screw.
3.7L
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor is
mounted into the front of the intake manifold with 2
screws.
OPERATION
The MAP sensor is used as an input to the Power-
train Control Module (PCM). It contains a silicon
based sensing unit to provide data on the manifold
vacuum that draws the air/fuel mixture into the com-
bustion chamber. The PCM requires this information
to determine injector pulse width and spark advance.
When manifold absolute pressure (MAP) equals
Barometric pressure, the pulse width will be at max-
imum.
A 5 volt reference is supplied from the PCM and
returns a voltage signal to the PCM that reflects
manifold pressure. The zero pressure reading is 0.5V
and full scale is 4.5V. For a pressure swing of 0±15
psi, the voltage changes 4.0V. To operate the sensor,
it is supplied a regulated 4.8 to 5.1 volts. Ground is
provided through the low-noise, sensor return circuit
at the PCM.The MAP sensor input is the number one contrib-
utor to fuel injector pulse width. The most important
function of the MAP sensor is to determine baromet-
ric pressure. The PCM needs to know if the vehicle is
at sea level or at a higher altitude, because the air
density changes with altitude. It will also help to cor-
rect for varying barometric pressure. Barometric
pressure and altitude have a direct inverse correla-
tion; as altitude goes up, barometric goes down. At
key-on, the PCM powers up and looks at MAP volt-
age, and based upon the voltage it sees, it knows the
current barometric pressure (relative to altitude).
Once the engine starts, the PCM looks at the voltage
again, continuously every 12 milliseconds, and com-
pares the current voltage to what it was at key-on.
The difference between current voltage and what it
was at key-on, is manifold vacuum.
During key-on (engine not running) the sensor
reads (updates) barometric pressure. A normal range
can be obtained by monitoring a known good sensor.
As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner
(less oxygen). If a vehicle is started and driven to a
very different altitude than where it was at key-on,
the barometric pressure needs to be updated. Any
time the PCM sees Wide Open Throttle (WOT), based
upon Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) angle and RPM,
it will update barometric pressure in the MAP mem-
ory cell. With periodic updates, the PCM can make
its calculations more effectively.
The PCM uses the MAP sensor input to aid in cal-
culating the following:
²Manifold pressure
²Barometric pressure
²Engine load
²Injector pulse-width
²Spark-advance programs
²Shift-point strategies (certain automatic trans-
missions only)
²Idle speed
²Decel fuel shutoff
The MAP sensor signal is provided from a single
piezoresistive element located in the center of a dia-
phragm. The element and diaphragm are both made
of silicone. As manifold pressure changes, the dia-
phragm moves causing the element to deflect, which
stresses the silicone. When silicone is exposed to
stress, its resistance changes. As manifold vacuum
increases, the MAP sensor input voltage decreases
proportionally. The sensor also contains electronics
that condition the signal and provide temperature
compensation.
The PCM recognizes a decrease in manifold pres-
sure by monitoring a decrease in voltage from the
reading stored in the barometric pressure memory
cell. The MAP sensor is a linear sensor; meaning as
pressure changes, voltage changes proportionately.
14 - 38 FUEL INJECTIONKJ
INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (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)

WARNING: THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, EXHAUST
PIPES AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BECOME
VERY HOT DURING ENGINE OPERATION. ALLOW
ENGINE TO COOL BEFORE REMOVING OXYGEN
SENSOR.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Disconnect wire connector from O2S sensor.
CAUTION: When disconnecting sensor electrical
connector, do not pull directly on wire going into
sensor.
(3) Remove O2S sensor with an oxygen sensor
removal and installation tool.
(4) Clean threads in exhaust pipe using appropri-
ate tap.
INSTALLATION
Threads of new oxygen sensors are factory coated
with anti-seize compound to aid in removal.DO
NOT add any additional anti-seize compound to
threads of a new oxygen sensor.
(1) Install O2S sensor. Tighten to 30 N´m (22 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(2) Connect O2S sensor wire connector.
(3) Lower vehicle.
THROTTLE BODY
DESCRIPTION
The throttle body is located on the intake manifold.
Fuel does not enter the intake manifold through the
throttle body. Fuel is sprayed into the manifold by
the fuel injectors.
OPERATION
Filtered air from the air cleaner enters the intake
manifold through the throttle body. The throttle body
contains an air control passage controlled by an Idle
Air Control (IAC) motor. The air control passage is
used to supply air for idle conditions. A throttle valve
(plate) is used to supply air for above idle conditions.
Certain sensors are attached to the throttle body.
The accelerator pedal cable, speed control cable and
transmission control cable (when equipped) are con-
nected to the throttle body linkage arm.
A (factory adjusted) set screw is used to mechani-
cally limit the position of the throttle body throttle
plate.Never attempt to adjust the engine idle
speed using this screw.All idle speed functions are
controlled by the PCM.
REMOVAL
2.4L
A (factory adjusted) set screw is used to mechani-
cally limit the position of the throttle body throttle
plate.Never attempt to adjust the engine idle
speed using this screw.All idle speed functions are
controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
(1) Remove air cleaner tube at throttle body.
(2) Disconnect throttle body electrical connectors
at IAC motor and TPS.
(3) Remove all control cables from throttle body
(lever) arm. Refer to the Accelerator Pedal and Throt-
tle Cable section for removal/installation procedures.
(4) Disconnect necessary vacuum lines at throttle
body.
(5) Remove 3 throttle body mounting bolts (Fig.
23).
(6) Remove throttle body from intake manifold.
(7) Check condition of old throttle body-to-intake
manifold o-ring.
3.7L
A (factory adjusted) set screw is used to mechani-
cally limit the position of the throttle body throttle
plate.Never attempt to adjust the engine idle
speed using this screw.All idle speed functions are
controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
(1) Remove air cleaner tube at throttle body.
(2) Disconnect throttle body electrical connectors
at IAC motor and TPS.
Fig. 23 THROTTLE BODY MOUNTING BOLTS - 2.4L
1 - THROTTLE BODY
2 - IGNITION COIL
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (3)
KJFUEL INJECTION 14 - 43
OXYGEN SENSOR (Continued)

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)