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. 2), 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 (Fig. 2).
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING TUBING
AND FITTINGS
CAUTION: The system must be completely empty
before opening any fitting or connection in the
refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution
even after the system has been emptied. If any
pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened,
retighten fitting and evacuate the system again.
A good rule for the flexible hose lines is to keep theradius of all bends at least 10 times the diameter of
the hose. Sharper bends will reduce the flow of
refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be routed
so they are at least 3 inches (80 mm) from the
exhaust manifold. Inspect all flexible hose lines to
make sure they are in good condition and properly
routed.
The use of correct wrenches when making connec-
tions is very important. Improper wrenches or
improper use of wrenches can damage the fittings.
The internal parts of the A/C system will remain sta-
ble as long as moisture-free refrigerant and refrig-
erant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of dirt,
moisture or air can upset the chemical stability.
This may cause operational troubles or even seri-
ous damage if present in more than very small
quantities. Before disconnecting a component,
clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to pre-
vent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system.
When opening a refrigeration system, have every-
thing you will need to repair the system ready. This
will minimize the amount of time the system must
be opened. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as
soon as they are opened. This will help prevent the
entrance of dirt and moisture. All new lines and
components should be capped or sealed until they
are ready to be used. Before connecting a compo-
nent, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to
prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system.
All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing mani-
fold, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should
be kept clean and dry.
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in
the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the
capacity of the entire system. High pressures are pro-
duced in the system when it is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure that all connec-
tions are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter
the system when it is opened for repair or replace-
ment of lines or components. The refrigerant oil will
absorb moisture readily out of the air. This moisture
will convert into acids within a closed system.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN
WHEN SERVICING AN AIR CONDITIONING REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM. TURN OFF (ROTATE CLOCKWISE)
ALL VALVES ON THE EQUIPMENT BEING USED
BEFORE CONNECTING TO, OR DISCONNECTING
FROM THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN PER-
SONAL INJURY.
24 - 70 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
RECOVERY/RECYCLING STATION
When servicing the air conditioning system, a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SEA Standard J2210 must be used
(Fig. 3). Contact an automotive service equipment
supplier for refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
equipment. See the operating instructions supplied
by the equipment manufacturer for proper care and
use of this equipment.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
CAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 4). The
service hoses on the gauge set being used should
have manual (turn wheel), or automatic back-flow
valves at the service port connector ends. This will
prevent refrigerant from being released into the
atmosphere.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.²LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE- The low
pressure hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to
the low side service port. This service port is located
on the suction line near the A/C compressor.
²HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE- The high
pressure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the
high side service port. This service port is located on
the liquid line fitting at the reciever/drier.
²RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/
CHARGING HOSE- The center manifold hose (Yel-
low, or White, with Black stripe) is used to recover,
evacuate, and charge the refrigerant system. When
the low or high pressure valves on the manifold
gauge set are opened, the refrigerant in the system
will escape through this hose.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY
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).
Fig. 3 Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Station -
Typical
1 - R-134a REFRIGERANT STATION
Fig. 4 Manifold Gauge Set - Typical
1 - HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE
2 - VALVE
3 - VACUUM/REFRIGERANT HOSE (YELLOW W/BLACK STRIPE)
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE (RED W/BLACK STRIPE)
5 - LOW PRESSURE HOSE (BLUE W/BLACK STRIPE)
6 - VALVE
7 - LOW PRESSURE GAUGE
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-71
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for the proper
care and use of this equipment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE
NOTE: Special effort must be used to prevent mois-
ture from entering the A/C system oil. Moisture in
the oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a
reliability problem with the compressor.
If a compressor designed to use R-134a refrigerant
is left open to the atmosphere for an extended period
of time. It is recommended that the refrigerant oil be
drained and replaced with new oil or a new compres-
sor be used. This will eliminate the possibility of con-
taminating the refrigerant system.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the
atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system
can be filled. Moisture and air mixed with the refrig-
erant will raise the compressor head pressure above
acceptable operating levels. This will reduce the per-
formance of the air conditioner and damage the com-
pressor. Moisture will boil at near room temperature
when exposed to vacuum. A R-134a refrigerant recov-
ery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE Stan-
dard J2210 must be used to evacuate the refrigerant
system. See the operating instructions supplied by
the equipment manufacturer for proper care and use
of this equipment. To evacuate the refrigerant sys-
tem, use the following procedure:
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) Recover the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Connect a suitable charging station, refrigerant
recovery machine or a manifold gauge set with vac-
uum pump and refrigerant recovery equipment.
(3) Open the suction and discharge valves and
start the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump should
run a minimum of 45 minutes prior to charge to
eliminate all moisture in system. When the suction
gauge reads -88 kPa (-26 in. Hg) vacuum or greater
for 30 minutes, close all valves and turn off vacuum
pump. If the system fails to reach specified vacuum,
the refrigerant system likely has a leak that must be
corrected. If the refrigerant system maintains speci-fied vacuum for at least 30 minutes, start the vac-
uum pump, open the suction and discharge valves.
Then allow the system to evacuate an additional 10
minutes.
(4) Close all valves. Turn off and disconnect the
vacuum pump.
(5) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE
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).
After all refrigerant system leaks have been
repaired and the refrigerant system has been evacu-
ated, a refrigerant charge can be injected into the
system. For the proper amount of the refrigerant
charge, refer to REFRIGERANT CHARGE CAPAC-
ITY. A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to charge the refrigerant system with R-134a
refrigerant. See the operating instructions supplied
by the equipment manufacturer for proper care and
use of this equipment.
REFRIGERANT CHARGE CAPACITY
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle is:
²Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only - with
2.5L Turbo Diesel)0.79 kilograms (1.75 pounds or
28 ounces)
²Single or Dual Zone (Front Unit Only)- 0.88
kilograms (1.94 pounds or 31 ounces)
²Three Zone (Front and Rear Units)- 1.21
kilograms (2.69 pounds or 43 ounces)
NOTE: Always refer to the underhood HVAC Speci-
fication Tag for the latest fill specification for the
vehicle being serviced.
24 - 72 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
CHARGING PROCEDURE
CAUTION: A small amount of refrigerant oil is
removed from the A/C system each time the refrig-
erant system is recovered and evacuated. Before
charging the A/C system, you MUST replenish any
oil lost during the recovery process. Refer the
equipment manufacturer instructions for more infor-
mation.
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(2) A manifold gauge set and a R-134a refrigerant
recovery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE
Standard J2210 should still be connected to the
refrigerant system.
(3) Measure the proper amount of refrigerant and
heat it to 52É C (125É F) with the charging station.
See the operating instructions supplied by the equip-
ment manufacturer for proper use of this equipment.
(4) Open both the suction and discharge valves,
then open the charge valve to allow the heated
refrigerant to flow into the system.
(5) When the transfer of refrigerant has stopped,
close both the suction and discharge valves.
(6) If all of the refrigerant charge did not transfer
from the dispensing device, open all of the windows
in the vehicle and set the heater-air conditioner con-
trols so that the compressor is engaged and the
blower motor is operating at its lowest speed setting.
Run the engine at a steady high idle (about 1400
rpm). If the compressor will not engage, test the com-
pressor clutch control circuit and repair as required.
(7) Open the suction valve to allow the remaining
refrigerant to transfer to the refrigerant system.
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT TO OPEN THE DIS-
CHARGE (HIGH PRESSURE) VALVE AT THIS TIME.
(8) Close the suction valve and test the system
performance. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - A/C PER-
FORMANCE TEST).
(9) Disconnect the charging station and manifold
gauge set from the refrigerant system service ports.
(10) Reinstall the caps onto the refrigerant system
service ports.
(11) Run the HVAC Control Cooldown test to ver-
ify proper operation(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR
Vehicles equipped with the 2.5L diesel, 3.3L and
3.8L gasoline engines use the Denso 10S20 A/C com-
pressor. Vehicles equipped with the 2.4L gasoline
engine use the Denso 10S17 A/C compressor. Both
A/C compressors include an integral high pressure
relief valve. The A/C compressor is secured to a
mounting bracket on the 2.4L gasoline engine and
directly to the cylinder block on the 2.5L diesel, 3.3L
and 3.8L gasoline engines.
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
A high pressure relief valve is located on the rear
of the A/C compressor. This mechanical valve is
designed to vent refrigerant from the A/C system to
protect against damage to the compressor and other
system components, caused by condenser air flow
restriction or an overcharge of refrigerant.
OPERATION
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR
The A/C compressor is driven by the engine
through an electric clutch, drive pulley and belt
arrangement. The compressor is lubricated by refrig-
erant oil that is circulated throughout the refrigerant
system with the refrigerant.
The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant
vapor from the evaporator through its suction port. It
then compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure,
high-temperature refrigerant vapor. The compressor
pumps the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to the
condenser through the compressor discharge port.
The compressor cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire compressor assembly must be
replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley and clutch
coil are available for service.
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The high pressure relief valve vents the system
when a discharge pressure of 3445 to 4135 kPa (500
to 600 psi) or above is reached. The valve closes
when a minimum discharge pressure of 2756 kPa
(400 psi) is reached.
The high pressure relief valve vents only enough
refrigerant to reduce the system pressure, and then
re-seats itself. The majority of the refrigerant is con-
served in the system. If the valve vents refrigerant, it
does not mean that the valve is faulty.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-73
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)
The high pressure relief valve is a factory-cali-
brated unit. The valve cannot be adjusted or
repaired, and must not be removed or otherwise dis-
turbed. The valve is only serviced as a part of the
compressor assembly.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Excessive noise while the air conditioning compres-
sor is operating can be caused by loose compressor
mounts, a loose compressor clutch, or high operating
pressures in the refrigerant system. Verify compres-
sor drive belt condition, proper compressor mounting,
correct refrigerant charge level, and compressor head
pressure before compressor repair is performed.
With the close tolerances within the compressor, it
is possible to experience a temporary lockup. The
longer the compressor is inactive, the more likely the
condition is to occur. This condition is the result of
normal refrigerant migration within the refrigerant
system caused by ambient temperature changes. The
refrigerant migration may wash the refrigerant oil
out of the compressor.
NOTE: Prior to a vehicle being removed from ser-
vice or stored for more than two weeks, the com-
pressor should be operated to ensure adequate
refrigerant oil distribution throughout the system
components. Turn on the air conditioner for a min-
imum of five minutes with outside air and the high-
est blower speed selected.
BELT NOISE
If the compressor drive belt slips at initial start-up,
it does not necessarily mean the compressor has
failed. The following procedure can be used to iden-
tify a compressor drive belt noise problem.
A. Start the vehicle and run at idle.
B. Turn the air conditioner On and listen for belt
squeal.
C. If belt squeal is heard, turn the air conditioner
Off immediately.
If the belt squeal stops when the air conditioner is
turned Off, perform the following repair procedures.
(1) Using an appropriate sized oil filter wrench or
a strap wrench, grasp the outer diameter of the com-
pressor clutch hub. While facing the compressor,
rotate the hub clockwise, then counterclockwise. If
the hub rotates, proceed to the next step. If the hub
will not rotate, the compressor is internally damaged,
and must be replaced.
(2) Turn the hub clockwise five complete revolu-
tions and remove the tool.
(3) Start the vehicle and run at idle.(4) Turn the air conditioner On. Observe the com-
pressor and the system for normal operation, noting
cooling performance and noise levels. Operate for five
minutes before turning the air conditioner Off. If
acceptable cooling performance is observed during
compressor operation, the compressor does not need
to be replaced.
(5) Inspect the drive belt for wear, damage, and
proper tension. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY
DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - COMPRESSOR
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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the nut that secures the suction line
fitting to the top of the compressor.
(4) Disconnect the suction line fitting from the
compressor suction port.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal and gasket from the
suction line fitting and discard.
(6) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line fitting and the compressor suction port.
(7) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the top of the compressor.
(8) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
compressor discharge port.
(9) Remove the O-ring seal and gasket from the
discharge line fitting and discard.
(10) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the compressor discharge port.
(11) Raise and support the vehicle.
(12) Remove the serpentine accessory drive belt
from the front of the engine (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS).
(13) Disconnect the engine wire harness connector
from the compressor clutch coil pigtail wire connector
on the top of the compressor (Fig. 5) or (Fig. 6).
(14) On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines,
disengage the retainer on the engine wire harness
24 - 74 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
material on the condenser fins that might obstruct
air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or
shrouds must be properly reinstalled following radia-
tor or condenser service.
The A/C condenser cannot be repaired or adjusted,
and if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
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 CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD 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. 8).(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
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 A/C condenser on the right side of the
cooling module.
(8) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
condenser inlet port.
(9) Remove the O-ring seal and gasket from the
discharge line fitting 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 O-ring seal and gasket 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. 9).
(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 A/C 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.
Fig. 8 Radiator Air Seals
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-77
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)
A/C 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 CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD 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. 10).
(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. 11).
(6) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
condenser inlet port.
(7) Remove the O-ring seal and gasket 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.(9) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the top of the compressor (Fig. 12).
(10) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
compressor discharge port.
(11) Remove the O-ring seal and gasket from the
discharge line fitting 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.
Fig. 10 Radiator Sight Shield - Typical
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
Fig. 11 A/C Discharge Line to Condenser
1 - A/C CONDENSER
2 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
3 - LIQUID LINE FITTING
4 - NUT
Fig. 12 A/C Discharge Line to Compressor - Typical
1 - DISCHARGE LINE
2 - NUT
3 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
4 - STUD
5 - DISCHARGE PORT
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-79
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 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 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 the five small screws that secure the
front fascia grille inserts to the radiator sight shield.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 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).
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The A/C evaporator is located in the HVAC hous-
ing, behind the instrument panel. The evaporator is
positioned in the housing so that all air that enters
the housing must pass over the fins of the evaporator
coils before it is distributed through the system ducts
and outlets. However, air passing over the evaporator
fins will only be conditioned when the compressor isengaged and circulating refrigerant through the
evaporator tubes.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the A/C evaporator from the
expansion valve as a low-temperature, low-pressure
liquid. As air flows over the fins of the evaporator,
the humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and
the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant.
Heat absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and
vaporize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas
when it leaves the evaporator.
The A/C evaporator cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
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) Remove the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disassemble the HVAC housing to access the
evaporator (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DIS-
ASSEMBLY).
(3) Carefully lift the evaporator and its foam wrap
out of the lower half of the HVAC housing as a unit.
Be certain not to lose the clam shell type rubber seal
that is fitted to the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes
where they exit the HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the 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 vehi-
cle.
(1) Carefully lower the evaporator and its foam
wrap into the lower half of the HVAC housing as a
unit. Be certain that the clam shell type rubber seal
24 - 80 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)