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)
(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)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
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).
CAUTION: Use only PAG oils that are designed to
work with R-134a refrigerant and the A/C compres-
sor in the vehicle. Refer to the underhood A/C Sys-
tem Specification Label.
It is important to have the correct amount of lubri-
cant in the A/C refrigerant system to ensure proper
lubrication of the A/C compressor. Too little lubricant
will result in damage to the compressor. Too much
lubricant will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C
system and consequently result in higher discharge
air temperatures.
The lubricant used in the compressor is polyalka-
lene glycol PAG lubricant. Only the refrigerant lubri-
cant approved for use with this vehicle should be
used to service the system. Do not use any other
lubricant. The lubricant container should be kept
tightly capped until it is ready for use. Refrigerant
lubricant will quickly absorb any moisture it comes
in contact with.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the
A/C compressor or to add oil, unless there has been
an oil loss. An oil loss may occur due to a rupture or
leak from a refrigerant line, connector fitting, compo-
nent or component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30 mil-
liliters (1 fluid ounce) of the recommended
refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system after the
repair has been made. Refrigerant oil loss will be evi-
dent at the leak point by the presence of a wet, shiny
surface around the leak.
REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL CHECK
When an air conditioning system is first assembled
at the factory, all components (except the A/C com-
pressor) are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant
system has been charged with (R-134a) refrigerant
and operated, the oil in the A/C compressor is dis-
persed through the lines and components. The A/C
evaporator, A/C condenser, and receiver/drier will
retain a significant amount of oil. Refer to the A/C
Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities table. When a
component is replaced, the specified amount of refrig-
erant oil must be added. When the compressor is
replaced, the amount of oil that is retained in the
rest of the system must be drained from the replace-ment A/C compressor. The oil capacity of the system,
minus the amount of oil still in the remaining com-
ponents (refer to the oil capacity chart below) can be
measured and poured into the suction port of the A/C
compressor. When a line or component has ruptured
and oil has escaped, the receiver/drier must be
replaced along with the ruptured component.
Example: On an A/C system the A/C evaporator
retains 60 ml. (2 oz.). The A/C condenser retains 30
ml. (1 oz.) of oil, and system capacity may be 150 ml.
(5.00 oz.) of oil.
150 ml. minus 90 ml. equals 60 ml. (2.00 oz.).
A/C COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL
CAPACITIES
Front A/C Front & Rear
A/C
COMPONENT ml fl oz ml fl oz
Total System Fill 180 6.1 300 10.14
Receiver/Drier 25 0.9 25 0.9
A/C Condenser 50 1.8 50 1.8
Front Evaporator 50 1.8 50 1.8
Rear Evap. (including
underbody lines)N/A N/A 50 1.8
A/C Compressor Drain and measure the oil
from the old compressor -
See text above.
VERIFY REFRIGERANT LUBRICANT LEVEL
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the system.
(2) Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C
compressor. Cap open lines to prevent moisture from
entering the system.
(3) Remove A/C compressor from the vehicle.
(4) From the suction and discharge ports on the
A/C compressor, drain the lubricant from the com-
pressor.
(5) Add the system capacity minus the capacity of
the components that have not been replaced. Refer to
the A/C Component Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart.
Add lubricant through the suction and discharge
ports on the A/C compressor.
(6) Install the A/C compressor and connect the
refrigerant lines. Then evacuate and charge refriger-
ant system.
(7) Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure
the lubricant being removed. This amount of lubri-
cant should be added back to the system. If a new
A/C compressor is being installed, drain the lubricant
from the used compressor, measure the amount
drained and discard the used lubricant. Drain the
lubricant from the new A/C compressor into a clean
container. Return the amount of lubricant measured
from the used compressor, plus the amount reclaimed
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-93
REFRIGERANT OIL (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)