2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Charge

INSTRUMENT PANEL
STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT
BRACKET
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the instrument panel plenum bracket
from the steering column support bracket. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP PLENUM
BRACKET - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the three screws that secure the
instrument panel wire harness mounting tabs to the
back of the steering column support bracket.
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the 16-way
data link connector to the instrument panel steering
column support bracket and remove the connector
from the bracket (Fig. 35).
(6) Remove the Junction Block (JB) and Body Con-
trol Module (BCM) unit from the instrument panel
steering column support bracket, but do not discon-
nect any of the instrument panel wire harness con-
nectors from the unit. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER DISTRIBUTION/JUNCTION BLOCK -
REMOVAL).
(7) From the face of the instrument panel, remove
the five screws that secure the steering column sup-
port bracket to the instrument panel structural duct.
(8) Remove the steering column support bracket
from the instrument panel structural duct.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERINGCOLUMN, 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) Position the steering column support bracket to
the instrument panel structural duct.
(2) From the face of the instrument panel, install
and tighten the five screws that secure the steering
column support bracket to the instrument panel
structural duct (Fig. 35). Tighten the screws to 11.8
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Position the instrument panel wire harness
mounting tabs to the back of the steering column
support bracket.
(4) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the instrument panel wire harness mounting tabs to
the back of the steering column support bracket.
Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the instrument panel plenum bracket
onto the steering column support bracket. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL PLENUM BRACKET - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall the Junction Block (JB) and Body
Control Module (BCM) unit onto the instrument
Fig. 35 Instrument Panel Steering Column Support
Bracket Remove/Install
1 - STRUCTURAL DUCT
2 - SCREWS (5)
3 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
4 - STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET
23 - 64 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ

panel steering column support bracket. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBUTION/JUNCTION
BLOCK - INSTALLATION).
(7) Position the 16-way data link connector to the
instrument panel steering column support bracket.
(8) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the 16-way data link connector to the instrument
panel steering column support bracket. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the instrument cluster onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IN-
STRUMENT CLUSTER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM
BEZEL - DRIVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the edges of the driver
side trim bezel up and away from the instrument
panel far enough to disengage the two snap clips
from their receptacles (Fig. 36).
(3) Remove the driver side trim bezel from the
instrument panel top pad.
INSTALLATION
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) Position the driver side trim bezel to the
instrument panel top pad.
(2) Align the snap clips on the driver side trim
bezel with the receptacles in the instrument panel
top pad.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the driver side trim bezel over the snap clip loca-
tions until each of the snap clips is fully engaged in
its receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 36 Instrument Panel Driver Side Trim Bezel
Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
2 - DRIVER SIDE TRIM BEZEL
3 - TRIM STICK
4 - PANEL OUTLET
WJINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 65
INSTRUMENT PANEL STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM
BEZEL - PASSENGER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the top pad from the instrument panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD - REMOVAL).
(3) From the underside of the top pad, remove the
four screws from the top of the passenger airbag door
that secure the passenger side trim bezel to the
instrument panel (Fig. 37).
(4) Remove the passenger side trim bezel from the
instrument panel top pad.
INSTALLATION
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) Position the passenger side trim bezel to the
instrument panel top pad.
(2) From the underside of the top pad, install and
tighten the four screws through the passenger airbag
door that secure the passenger side trim bezel to the
instrument panel (Fig. 37). Tighten the screws to
11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the top pad onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 37 Instrument Panel Passenger Side Trim Bezel
Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL AIRBAG DOOR REINFORCEMENT
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
3 - PASSENGER SIDE TRIM BEZEL SCREWS (4)
4 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
23 - 66 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ

POWER OUTLET DOOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the center lower bezel from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/IP CENTER BEZEL - LOWER - REMOVAL).
(3) With the power outlet door in the open posi-
tion, carefully spread the power outlet door hinge
arms far enough to disengage the pivot pins from the
pivots on the back side of the center lower bezel (Fig.
38).
NOTE: The power outlet door is more easily ser-
viced while in the open position. The illustration
shows the door in the closed position for improved
visibility of the assist spring orientation and anchor
point details.
(4) Disengage the stepped ends of the assist spring
from the anchor holes in the inboard power outlet
door hinge arm and in the side of the ash receiver
housing.
(5) Remove the power outlet door from the instru-
ment panel center lower bezel.
INSTALLATION
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) Position the power outlet door to the instru-
ment panel center lower bezel.
(2) Engage the stepped ends of the assist spring
with the anchor holes in the inboard power outlet
door hinge arm and in the side of the ash receiver
housing (Fig. 38).
(3) With the power outlet door in the open posi-
tion, carefully spread the power outlet door hinge
arms far enough to engage the pivot pins with the
pivots on the back side of the lower center bezel.
(4) Reinstall the center lower bezel into the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/IP CENTER BEZEL - LOWER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 38 Instrument Panel Power Outlet Door
Remove/Install
1 - CENTER LOWER BEZEL
2 - ASH RECEIVER FLAME SHIELD
3 - ASH RECEIVER HOUSING
4 - PIVOT PINS
5 - ASSIST SPRING
6 - POWER OUTLET DOOR HINGE ARMS
WJINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM 23 - 67

STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the fuse cover from the Junction Block
(JB) and Body Control Module (BCM) unit under the
driver side outboard end of the instrument panel.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRIBU-
TION/FUSE COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the one screw that secures the out-
board end of the steering column opening cover to
the U-nut on the outboard end of the instrument
panel top pad (Fig. 39).
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the lower
edge of the steering column opening cover to the
U-nuts on the instrument panel steering column sup-
port bracket.
(6) Pull the steering column opening cover rear-
ward to disengage the three snap clips (one outboard
and two inboard) that secure it to the receptacles in
the instrument panel.
(7) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
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. THISIS 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) Position the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel (Fig. 39).
(2) Align the three snap clips on the steering col-
umn opening cover with their receptacles in the
instrument panel.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the steering column opening cover over the snap
clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully
engaged in its receptacle.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the lower edge of the steering column opening cover
to the instrument panel steering column support
bracket. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the outboard end of the steering column opening
cover to the U-nut on the outboard end of the instru-
ment panel top pad. Tighten the screw to 2.2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reinstall the fuse cover onto the Junction
Block (JB) and Body Control Module (BCM) unit
under the driver side outboard end of the instrument
panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DISTRI-
BUTION/FUSE COVER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 39 Steering Column Opening Cover Remove/
Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
2 - STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER
3 - SCREW (3)
23 - 68 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS.......................1
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER........................1
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
SERVICE PORT........................1
OPERATION
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER........................2
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
SERVICE PORT........................2DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE.......................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATER
PERFORMANCE.......................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DIODE
REPLACEMENT.......................6
SPECIFICATIONS
A/C APPLICATION TABLE................7
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS..............8
CONTROLS.............................9
DISTRIBUTION..........................36
PLUMBING.............................51
HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - COOLING SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
To maintain the performance level of the heating-
air conditioning system, the engine cooling system
must be properly maintained. The use of a bug
screen is not recommended. Any obstructions in front
of the radiator or condenser will reduce the perfor-
mance of the air conditioning and engine cooling sys-
tems.
The engine cooling system includes the heater core
and the heater hoses. Refer to Cooling for more infor-
mation before opening, or attempting any service to
the engine cooling system.
DESCRIPTION - HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
A manual temperature control type heating-air
conditioning system is standard factory-installed
equipment on this model. An electronically controlled
Automatic Zone Control (AZC) type heating-air con-
ditioning system is an available factory-installed
option.
All vehicles are equipped with a common HVAC
housing assembly (Fig. 1). The system combines air
conditioning, heating, and ventilating capabilities in
a single unit housing mounted under the instrument
panel.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.
Fig. 1 Blend-Air HVAC System - (typical)
1 - Blend Door
2 - Expansion Valve
3 - Evaporator Core
4 - Blower Assembly
5 - Recirculation Door
6 - Evaporator Probe
7 - Heater Core
8 - Heat/Defrost Door
9 - Panel/Defrost Door
WJHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 1

OPERATION
OPERATION - HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
Outside fresh air enters the vehicle through the
cowl top opening at the base of the windshield, and
passes through a plenum chamber to the HVAC sys-
tem blower housing. Air flow velocity can then be
adjusted with the blower motor speed selector switch
on the a/c heater control panel. The air intake open-
ings must be kept free of snow, ice, leaves, and other
obstructions for the HVAC system to receive a suffi-
cient volume of outside air.
It is also important to keep the air intake openings
clear of debris because leaf particles and other debris
that is small enough to pass through the cowl ple-
num screen can accumulate within the HVAC hous-
ing. The closed, warm, damp and dark environment
created within the HVAC housing is ideal for the
growth of certain molds, mildews and other fungi.
Any accumulation of decaying plant matter provides
an additional food source for fungal spores, which
enter the housing with the fresh air. Excess debris,
as well as objectionable odors created by decaying
plant matter and growing fungi can be discharged
into the passenger compartment during HVAC sys-
tem operation.
Both the manual and AZC heater and air condi-
tioner are blend-air type systems. In a blend-air sys-
tem, a blend door controls the amount of
unconditioned air (or cooled air from the evaporator)
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 tempera-
ture by energizing the blend door actuator, which
operates the blend door. This allows an almost imme-
diate control of the output air temperature of the sys-
tem. The AZC system will have separate blend doors
and temperature controls for each front seat occu-
pant.
The mode control knob on the a/c heater control
panel is used to direct the conditioned air to the
selected system outlets. On manual temperature con-
trol systems, the mode control knob switches engine
vacuum to control the mode doors, which are oper-
ated by vacuum actuators. On AZC systems, the
mode control knob switches electrical current to con-
trol the mode doors, which are operated by electronic
actuators.
The outside air intake can be shut off on manual
temperature control systems by selecting the Recircu-
lation Mode with the mode control knob. The outside
air intake can be shut off on Automatic Zone Control
(AZC) type system by pushing the Recirculation
Mode button. This will operate the recirculation door
that closes off the outside fresh air intake and recir-
culates the air that is already inside the vehicle.The air conditioner for all models is designed for
the use of non-CFC, R-134a refrigerant. The air con-
ditioning system has an evaporator to cool and dehu-
midify the incoming air prior to blending it with the
heated air. This air conditioning system uses a ther-
mal expansion valve to meter refrigerant flow to the
evaporator coil. To maintain minimum evaporator
temperature and prevent evaporator freezing, the
system utilizes an evaporator thermister probe with
the appropriate operating logic located in the body
control module (BCM).
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE
PORT
The high pressure service port is located on the liq-
uid line near the receiver/drier. The low pressure ser-
vice port is located on the suction line near the
evaporator at the rear of the engine compartment.
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 specific humidity air. The evaporator, located
in the HVAC housing on the dash panel below the
instrument panel, is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing 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 tempera-
ture of the air delivered to the interior of the vehicle. It
is important to understand the effect that humidity has
on the performance of the air conditioning 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 evaporator fins. Condensing the
moisture in the air transfers heat energy into the evap-
orator 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.
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGWJ
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Wring-
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 their
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.
If the vehicle has the optional Automatic Zone Control
(AZC) system, and has intermittent operational prob-
lems or fault codes, be certain that the wire harness
connectors on the HVAC housing are properly seated
(Fig. 2). To check this condition, unplug the two wire
harness connector halves, then plug them in again.
Before performing the following procedure, (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - CAUTION) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING). The air
temperature in the test room and in the vehicle must
be a minimum of 21É C (70É F) for this test.
(1)
Connect a tachometer and a manifold gauge set.
(2) If the vehicle has the standard manual temper-
ature control, set the A/C Heater mode control switch
knob in the Panel position, the temperature control
knob in the full cool (Fresh Air Mode) position, the
A/C button in the On position, and the blower motor
switch knob in the highest speed position. If the vehi-
cle has the optional AZC, set the A/C Heater mode
control switch knob in the Panel position, the tem-
perature control knob in the full cool position, the
A/C button in the On position, and the blower motor
switch knob in the highest (manual) speed position.
(3) Start the engine and hold the idle at 1,300 rpm
with the compressor clutch engaged.
(4) The engine should be at operating temperature.
The doors and windows must be open.
(5)
Insert a thermometer in the driver side center
A/C (panel) outlet. Operate the engine for five minutes.
(6) The compressor clutch may cycle, depending
upon the ambient temperature and humidity.(7) With the compressor clutch engaged, record the
discharge air temperature and the compressor dis-
charge pressure.
(8) Compare the discharge air temperature to the
Performance Temperature and Pressure chart. If the
discharge air temperature is high, (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM LEAKS) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
Performance Temperature and Pressure
Ambient Air Temperature
and Humidity21É C
(70É F @ 80%
humidity)27É C
(80É F @ 80%
humidity)32É C
(90É F @ 80%
humidity)38É C
(100ÉF@50%
humidity)43É C
110É F @ 20%
humidity)
Air Temperature at Center
Panel Outlet10 to 13É C
(50 to 55É F)14 to 17É C
(58 to 63É F)15 to 18É C
(60 to 65É F)17 to 20É C
(63 to 68É F)14 to 17É C
(58 to 63É F)
Evaporator Inlet Pressure
at Charge Port241 to 276 kPa
(35 to 40 psi)262 to 290 kPa
(38 to 42 psi)269 to 296 kPa
(39 to 43 psi)275 to 303 kPa
(40 to 44 psi)262 to 290 kPa
(38 to 42 psi)
Compressor Discharge
Pressure1241 to 1792
kPa
(180 to 260 psi)1380 to 1930
kPa
(200 to 280 psi)1380 to 1930
kPa
(200 to 280 psi)1655 to 2206
kPa
(240 to 320 psi)1567 to 2068
kPa
(220 to 300 psi)
Note: The discharge air temperatures will be lower if the humidity is less than the percentages shown.
Fig. 2 HVAC Housing - (rear view)
1 - Instrument Panel
2 - Air Intake
3 - Expansion Valve
4 - HVAC Housing
5 - Heater Core Input/Output Ports
6 - Instrument Panel Wiring Harness
7 - Blower Motor
WJHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)