2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN window

²air recirculation button. The Recirculate button
contains an LED that illuminates to show when the
function is in operation.
²an air conditioning button that allows the com-
pressor to be turned on/off. The Snowflake button
contains an LED that illuminates to shown when the
function is in operation.
²rotary knobs for front and rear fan speed selec-
tion.
²a rotary knob for mode control.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
A rear control panel centrally mounted on the
headliner has a rotary adjustment for temperature
and fan speed control of the rear unit by intermedi-
ate seat passengers when the front control rear knob
is set to the rear position.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) allows
occupants to select a comfort temperature, which is
the perceived temperature level not the actual pas-
senger compartment air temperature.
The Automatic Temperature Control system
includes a dust and odor air filter. The filter element
is the same size as the air conditioning evaporator to
ensure ample capacity. A door at the base of the
heater and air conditioning housing below the glove
box provides easy access to the filter element.
The ATC computer utilizes integrated circuitry and
information carried on the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus network to monitor
many sensors and switch inputs throughout the vehi-
cle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry
and programming of the ATC computer allow it to
control electronic functions and features of the ATC
system. The inputs to the ATC computer are:
²Vehicle Speed/Engine RPM± The ATC com-
puter monitors engine RPM, vehicle speed and Man-
ifold Absolute Pressure information from the PCM.
²Coolant Temperature± ATC computer moni-
tors Coolant temperature received from the PCM and
converts it to degrees Fahrenheit.
²Ambient Temperature± ATC computer moni-
tors Ambient temperature from the Compass Mini
Trip Computer (CMTC) and converts it to degrees
Fahrenheit.
²Engine Miscellaneous Sensor Status±ATC
computer monitors A/C disable information from the
PCM.
²Refrigerant Pressure± ATC computer moni-
tors Barometric Pressure, Intake Air Temperature,
High Side Pressure and Methanol Content as broad-
cast by the PCM.²Door Ajar Status± The ATC computer moni-
tors Driver Front Door, Passenger Front Door, Left
Rear Door, Right Rear Door and Liftgate ajar infor-
mation, as identified by the Body Control Module
(BCM), to determine if all in-car temperatures should
be maintained.
²Dimming± The ATC computer monitors dim-
ming status from the BCM to determine the required
level of brightness and will dim accordingly.
²Vehicle Odometer± The ATC computer moni-
tors the vehicle odometer information from the BCM
to prevent flashing the VF tube icons if the manual
motor calibration or manual cool down tests have
failed. Flashing of the display icons will cease when
the vehicle odometer is greater than 3 miles.
²English/Metric± The ATC computer monitors
the English/Metric information broadcast by the
CMTC. The set temp displays for both the front and
rear control heads will be set accordingly.
²Vehicle Identification Number± The ATC
computer monitors the last eight characters of the
VIN broadcast by the PCM and compares it to the
information stored in EEPROM. If it is different, the
new number will be stored over the old one and a
motor calibration shall be initiated.
²A/C System Information± The ATC computer
will send a message for Evaporator Temperature too
Low, Fan Blower Relay status, Evaporator Sensor
Failure, Rear Window Defogger Relay and A/C Select.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
The front control panel and integral computer is
mounted in the instrument panel.
The instrument panel mounted control and inte-
gral computer contains:
²A power button which allows the system to be
completely turned off. The display is blank when the
system is off.
²Three rocker switches that select comfort tem-
peratures from 15É to 30É C (59É to 85É F), which are
shown in the vacuum-fluorescent digital control dis-
play. If the set temp is 59 and the down button is
pressed, the set temp value will become 55 but the
display will show LO. If the set temp is 85 and the
up button is pressed, the set temp value will become
90 but the display will show HIGH. Temperatures
can be displayed in either metric or Fahrenheit,
which is controlled from the overhead console.
²A rocker switch that selects a cool-down rate.
LO-AUTO or HI-AUTO are displayed when the sys-
tem is in automatic operation.
²A defroster button which turns on the defroster
independently during full automatic control. A
defroster symbol illuminates in the display when the
button is pressed.
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

²Air recirculation button. A Recirculation symbol
appears in the display when the button is pressed, or
when the system exceeds 80 percent circulated air
under automatic control due to high air conditioning
demand.
²Rear window defogger on/off switch. A graphic
symbol shows when the defroster is on.
²An air conditioning button that allows the com-
pressor to be turned off. A Snowflake symbol is illu-
minated when air conditioning is on, whether under
manual or automatic control.
²Rotary knob for front fan speed selection can
override the automatic controls. LEDs surrounding
the knob show the current setting.
²Rotary knob for control of the Rear system.
²A rotary knob for mode control can override the
automatic controls. LEDs surrounding the knob show
the current setting.
²Computer logic remembers the settings of the
controls when the ignition is turned off and retains
those settings after a restart. If the system is off
when the ignition is turned off it will be off when the
engine is restarted, etc.
²Computer logic provides variable air recircula-
tion under high temperature and humidity condi-
tions. Because recirculation is generally accompanied
by increased fan noise, the proportion of recirculated
to outside air gradually approaches full recirculation
over a broad temperature range.
²Computer logic enables additional heat for diesel
equipped vehicles via a supplemental diesel heater.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
A rear control panel centrally mounted on the
headliner includes a vacuum-flourescent digital dis-
play, a rocker control for temperature and rotary con-
trols for adjustment of mode and fan speed control of
the rear unit by intermediate seat passengers.
OPERATION
OPERATION - DUAL ZONE
²The mode control knob enables continously vari-
able proportioning of air flow between modes but has
detents adjacent to each icon.
²The blower control provides five separate speeds.
²When the fan is off, the HVAC computer closes
the recirculation door to prevent outside air from
entering the passenger compartment.
²Interior air may be recirculated to speed up
heating or cooling in all modes except defrost and
mix by pressing the Recirculate button on the control
panel.
²To reduce humidity for rapid defogging the A/C
compressor runs automatically in modes from ªmix'to full defrost when outside temperatures are above
freezing.
²Air conditioning is available in any mode by
pressing the snowflake, A/C on/off, button.
OPERATION - MANUAL THREE ZONE
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
²Primary control of the rear compartment unit is
on the instrument panel. This control allows the
driver to set the rear compartment fan speed, to turn
the rear unit off, or to give control to the intermedi-
ate seat occupants by switching to the REAR posi-
tion. When the rear unit is controlled from the
instrument panel, rear air temperature is based on
the driver-side temperature control position, and the
mode (floor or overhead air) is based on the front
control's mode position.
²The mode control knob enables continously vari-
able proportioning of air flow between modes but has
detents adjacent to each icon.
²The blower control provides five separate speeds
and Off. When the fan is off, the HVAC computer
closes the recirculation door to prevent outside air
from entering the passenger compartment.
²Interior air may be recirculated to speed up
heating or cooling in all modes exccept defrost and
mix by pressing the Recirculate button on the control
panel.
²To reduce humidity for rapid defogging the A/C
compressor runs automatically in modes from ªmix'
to full defrost when outside temperatures are above
freezing.
²Air conditioning is available in any mode by
pressing the snowflake, A/C on/off, button.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
With the rear control active, temperature selection
dictates indirectly the mode (floor or overhead air) of
the rear unit: a low temperature setting directs flow
to the overhead outlets and a high temperature set-
ting to the floor.
OPERATION - THREE ZONE ATC
Comfort temperature or perceived temperature is
affected by air flow, sun impinging on exposed skin,
etc. The air temperature may be higher or lower than
the comfort temperature. Two infrared sensors, in the
instrument panel center stack i measure the temper-
ature of the occupants to determine their comfort
level relative to the selected comfort temperature.
The HVAC computer in the control module adjusts
the air flow rate and temperature to maintain the
customer-perceived comfort temperature. The air
temperature in the passenger compartment at any
time may be slightly higher or lower than the com-
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-3
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

fort temperature. For instance, on sunny summer
days the air flow will probably be cooler than the
comfort temperature; on cold or cloudy days and at
night it will probably be slightly warmer. Infrared
Three-Zone Temperature Control provides side-to-
side and front-to-rear variation in comfort tempera-
ture settings. The Infrared Three-Zone Automatic
Temperature Control fan provides a continuously
variable air flow rate to meet occupant comfort
requirements.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
²AUTO HI/LO± This system features two sets of
automatic control logic that allow either a rapid cool-
down rate or a somewhat slower cool-down rate with
less fan noise. HI-AUTO controls the system to reach
its assigned temperature quickly with a higher fan
speed. LO-AUTO controls the system to reach its
assigned temperature somewhat slower with less fan
noise. Both modes will automatically engage auto
recirculation.
²DE-FROST± The de-frost function is active
when the rear window defogger function is active or
when the defog/defrost mode is selected.
²RECIRC± The RECIRC button will close the
air inlet door. If the system is in auto recirc (indica-
tor being displayed automatically), pressing the man-
ual recirc button will disable the auto recirc function
until one of the auto keys are pressed or the ignition
is cycled. If Auto HI/LO is pressed while manual
recirc is active, manual recirc will be deactivated.
²REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER± Pushing the
button sends a PCI bus message to the Intelligent
Power Module which controls the Rear Window
Defogger and side view mirror (if equipped) circuitry.
The defogger function will be active for 10 minutes
and can be turned off by a switch press. The defogger
will function while the control is in the ON mode.
²FAN/MODE± The Fan and Mode knobs have
17 manual selectable positions. Manually changing
either of the rotary knobs for mode or fan speed set-
tings makes control of that function alone manual for
as long as the ignition is on. If only one is changed
manually, the other remains under automatic control.
Pressing the HI-AUTO/LO-AUTO rocker switch
restores full automatic control.
²REAR CONTROL± When the Rear System
control knob is moved to the OFF position, there will
be a delay of approximately 1 second before the sys-
tem actually turns off. This delay is to prevent an
undesired blower dropout if the knob is moved
through OFF to the other selections.
²BLOWER DELAY TIMER± The word DELAY
is displayed at start-up to signify that the system is
waiting so that cold air will not be blowing. This tells
the operator that it is unnecessary to turn the sys-tem off, raise the temperature setting or turn the fan
speed setting down to prevent cold air from blowing.
A countdown in minutes and seconds until the engine
is warm enough to begin delivering heat to the pas-
sengers alternates with the DELAY message at 25
second intervals. This countdown is based on actual
measurement of the rate of engine coolant tempera-
ture change. During the delay time, Defrost mode is
selected and the fan operates at a low speed to keep
the windshield fog free.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
Primary control of the rear compartment unit is in
the instrument panel center stack. The rear unit con-
trol knob there allows the driver to turn the rear
unit off, allow control by the intermediate seat occu-
pants by switching to the REAR position, or provide
fully automatic control based on the temperature set-
ting shown on the front control display.
²REAR CONTROL± Selecting automatic control
of the rear unit at the instrument panel, illuminates
a Locked Padlock in the rear control panel display.
Selecting REAR activates the rear control panel and
the Padlock then appears unlocked.
²FAN KNOB± The rear fan control has Off and
AUTO positions and a range of manual speed set-
tings that override the AUTO setting.
²MODE KNOB± The mode control allows inter-
mediate seat occupants to manually override the
automatic mode and select any balance of air flow
between overhead and floor outlets from full over-
head to full floor.
²SET TEMP± The rear set temp control will
operate identical to the front controls. If the front
control rear set temp button is pressed simulta-
neously with the rear control head, then the front
control head press events shall have priority, i.e. if
the front user presses Rear Set Temp down and the
rear user presses Set Temp up, then the rear set
temp will decrease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C COOL DOWN
TEST
The heater-A/C control module can perform an A/C
cool down test, which is a test performed during the
manufacturing process to confirm that the air condi-
tioning system is performing satisfactorily. This test
can also provide a quick confirmation of air condi-
tioning system performance to the service technician.
If the test is completed satisfactorily, no further ser-
vice is required. If the test is failed, proceed to the
A/C Performance Test to confirm the a/c system is
operating properly, or use a DRBIIItscan tool to
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

diagnose the A/C system control and distribution sys-
tems. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The front blower speed and rear blower speed (if
equipped with rear HVAC) must be set to High and
the evaporator temperature sensor must be greater
than 55É F or the test will fail immediately. The test
is activated by depressing the A/C and PWR buttons
simultaneously and holding them depressed for no
less than five seconds. The PWR and A/C LEDs will
blink on and off until the test is complete. If the
LEDs stop blinking before two minutes, then the cool
down test has been completed successfully. If the two
minutes expire without the expansion valve temper-
ature reaching 20É F less than the outside air tem-
perature, then the cool down test has been failed and
further A/C system diagnosis is required. If the test
is failed, the LEDs will continue to blink until the
vehicle has been driven for greater than (8 miles).
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The ambient air temperature in the room where
the vehicle will be tested must be a minimum of 21É
C (70ÉF) for this test. The test is activated by
depressing the A/C and PWR buttons simultaneously
and holding them depressed for no less than four sec-
onds. The snowflake icon and the DELAY text in the
ATC display will blink on and off alternately until
the test is complete. If the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text stop blinking before two minutes, then
the cool down test has been completed successfully. If
the two minutes expire without the evaporator tem-
perature reaching 20É F less than the evaporator ini-
tial temperature, then the cool down test has been
failed and further A/C system diagnosis is required.
If the test is failed, the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text will continue to blink across ignition
cycles until the vehicle has been driven for greater
than (8 miles).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE TEST
An air conditioning performance 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 con-
ditioning system. The ambient air temperature in the
location where the vehicle will be tested must be a
minimum of 21É C (70ÉF) for this test.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFOREPERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of
the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the
amount of effort required to make the connection.
(1) Connect a tachometer to monitor the engine
speed.
(2) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set to
monitor the refrigerant system pressures.
(3) Set the heater-air conditioner controls so that
the compressor is engaged, the air within the vehicle
is being recirculated, the output air is directed
through the panel outlets, the temperature control is
in the full cool position, and the blower motor is oper-
ating at its highest speed.
(4) Start the engine and allow the engine to oper-
ate for about five minutes or until it reaches normal
operating temperature. Then hold the engine speed
at 1000 rpm with the compressor clutch engaged. If
the compressor clutch does not engage, proceed with
diagnosis of the compressor clutch coil. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS -
FRONT/COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
(5) Close all the vehicle windows and doors.
(6) Insert a thermometer in the left center panel
outlet and operate the engine for five minutes.
(7) With the compressor clutch engaged, record the
left center panel outlet discharge air temperature,
the discharge pressure (high side service port), and
the suction pressure (low side service port). The com-
pressor clutch may cycle, depending upon the ambi-
ent temperature and humidity. If the clutch cycles,
use the readings obtained before the clutch disen-
gaged.
(8) Compare the discharge air temperature read-
ing to the Performance Temperature and Pressure
chart. If the temperature reading is high, check the
refrigerant system for leaks and proper refrigerant
charge level. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM LEAKS) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGER-
ANT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGER-
ANT SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL).
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-5
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

The evaporator temperature sensor is a switch that
is installed on the top of the expansion valve in the
right rear corner of the engine compartment (Fig.
18). The sensor has a small probe that is inserted in
a small well in the body of the expansion valve that
is filled with a special silicone-based thermal grease.
A small molded plastic push-in retainer secures the
sensor to a threaded hole in the top surface of the
expansion valve. Two terminals within a molded
plastic connector receptacle on the sensor connect it
to the vehicle electrical system through a take out
and connector of the HVAC wire harness.
The evaporator temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The evaporator temperature sensor monitors the
temperature of the evaporator through its connection
to the top of the expansion valve. The sensor will
change its internal resistance in response to the tem-
peratures it monitors. The heater-A/C control module
is connected to the sensor through a sensor ground
circuit and a sensor signal circuit. As the evaporator
temperature increases, the resistance of the sensor
decreases and the voltage monitored by the module
decreases. The module uses this monitored voltage
reading to an indication of the evaporator tempera-
ture. The heater-A/C control module is programmed
to respond to this input by sending electronic mes-
sages to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus, and the PCM then cycles the air condition-
ing compressor clutch as necessary to optimize air
conditioning system performance and to protect the
system from evaporator freezing. The external loca-
tion of the sensor and the use of a screw allows the
sensor to be removed or installed from the expansion
valve without disturbing the refrigerant in the sys-
tem. The evaporator temperature sensor is diagnosed
using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the air cleaner housing from the right
side of the engine compartment.
(3) Remove the windshield wiper assembly from
the vehicle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS/WIPER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the temperature sensor attaching
screw from the expansion valve.
(5) Pull the evaporator temperature sensor away
from the expansion valve far enough to access the
red release ring on the wiring connector. Push thered ring toward the connector to release lock and
remove the HVAC wire harness connector from the
temperature sensor.
(6) Remove the evaporator temperature sensor
from the engine compartment. Please note that any
grease removed with the old temperature sensor
must be replaced, failure to do so could result in poor
a/c performance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the evaporator temperature sensor
into the right rear corner of the engine compartment.
Please make sure any grease removed with the old
sensor has been replaced before the new sensor is
installed, failure to do so could lead to poor a/c per-
formance.
(2) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle.
(3) Position the evaporator temperature sensor
onto the top of the expansion valve with the sensor
probe inserted into the well in the expansion valve.
(4) Install the temperature sensor retaining screw
and tighten.
(5) Install the window wiper assembly to the vehi-
cle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the right
side of the engine compartment.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(8) Run the HVAC Cool Down test to verify system
is operating properly(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
INFRARED TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The infrared temperature sensor consists of two
infrared transducers that are concealed behind a
clear lens located near the bottom of the center panel
outlet near the top of the instrument panel center
bezel (Fig. 19). These sensors are used only on mod-
els equipped with the optional Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (ATC) heating and air conditioning
system. A molded plastic connector receptacle on the
bottom of the panel outlet unit is concealed behind
the center bezel. A short, dedicated jumper wire har-
ness routed behind the center bezel connects the sen-
sors directly to the ATC heater-A/C control module
near the bottom of the center bezel. The infrared
temperature sensor is integral to the center bezel
panel outlet unit. The infrared sensors cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
center bezel panel outlet unit must be replaced.
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-23
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
(1) Note the ªAirflowº directional arrow imprinted
on the foam seal around the frame of the air filter.
This arrow should always be oriented towards the
center of the vehicle.
(2) With the air filter ªAirflowº arrow properly ori-
ented, carefully slide the filter fully upward into the
evaporator housing through the air filter opening.
(3) With the latch still positioned against its
opened stop, reinstall the air filter door onto the
lower evaporator housing air filter opening.
(4) Slide the air filter door latch toward the front
of the vehicle until it hits the closed stop on the door.
AIR OUTLETS
DESCRIPTION
Based upon the system mode selected, conditioned
air can exit the front heater-A/C unit housing
through one or a combination of the four main hous-
ing outlets: defrost, demist, panel, or floor. Once the
conditioned air exits the unit housing, it is directed
through molded plastic ducts to the various outlets in
the vehicle interior. These outlets and their locations
are as follows:
²Defroster Outlet- A single, centrally mounted
outlet delivers air for defrosting the large windshield.
Because outlet vanes are not needed to direct flow, a
simple, integral grid is molded into the center of the
instrument panel top cover to prevent objects from
falling into the duct. If the defroster outlet is faulty
or damaged, the instrument panel top cover must be
replaced.²Demister Outlets- There are two side window
demisters that aid in defogging and defrosting the
front door windows. One demister outlet is located at
each outboard end of the instrument panel top pad,
near the belt line at the A-pillars. The demister out-
lets can be removed from the top pad individually for
service replacement.
²Instrument Panel Outlets- There are five
panel outlets in the instrument panel, one located
near each outboard end of the instrument panel fac-
ing the rear of the vehicle, and three located near the
top of the instrument panel center bezel. On models
with manual temperature control, all five of these
outlets are fully adjustable. On models with Auto-
matic Temperature Control (ATC), the center outlet
in the center bezel has fixed vanes because it also
houses the remote infrared temperature sensors for
the front seat positions. The outboard outlets can be
removed individually for service replacement. The
center bezel outlets are serviced as a gang of three
outlets and, on models with ATC, also includes the
infrared sensors.
²Front Door Rear Outlets- A fully adjustable
outlet located at the rear of each front door trim
panel supplies only cooled air to the intermediate
seat passengers. Air is supplied to these outlets from
the instrument panel through ducts in the doors that
use molded seals at the instrument panel to prevent
air leakage. The door ducts are integral to the front
door trim panels. These outlets also incorporate a red
reflector to improve the safety and visibility of an
opened front door to traffic approaching the vehicle
from the rear at night. These outlets can be removed
from the door trim panels for service replacement.
²Front Floor Outlets- There are two front floor
outlets, one located above each side of the floor panel
center tunnel below the instrument panel. These out-
lets are integral to the front heater-A/C unit distri-
bution housing.
²Rear Floor Outlets- Wide rear floor outlets
located under each front seat have integral, fixed
directional dividers to distribute heated air across
the floor for intermediate seat passengers. These out-
lets are integral to the floor distribution ducts routed
under the front floor carpet from an outlet nozzle on
the bottom of the front heater-A/C unit distribution
housing.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
The three outlets located near the top of the
instrument panel center bezel are serviced only as a
set of all three outlets. If the vehicle is equipped with
the optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
system, the center outlet of the three has fixed vanes
Fig. 2 Air Filter Door
1 - AIR FILTER DOOR
2-LATCH
3 - CLOSED STOP
4 - LOWER EVAPORATOR HOUSING
5 - OPENED STOP
24 - 40 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
AIR FILTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Liquid CO2is required to test the expansion
valve. This material is available from most welding
supply facilities. Liquid CO
2is also available from
companies which service and sell fire extinguish-
ers.
When testing the expansion valve, the work area
and the vehicle temperature must be 21É to 27É C
(70É to 85É F). To test the expansion valve:
(1) Connect a charging station or manifold gauge
set to the refrigerant system service ports. Verify the
refrigerant charge level.
(2) Close all doors, windows and vents to the pas-
senger compartment.
(3) Set the heater-air conditioner controls so that
the compressor is operating, the temperature control
is in the highest temperature position, the mode door
is directing the output to the floor outlets, and the
blower is operating at the highest speed setting.
(4) Start the engine and allow it to idle at 1000
rpm. After the engine has reached normal operating
temperature, allow the passenger compartment to
heat up. This will create the need for maximum
refrigerant flow into the evaporator.
(5) If the refrigerant charge is sufficient, the dis-
charge (high pressure) gauge should read 965 to 1655
kPa (140 to 240 psi). The suction (low pressure)
gauge should read 140 kPa to 207 kPa (20 psi to 30
psi). If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, replace the faulty
expansion valve.
WARNING:
PROTECT THE SKIN AND EYES FROM EXPOSURE
TO LIQUID CO
2. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
(6) If the suction (low pressure) gauge reads
within the specified range, freeze the expansion valve
control head for 30 seconds using liquid CO
2or
another suitable super-cold material.Do not spray
R-134a or R-12 refrigerant on the expansion
valve control head for this test.The suction (low
pressure) gauge reading should drop by 10 psi. If OK,
go to Step 7 If not OK, replace the faulty expansion
valve.
(7) Allow the expansion valve control head to thaw.
The suction (low pressure) gauge reading should sta-
bilize at 140 kPa to 240 kPa (20 psi to 30 psi). If not
OK, replace the faulty expansion valve.
(8) When expansion valve testing is complete, test
the overall air conditioner performance. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - A/C PERFORMANCE TEST).
Remove all test equipment before returning the vehi-
cle to service.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the air cleaner housing from the right
side of the engine compartment.
(4) Disconnect the drain tube from the wiper mod-
ule drain on the right side of the engine compart-
ment.
(5) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the A/C pressure transducer from
the transducer on the front liquid line rear section
(Fig. 14).
(6) Remove the screw that secures the front liquid
line rear section fitting to the top of the filter-drier.
(7) Disconnect the liquid line fitting from the fil-
ter-drier outlet port.
(8) Remove the seal from the liquid line fitting and
discard.
Fig. 14 Expansion Valve
1 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
2 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
3 - EXPANSION VALVE
4 - SUCTION LINE
5 - HIGH SIDE SERVICE PORT
6 - FRONT LIQUID LINE REAR SECTION
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-73
EXPANSION VALVE (Continued)
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K thermocouple. If a digital multimeter is not avail-
able, this tool is also available through the PSE pro-
gram.
NOTE: When connecting the service equipment
couplings to the refrigerant system service ports,
be certain that the valve of each coupling is fully
closed. This will reduce the amount of effort
required to make the connection.
(1) Remove the caps from the refrigerant system
service ports and attach a manifold gauge set or a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 to the refriger-
ant system.
(2) Attach a clamp-on thermocouple to the liquid
line. The thermocouple must be placed as close to the
A/C pressure transducer as possible to accurately
observe liquid line temperature.
(3) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run at idle under the following condi-
tions for five minutes.
(a) Front windows are open.
(b) Transaxle in Park.
(c) Front heater-A/C controls set to outside air,
full cool, panel mode, blower high, and compressor
engaged.
(d) If the vehicle is so equipped, the rear heater-
A/C controls must be set to full cool and blower
high.
(4) Raise the liquid line (discharge) pressure to
about 1793 kPa (260 psi) by placing a piece of card-
board over part of the front side of the condenser. To
place the cardboard properly, remove the upper radi-
ator sight shield from the front fascia. Cover only
enough of the condenser to raise and maintain the
liquid line pressure at the specified level.
(5) Observe the liquid line (discharge) pressure
and liquid line temperature. Using the Charge Deter-
mination Chart (Fig. 31), determine whether the
refrigerant system is operating within the Proper
Charge Range.
(a) If the refrigerant system is operating in the
Undercharged area of the chart, add 0.057 kilo-
gram (0.125 pound or 2 ounces) of refrigerant to
the system.
(b) If the refrigerant system is operating in the
Overcharged area of the chart, reclaim 0.057 kilo-
gram (0.125 pound or 2 ounces) of refrigerant from
the system.
(6) Recheck the system charge level following each
refrigerant adjustment. Continue this process until
the system readings are in the Proper Charge Range
area on the Charge Determination Chart.DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING)
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
If the air conditioning system is not cooling prop-
erly, determine if the refrigerant system is fully-
charged. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGER-
ANT - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGER-
ANT SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL).
If the refrigerant system is low or empty; a leak at
a refrigerant line, connector fitting, component, or
component seal is likely. While an oily residue on or
near refrigerant system lines, connector fittings, com-
ponents, or component seals can indicate the general
location of a possible refrigerant leak, the exact leak
location should be confirmed with an electronic leak
detector prior to component repair or replacement.
An electronic leak detector designed for R-134a
refrigerant is recommended for locating and confirm-
ing refrigerant system leaks. See the operating
instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer
for proper care and use of this equipment.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures as indicated by the
results of the refrigerant system charge level test.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(2) Connect and dispense 0.283 kilograms (0.625
pounds or 10 ounces) of R-134a refrigerant into the
evacuated refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/
REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
(3) Proceed to the SYSTEM LOW procedures.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(2) Bring the refrigerant system up to operating
temperature and pressure. This is done by allowing
the engine to run at idle under the following condi-
tions for five minutes, then turning the engine off.
(a) Front windows are open.
(b) Rear air conditioner Off (if equipped).
24 - 86 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
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