2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN cooling

NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being
installed, be certain to drain and measure the refrig-
erant oil contained in the removed compressor.
This will determine how much oil the replacement
compressor must contain before it is installed.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
NOTE: The filter drier should always be replaced
when the compressor is replaced. This will remove
any contaminants including moisture from the sys-
tem.
REMOVAL - COMPRESSOR MOUNTING
BRACKET - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Remove the compressor from the mounting
bracket. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the com-
pressor mounting bracket to the engine (Fig. 3).
(3) Remove the compressor mounting bracket from
the engine.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - COMPRESSOR
NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being
installed, be certain to check the refrigerant oil
level. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended
for the compressor in the vehicle.
NOTE: The filter drier should always be replaced
when the compressor is replaced. This will remove
any contaminants including moisture from the sys-
tem.
(1) Position the compressor into the engine com-
partment.
(2) On models with the 2.4L engine, loosely install
the four screws that secure the compressor to the
mounting bracket on the engine. Tighten the screws
to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines,
loosely install the two screws and two nuts that
secure the compressor to the engine. Tighten each of
the fasteners using the following sequence to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.).
²The upper nut at the front of the compressor.
²The lower nut at the front of the compressor.
²The upper screw at the rear of the compressor.
²The lower screw at the rear of the compressor.
(4) On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines only,
engage the retainer on the engine wire harness com-
pressor clutch coil take out with the bracket on the
top of the compressor.
(5) Reconnect the engine wire harness connector
for the compressor clutch coil to the coil pigtail wire
connector on the top of the compressor.
(6) Reinstall the serpentine accessory drive belt
onto the front of the engine. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - 2.4L -
INSTALLATION) or (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCES-
SORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - 3.3L/3.8L - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor
discharge port and the discharge line fitting.
(9) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(10) Install a new gasket and reconnect the dis-
charge line fitting to the compressor discharge port.
(11) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the compressor. Tighten the
nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(12) Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor
suction port and the suction line fitting.
(13) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the suction line fit-
ting.
(14) Install a new gasket and reconnect the suc-
tion line fitting to the compressor suction port.
(15) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
suction line fitting to the compressor. Tighten the nut
to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 3 Compressor Mounting Bracket - 2.4L Engine
1 - MOUNTING BRACKET
2 - SCREWS (4)
3 - ENGINE
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-65
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
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(16) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(17) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(18) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
INSTALLATION - COMPRESSOR MOUNTING
BRACKET - 2.4L ENGINE
(1) Position the compressor mounting bracket onto
the engine.
(2) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the compressor mounting bracket to the engine.
Tighten the screws to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the compressor onto the mounting
bracket. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/COMPRESSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION
The condenser is integral to a cooling module
which includes the radiator, the electric cooling fan,
the fan shroud, air seals and an automatic transmis-
sion oil cooler. The cooling module is located in the
air flow in the front of the engine compartment
behind the radiator grille. The condenser cannot be
repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced. The condenser may be removed
from the cooling module for service without removing
the cooling module from the vehicle.
OPERATION
The condenser is a heat exchanger that allows the
high-pressure refrigerant gas being discharged by the
compressor to give up its heat to the air passing over
the condenser fins. When the refrigerant gas gives up
its heat, it condenses. When the refrigerant leaves
the condenser, it has become a high-pressure liquid
refrigerant. The volume of air flowing over the con-
denser fins is critical to the proper cooling perfor-
mance of the air conditioning system. Therefore, it is
important that there are no objects placed in front of
the radiator grille openings in the front of the vehicle
or foreign material on the condenser fins that might
obstruct air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals
or shrouds must be properly reinstalled following
radiator or condenser 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).
NOTE: Before removing the condenser, note the
location of each of the radiator and condenser air
seals. These air seals are used to direct air through
the condenser and radiator. The air seals must be
reinstalled in their proper locations in order for the
air conditioning and engine cooling systems to per-
form as designed.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Remove the two large screws that secure the
front fascia and the outboard ends of the radiator
sight shield to the radiator closure panel crossmem-
ber (Fig. 4).
(3) Remove the five small screws that secure the
front fascia grille inserts to the radiator sight shield.
(4) Remove the radiator sight shield from the radi-
ator closure panel crossmember.
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the hood
latch unit to the front of the radiator closure panel
Fig. 4 Radiator Sight Shield
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
24 - 66 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

crossmember and move the latch out of the way over
the top of the crossmember. Mark the location of
latch for reinstallation.
(6) Disconnect the hoses from the transmission oil
cooler fittings on the left side of the cooling module.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS
COOLER LINES - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser on the right side of the cool-
ing module.
(8) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
condenser inlet port.
(9) Remove the seals from the discharge line fit-
ting and discard.
(10) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.
(11) Remove the nut that secures the liquid line
fitting to the condenser on the right side of the cool-
ing module.
(12) Disconnect the liquid line fitting from the con-
denser outlet port.
(13) Remove the seals from the liquid line fitting
and discard.
(14) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the condenser outlet port.
(15) Remove the screw that secures the top of the
mounting bracket on each side of the condenser to
the cooling module (Fig. 5).
(16) Lift the condenser, transmission oil cooler, and
mounting brackets as a unit far enough to disengage
the locating pin that secures the mounting brackets
in the lower mount rubber isolators on each side of
the cooling module.
(17) Remove the condenser, transmission oil cooler,
and mounting brackets from the vehicle as a unit.
(18) Remove the two screws that secure each
mounting bracket to the sides of the condenser.
(19) Remove the one screw that secures the left
mounting bracket to the side of the transmission oil
cooler.
(20) Remove the left mounting bracket from the
side of the condenser and transmission oil cooler.
(21) Remove the condenser from the right mount-
ing bracket and transmission oil cooler unit.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the condenser is being replaced, add 30
milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the compressor in the vehi-
cle.
NOTE: Be certain that each of the radiator and con-
denser air seals are reinstalled in their proper loca-
tions. These air seals are required in order for theair conditioning and engine cooling systems to per-
form as designed.
(1) Position the condenser to the right mounting
bracket and transmission oil cooler unit.
(2) Position the left mounting bracket onto the side
of the condenser and transmission oil cooler.
(3) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the left mounting bracket to the side of the transmis-
sion oil cooler. Tighten the screw to 5 N´m (45 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
each mounting bracket to the sides of the condenser.
Tighten the screws to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(5) Position the condenser, transmission oil cooler,
and mounting brackets into the vehicle as a unit. Be
certain that the locating pins that secure the mount-
ing brackets are engaged in the lower mount rubber
isolators on each side of the cooling module.
NOTE: Verify that the condensor isolators are all
installed and positioned correctly.
(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the top of the mounting bracket on each side of the
condenser to the cooling module. Tighten the screws
to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
Fig. 5 Condenser Mounting
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - LOWER MOUNT ISOLATOR (2)
3 - CONDENSER
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-67
CONDENSER (Continued)
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(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the condenser
outlet port and the liquid line fitting.
(8) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(9) Install a new dual plan seal and reconnect the
liquid line fitting to the condenser outlet port on the
right side of the cooling module.
(10) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
liquid line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the nut to
23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(11) Remove the tape or plugs from the condenser
inlet port and the discharge line fitting.
(12) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(13) Install a new dual plan seal and reconnect the
discharge line fitting to the condenser inlet port on
the right side of the cooling module.
(14) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the
nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(15) Reconnect the hoses to the transmission oil
cooler fittings on the left side of the cooling module.
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS
COOLER LINES - INSTALLATION).
(16) Reposition the hood latch unit to the front of
the radiator closure panel crossmember.
(17) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the hood latch unit to the front of the radiator clo-
sure panel crossmember. Check and adjust the hood
latch as needed. Tighten the screws to 14 N´m (123
in. lbs.).
(18) Position the radiator sight shield onto the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(19) Install and tighten the five small screws that
secure the front fascia grille inserts to the radiator
sight shield. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(20) Install and tighten the two large screws that
secure the front fascia and the outboard ends of the
radiator sight shield to the radiator closure panel
crossmember. Tighten the screws to 6 N´m (53 in.
lbs.).
(21) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(22) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).DISCHARGE LINE
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) Remove the two large screws that secure the
front fascia and the outboard ends of the radiator
sight shield to the radiator closure panel crossmem-
ber (Fig. 6).
(3) Remove the five small screws that secure the
front fascia grille inserts to the radiator sight shield.
(4) Remove the radiator sight shield from the radi-
ator closure panel crossmember.
(5) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser on the right side of the cool-
ing module (Fig. 7).
(6) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
condenser inlet port.
(7) Remove the seal from the discharge line fitting
and discard.
(8) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.
Fig. 6 Radiator Sight Shield
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
24 - 68 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
CONDENSER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(9) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the top of the compressor (Fig. 8).
(10) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
compressor discharge port.
(11) Remove the seals from the discharge line fit-
ting and discard.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the compressor discharge port.
(13) Remove the discharge line from the engine
compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the discharge line into the engine com-
partment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor
discharge port and the discharge line fitting.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(4) Install a new dual plane seal and reconnect the
discharge line fitting to the compressor discharge
port on the top of the compressor.
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the compressor. Tighten the
nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the condenser
inlet port and the discharge line fitting.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(8) Install a new dual plane seal and reconnect the
discharge line fitting to the condenser inlet port on
the right side of the cooling module.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the
nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(10) Position the radiator sight shield onto the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(11) Install and tighten the five small screws that
secure the front fascia grille inserts to the radiator
sight shield. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(12) Install and tighten the two large screws that
secure the front fascia and the outboard ends of the
radiator sight shield to the radiator closure panel
crossmember. Tighten the screws to 6 N´m (53 in.
lbs.).
(13) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(14) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The evaporator is located in the heater-A/C unit
housing, behind the instrument panel. The evapora-
tor is positioned in the heater-A/C housing so that all
air that enters the housing must pass over the fins of
the evaporator before it is distributed through the
system ducts and outlets. However, air passing over
the evaporator fins will only be conditioned when the
compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant
Fig. 7 Condenser Connections
1 - CONDENSER
2 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
3 - LIQUID LINE FITTING
4 - NUT
Fig. 8 Discharge Line
1 - DISCHARGE LINE
2 - NUT
3 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
4 - STUD
5 - DISCHARGE PORT
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-69
DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

the notched area between the upper and lower hous-
ing halves.
(3) Install and tighten the twelve screws around
the perimeter of the evaporator housing that secure
the upper housing half to the lower half. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(4) Position the upper half of the recirculation air
door onto the lower half of the door.
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the upper half of the recirculation air door to the
lower half of the door. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).
(6) Position the upper intake air housing onto the
top of the evaporator housing over the recirculation
air door and the blower wheel housing. Be certain
that the upper pivot of the recirculation air door is
captured in the pivot receptacle of the upper intake
air housing.
(7) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the upper intake air housing to the top of the out-
board end of the evaporator housing. Be certain not
to miss the screw located just inside the inboard side
of the fresh air intake opening. Tighten the screws to
2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(8) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the upper intake air housing to the lower intake air
housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(9) Engage the two hook formations on the bottom
of the distribution housing in the two receptacles on
the evaporator housing.
(10) Roll the top of the distribution housing up
into position against the evaporator housing.
(11) Install and tighten the three screws from the
dash panel side of the unit that secure the top of the
distribution housing to the inboard end of the evapo-
rator housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in.
lbs.).
(12) Engage the HVAC wire harness in the routing
clips molded into the outside of the HVAC housing
components.
(13) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the blower motor with the motor connector recep-
tacle on the bottom of the outboard end of the evap-
orator housing.
(14) Reinstall the expansion valve onto the evapo-
rator inlet and outlet tube fittings. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/EXPANSION VALVE - INSTALLATION).
(15) Install a new foam seal onto the HVAC hous-
ing seal flange around the fresh air inlet opening and
the expansion valve/evaporator tube opening on the
dash panel side of the unit.
(16) Reinstall the heater core tubes into the heater
core. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER CORE -
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE TUBES).(17) Reinstall the HVAC unit housing into the
vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION - FRONT/HVAC HOUS-
ING - INSTALLATION).
(18) Run the HVAC Control Actuator Calibration
procedure(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)(Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING).
EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The front ªHº valve-type thermal expansion valve
(TXV) is located at the dash panel between the liquid
and suction lines, and the evaporator coil. The
assembly consists of an H-valve body and a thermal
sensor. High-pressure, low temperature liquid refrig-
erant from the liquid line passes through the expan-
sion valve orifice, converting it into a low-pressure,
low-temperature mixture of liquid and gas before it
enters the evaporator coil. The expansion valve is a
factory calibrated unit and cannot be adjusted or
repaired. If faulty or damaged, the expansion valve
must be replaced.
OPERATION
A mechanical sensor in the expansion valve control
head monitors the temperature and pressure of the
refrigerant leaving the evaporator coil through the
suction line, and adjusts the orifice size at the liquid
line to let the proper amount of refrigerant into the
evaporator coil to meet the vehicle cooling require-
ments. Controlling the refrigerant flow through the
evaporator ensures that none of the refrigerant leav-
ing the evaporator is still in a liquid state, which
could damage the compressor. The thermo sensor
measures refrigerant suction gas temperature which
is monitored by the a/c control assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EXPANSION VALVE
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).
NOTE: The expansion valve should only be tested
following testing of the compressor.
24 - 72 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
EVAPORATOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

the heater-A/C unit housing is directed through the
heater core.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL- HEATER CORE EXTENSION TUBES
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 - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
hose tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the silencer from beneath the driver
side end of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL SILENCER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the heater
core shield to the left end of the HVAC distribution
housing (Fig. 15).
(6) Pull the heater core shield rearward far enough
to disengage the two location tabs that position the
front of the shield to the receptacles in the two lower
finger formations of the evaporator housing near the
dash panel.
(7) Remove the heater core shield from the distri-
bution housing.
(8) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the heater core from spilled engine cool-ant and have absorbent toweling readily available to
clean up any spills.
(9) Remove the screw that secures the heater core
tube sealing plate to the heater core supply and
return ports (Fig. 16).
(10) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(11) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
Fig. 15 Heater Core Shield
1 - HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - HEATER CORE SHIELD
3 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
4 - SCREWS (3)
5 - LOCATION TABS (2)
Fig. 16 Heater Core Tubes
1 - SEAL
2 - HEATER CORE TUBES
3 - SCREW
4 - HEATER CORE
5 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
6 - SEALING PLATE
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-75
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(12) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(13) Pull both heater core tubes simultaneously
slightly away from the distribution housing and rear-
ward far enough to disengage the engine compart-
ment ends of the tubes from the dash panel seal.
(14) Remove the heater core tubes and sealing
plate as a unit from beneath the instrument panel.
(15) Use absorbent toweling to clean up any
engine coolant spills from the preceding operation.
REMOVAL - HEATER CORE
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 - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the silencer boot fasteners located
around the base of the lower steering shaft from the
dash panel so that it may be pushed aside.
(4) Remove the brake lamp switch from its mount-
ing bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the power brake booster input rod
(push rod) from the pin on the brake pedal arm.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - ABS/HYDRAULIC/ME-
CHANICAL/POWER BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOV-
AL).
(6) Remove the three screws that secure the heater
core shield to the left end of the HVAC distribution
housing (Fig. 17).(7) Pull the heater core shield rearward far enough
to disengage the two location tabs that position the
front of the shield to the receptacles in the two lower
finger formations of the evaporator housing near the
dash panel.
(8) Remove the heater core shield from the distri-
bution housing.
(9) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the heater core from spilled engine cool-
ant and have absorbent toweling readily available to
mop up any spills.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the heater core
tube sealing plate to the heater core supply and
return ports (Fig. 18).
(11) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(13) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(14) Remove the two screws that secure the heater
core mounting plate to the distribution housing.
(15) While pulling the accelerator pedal upward
(Fig. 19) and pushing the brake pedal downward
(Fig. 20) far enough for clearance, pull the heater
core out of the distribution housing.
(16) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation. Also, if
the heater core was leaking, use absorbent toweling
and reach into the heater core opening to mop up
any residual engine coolant within the distribution
housing.
Fig. 17 Heater Core Shield
1 - HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - HEATER CORE SHIELD
3 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
4 - SCREWS (3)
5 - LOCATION TABS (2)
24 - 76 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER CORE (Continued)
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