(12) Remove the receiver/drier and mounting
bracket unit from the studs.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the receiver/drier is being replaced, add 25
milliliters (0.9 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the compressor in the vehi-
cle.
(1) Position the receiver/drier and mounting
bracket unit onto the weld studs on the side of the
right front strut tower.
(2) Install the two nuts that secure the receiver/
drier mounting bracket to the studs. Tighten the
nuts to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section fitting for the receiver/drier and the
receiver/drier outlet port.
(4) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(5) Reconnect the liquid line fitting to the receiver/
drier outlet port on the top of the receiver/drier.
(6) Install the bolt that secures the liquid line fit-
ting to the receiver/drier. Tighten the bolt to 11 N´m
(97 in. lbs.).
(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
front section fitting for the receiver/drier and the
receiver/drier inlet port.
(8) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(9) Reconnect the liquid line fitting to the receiver/
drier inlet port on the top of the receiver/drier.
(10) Install the bolt that secures the liquid line fit-
ting to the receiver/drier. Tighten the bolt to 11 N´m
(97 in. lbs.).
(11) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the
right side of the engine compartment.
(12) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(13) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning sys-
tem is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a.
Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC),
R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting
chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flam-mable, clear, and colorless liquefied gas. Even though
R-134a does not contain chlorine, it must be
reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type refriger-
ants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse gas and
can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 added to an R-134a refrigerant
system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil
sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
In addition, the PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG) synthetic
refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system
are not compatible with the mineral-based refriger-
ant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system. R-134a
refrigerant system service ports, service tool couplers
and refrigerant dispensing bottles have all been
designed with unique fittings to ensure that an
R-134a system is not accidentally contaminated with
the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also labels
posted in the engine compartment of the vehicle and
on the compressor identifying to service technicians
that the air conditioning system is equipped with
R-134a.
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant oil used in R-134a refrigerant sys-
tems is a synthetic-based, PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG),
wax-free lubricant. Mineral-based R-12 refrigerant
oils are not compatible with PAG oils, and should
never be introduced to an R-134a refrigerant system.
There are different PAG oils available, and each con-
tains a different additive package. The compressor
used in this vehicle is designed to use an ND-8 PAG
refrigerant oil. Use only refrigerant oil of this same
type to service the refrigerant system.
OPERATION
After performing any refrigerant recovery or recy-
cling operation, always replenish the refrigerant sys-
tem with the same amount of the recommended
refrigerant oil as was removed. Too little refrigerant
oil can cause compressor damage, and too much can
reduce air conditioning system performance. PAG
refrigerant oil is much more hygroscopic than min-
eral oil, and will absorb any moisture it comes into
contact with, even moisture in the air. The PAG oil
container should always be kept tightly capped until
it is ready to be used. After use, recap the oil con-
tainer immediately to prevent moisture contamina-
tion.
24 - 92 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
RECEIVER / DRIER (Continued)
from the system back into the new A/C compressor.
Refer to the reclaim/recycling equipment manufactur-
ers instructions.
SERVICE PORT VALVE CORE
DESCRIPTION
A/C SERVICE PORT VALVE CORES
The low side valve is located on the suction line
near the A/C compressor. The low side A/C service
port valve core is a serviceable item. The high side
A/C service port valve core is located on the liquid
line fitting attached to the top of the receiver/drier.
The high side A/C service port valve core is not a sep-
arate serviceable item. If the high side service port
valve core is faulty or damaged, the front section of
the liquid line will require replacement.
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 CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Using a standard Schrader-type valve core tool,
remove the valve core from the low side A/C service
port located on the suction line.
(3) Install a plug in or tape over the opened low
side A/C service port.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the low side A/C service port valve
core with clean refrigerant oil prior to installation.
Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for
the compressor in the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tape or plug from the A/C service
port located on the suction line near the A/C com-
pressor.
(3) Using a standard Schrader-type valve core tool,
install and tighten the replacement valve core into
the low side A/C service port.
CAUTION: A valve core that is not fully seated in
the A/C service port can result in damage to the
valve during refrigerant system evacuation and
charge. Such damage may result in a loss of sys-tem refrigerant while uncoupling the charge adapt-
ers.
(4) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(5) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
(6) Reinstall the protective cap onto the A/C ser-
vice port.
SUCTION 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).
NOTE: The front suction line includes the low side
service port on a section of tubing located near the
A/C compressor. On models equipped with the
optional rear A/C system, the front suction line also
includes a suction line hose and tube extension
that connects the front suction line to the suction
line for the rear A/C system.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the air cleaner top cover and snorkel
from the air cleaner housing located on 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) Remove the nut that secures the suction line
fitting to the top of the A/C compressor.
(6) Disconnect the suction line fitting from the
compressor suction port.
(7) Remove the O-ring seal from the suction line
fitting and discard.
(8) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line fitting and the compressor suction port.
24 - 94 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
REFRIGERANT OIL (Continued)
(8) Remove the nut that secures the evaporator
line extension seal plate to the expansion valve stud.
(9) Remove the evaporator line extension seal
plate from the expansion valve stud.
(10) Remove the evaporator line extension from
the expansion valve and the rear HVAC housing
base.
(11) Remove the seals from the evaporator line
extension fittings and discard.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened evap-
orator line extension fittings and both expansion
valve ports.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - REAR A/C EVAPORATOR
NOTE: If the rear A/C evaporator is being replaced,
add 50 milliliters (1.8 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil
to the refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of
the type recommended for the compressor in the
vehicle.
(1) Carefully lower the rear A/C evaporator and its
foam wrap into the lower half of the rear HVAC
housing.
(2) Position the upper half of the rear HVAC hous-
ing onto the lower half.
(3) Install the three metal spring clips that secure
the upper half of the rear HVAC housing to the lower
half.
(4) Install the three screws that secure the upper
half of the rear HVAC housing to the lower half.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the rubber grommet that seals the evap-
orator inlet and outlet tubes to the rear HVAC hous-
ing near the expansion valve.
(6) Reinstall the rear expansion valve onto the
rear A/C evaporator (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - REAR/EXPANSION
VALVE - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reinstall the rear evaporator extension line
onto the expansion valve (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - REAR/EVAPO-
RATOR - INSTALLATION - EVAPORATOR EXTEN-
SION LINE).
(8) Reinstall the rear HVAC housing into the vehi-
cle (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION - REAR/REAR HEATER-A/C
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION - REAR A/C EVAPORATOR LINE
EXTENSION
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from the evaporator
line extension fittings and both expansion valve
ports.(2) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the evaporator
line extension fittings.
(3) Position the evaporator line extension to the
expansion valve and the rear HVAC housing base.
(4) Position the evaporator line extension seal
plate over the expansion valve stud.
(5) Install the nut that secures the evaporator line
extension seal plate to the expansion valve stud.
Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Position the expansion valve bracket over the
expansion valve stud.
(7) Install the two screws that secure the expan-
sion valve bracket to the lower rear HVAC housing.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(8) Install the nut that secures the expansion
valve bracket to the expansion valve stud. Tighten
the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(9) Carefully restore the expansion valve foam
insulator wrap back around the expansion valve.
(10) Position the plate that captures and seals the
evaporator line extension onto the rear HVAC hous-
ing base.
(11) Install the screw that secures the capture
plate to the base of the rear HVAC housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(12) Install the rear HVAC housing into the vehi-
cle (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION).
A/C EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The rear ªHº valve-type thermal expansion valve
(TXV) is located at the rear of the rear HVAC hous-
ing between the evaporator line extension and the
evaporator coil. High-pressure, low temperature liq-
uid refrigerant from the liquid line passes through
the expansion valve orifice, converting it into a low-
pressure, low-temperature mixture of liquid and gas
before it enters the evaporator coil.
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.
RSPLUMBING - REAR24-99
A/C EVAPORATOR (Continued)