2004 SUBARU FORESTER check oil

HVAC SYSTEM
(HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
AC
Page
1. General Description ....................................................................................2
2. Refrigerant Pressure with Manifold Gauge Set .........................................25
3. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure...............................................................26
4. Refrigerant Charging Procedure ...............................................................27
5. Refrigerant Leak Check ............................................................................30
6. Compressor Oil .........................................................................................31
7. Blower Motor Unit Assembly .....................................................................32
8. Blower Resistor (Manual A/C Model) ........................................................33
9. Heater Core...............................................................................................34
10. Control Unit ...............................................................................................35
11. Compressor...............................................................................................36
12. Condenser.................................................................................................37
13. Condenser (Sub Fan)................................................................................38
14. Heater Cooling Unit ...................................................................................39
15. Evaporator.................................................................................................40
16. Hose and Tube..........................................................................................41
17. Relay and Fuse .........................................................................................42
18. Pressure Switch (Triple Pressure Switch) .................................................43
19. Ambient Sensor (Auto A/C Model) ............................................................44
20. Sunload Sensor (Auto A/C Model) ............................................................45
21. Air Vent Grille ............................................................................................46
22. Heater Duct ...............................................................................................47
23. Heater Vent Duct.......................................................................................48
24. Heater Cock Solenoid Valve .....................................................................49
25. General Diagnostics ..................................................................................50

AC-20
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
General Description
C: CAUTION
1. HFC-134a A/C SYSTEM
 The cooling system components for the HFC-
134a system such as the refrigerant and compres-
sor oil are different from the old conventional HFC-
12 system components and they are incompatible
with each other.
 Vehicles with the HFC-134a system can be iden-
tified by the label (A) attached to the vehicle.
Before maintenance, check which A/C system is in-
stalled in the vehicle.
2. COMPRESSOR OIL
 HFC-134a compressor oil has no compatibility
with that for R12 system.
 Use only the manufacturer-authorized compres-
sor oil for the HFC-134a system; only use
ZXL200PG.
 Do not mix multiple compressor oils.
If HFC-12 compressor oil is used in a HFC-134a A/
C system, the compressor may become stuck due
to poor lubrication, or the refrigerant may leak due
to swelling of rubber parts.
On the other hand, if HFC-134a compressor oil is
used in a HFC-12 A/C system, the durability of the
A/C system will be lowered.
 HFC-134a compressor oil is very hygroscopic.
When replacing or installing/removing A/C parts,
immediately isolate the oil from the atmosphere us-
ing a plug or tape. In order to avoid moisture, store
the oil in a container with its cap securely closed.
3. REFRIGERANT
 The HFC-12 refrigerant cannot be used in the
HFC-134a A/C system. The HFC-134a refrigerant,
also, cannot be used in the HFC-12 A/C system.
 If an incorrect or no refrigerant is used, poor lu-
brication will result and the compressor itself may
be damaged.
4. HANDLING OF REFRIGERANT
 The refrigerant boils at approx. −30°C (−22°F).
When handling it, be sure to wear safety goggles
and protective gloves. Direct contact of the refriger-
ant with skin may cause frostbite.
If the refrigerant gets into your eye, avoid rubbing
your eyes with your hands. Wash your eye with
plenty of water, and receive medical treatment from
an eye doctor.
 Do not heat a service can. If a service can is di-
rectly heated, or put into boiling water, the inside
pressure will become extremely high. This may
cause the can to explode. If a service can must be
warmed up, use hot water in 40°C (104°F) max.
 Do not drop or impact a service can. (Observe
the precautions and operation procedure described
on the refrigerant can.)
 When the engine is running, do not open the
high-pressure valve of the manifold gauge. The
high-pressure gas will back-flow resulting in an ex-
plosion of the can.
 Provide good ventilation and do not work in a
closed area.
 In order to prevent global warming, avoid releas-
ing HFC-134a into the atmosphere. Using a refrig-
erant recovery system, discharge and reuse it.
AC-00006
(A)
(A) Goggles
(B) Gloves
(C) Avoid open flame
(D) No direct heat on container
(E) Do not discharge
(F) Loosen
(A)
(B)
(C) (D)
(E) (F)
AC-00007

AC-21
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
General Description
5. O-RING CONNECTIONS
 Use new O-rings.
 In order to keep the O-rings free of lint which will
cause a refrigerant gas leak, perform operations
without gloves and shop cloths.
 Apply the compressor oil to the O-rings to avoid
sticking, then install them.
 Use a torque wrench to tighten the O-ring fittings:
Over-tightening will damage the O-ring and tube
end distortion.
 If the operation is interrupted before completing a
pipe connection, recap the tubes, components, and
fittings with a plug or tape to prevent foreign mat-
ters from entering.
 Visually check the surfaces and mating surfaces
of O-rings, threads, and connecting points. If a fail-
ure is found, replace the applicable parts.
 Install the O-rings at right angle to the tube
beards. Use compressor oil specified in the service man-
ual to lubricate the O-rings.
Apply the oil to the top and sides of the O-rings be-
fore installation.
Apply compressor oil to the bead of tube.
 After tightening, use a clean cloth to remove ex-
cess compressor oil from the connections and any
oil which may have run on the vehicle body or other
parts.
 If any leakage is suspected after tightening, do
not retighten the connections, disconnect the con-
nections, remove the O-rings, and check the O-
rings, threads, and connections.
D: PREPARATION TOOL
CAUTION:
When working on vehicles with the HFC-134a
system, only use HFC-134a specified tools and
parts. Do not mix with CFC-12 tools and parts. If
HFC-134a and CFC-12 refrigerant or compres-
sor oil is mixed, poor lubrication will result and
the compressor itself may be destroyed.
In order to help prevent mixing HFC-134a and
CFC-12 parts and liquid, the tool and screw
type and the type of service valves used are dif-
ferent. The gas leak detectors for the HFC-134a
and CFC-12 systems must also not be inter-
changed.(A) Seal
(A) O-ring
(B) OK
(C) NG
(D) Bead
(A)
AC-00008
AC-00009
(D) (B)
(C)
(C)
(A)
HFC-134a CFC-12
Tool & screw type Millimeter size Inch size
Valve type Quick joint type Screw-in type
AC-00010

AC-30
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
Refrigerant Leak Check
5. Refrigerant Leak Check
A: INSPECTION
1) Operate the A/C system for approx. 10 minutes,
and confirm that the high-pressure side shows at
least 690 kPa (7.03 kg/cm
2, 100 psi). Then stop the
engine to start the leak test.
2) Starting from the connection between the high-
pressure pipe and evaporator, check the system for
leaks along the high-pressure side through the
compressor. The following items must be checked
thoroughly.
3) Check the joint and seam between the pressure
switch (triple pressure switch) and high-pressure
pipe.
4) Check the connections between the condenser
and pipes, and welded joints on the condenser.
The leak tester may detect the oil on the condenser
fins as a leak.
5) Check the joint between the compressor and
hoses.
6) Check the machined area of compressor and
other joints on the compressor.
7) Check the compressor shaft seal at the area
near the center of compressor clutch pulley.
Some shaft seals show a slight amount of leakage
about 28 g (1.0 oz) per year. This is not a problem.
8) Starting from the connection between the low-
pressure pipe and evaporator, check the system for
leakage along the low-pressure side through the
compressor. The following items must be checked
thoroughly.
 Connection between two parts
 Connection between the pipe and plate
9) Visually check the rubber area of the flexible
hose for cracks.
Check the entire length of the flexible hose, espe-
cially the connection with the metal hose end.CAUTION:
Carefully check the external surface of hoses
and tubes at approx. 25 mm (0.98 in) per sec-
ond.
10) Disconnect the drain hose from the heater
case, and check the hose end for at least 10 sec-
onds.
After the test is finished, reconnect the drain hose.
11) Turn the ignition switch to ON, and run the
blower at high speed for 1 minute. Stop the blower
to check the ventilation grille on the instrument pan-
el. While moving the tester closer to the grille, run
the blower for 1 or 2 seconds, then stop it. Check
the grille at that point for at least 10 seconds.
12) Check the valve in the service port.
13) Visually check the rubber seal in the service
port cap.
AC-00035
(A) Flexible hose
AC-00036
(A)
AC-00037
AC-00038

AC-36
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
Compressor
11.Compressor
A: INSPECTION
1. MAGNETIC CLUTCH CLEARANCE
1) Check the clearance of the entire circumference
around the drive plate and pulley.
Standard:
0.3 — 0.6 mm (0.0118 — 0.0236 in)
2. MAGNETIC CLUTCH OPERATION
1) Disconnect the compressor connector.
2) Connect the battery positive (+) terminal to the
No. 3 terminal of the compressor connector.
3) Make sure the magnet clutch engages.
If NG, replace the compressor.
B: REMOVAL
1) Perform the compressor oil return operation.

2) Turn the A/C switch OFF and stop the engine.
3) Using the refrigerant recovery system, discharge
refrigerant. ant Recovery Procedure.>
4) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
5) Remove the V-belt. MOVAL, V-belt.> MOVAL, V-belt.>
6) Remove the generator. REMOVAL, Generator.>
7) Remove the low-pressure hose and high-pres-
sure hose.
8) Disconnect the compressor harness from body
harness.9) Remove the bolts to remove compressor brack-
et.
10) Remove the bolts and then separate compres-
sor and bracket.
C: INSTALLATION
1) Install in the reverse order of removal.
2) Replace the O-rings on low-/high-pressure hos-
es with new ones, then apply compressor oil.
3) When replacing compressor, adjust amount of
compressor oil. Compressor Oil.>
4) Charge refrigerant. TION, Refrigerant Charging Procedure.>
Tightening torque:
Refer to COMPONENT in General Descrip-
tion. UNIT, COMPONENT, General Description.>
NENT, General Description.>
AC-00048
AC-00049
AC-00336
AC-00051

AC-37
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
Condenser
12.Condenser
A: REMOVAL
1) Using the refrigerant recovery system, discharge
refrigerant. ant Recovery Procedure.>
2) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
3) Disconnect the pressure hose and pipe from
condenser.
4) Remove the radiator bracket (A).
5) Remove the two bolts. While lifting the condens-
er, pull it out through the space between radiator
and radiator panel.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage the radiator fins and
condenser fins. If a damaged fin is found, repair
it using a thin screwdriver.
If the condenser is replaced, add appropriate
amount of compressor oil to the compressor.
Oil.>
B: INSTALLATION
1) Install in the reverse order of removal.
CAUTION:
Replace the O-rings on hoses or pipes with new
ones, and then apply compressor oil. Confirm
that lower guide of condenser has been fitted
into holes on radiator panel.
2) Charge refrigerant. TION, Refrigerant Charging Procedure.>
Tightening torque:
Refer to COMPONENT in General Descrip-
tion.
COMPONENT, General Description.>
ATOR FAN, COMPONENT, General Descrip-
tion.>
C: INSPECTION
1) Check that no dust or insects are found on the
condenser fins. Air-blow or flush fins with water as
needed.
2) Check that no oil leaks from condenser. If a fail-
ure is found, replace the condenser with a new one.
AC-00246
AC-00053(A)
AC-00091
AC-00092

AC-41
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
Hose and Tube
16.Hose and Tube
A: REMOVAL
CAUTION:
 When disconnecting/connecting hoses, do not
apply excessive force to them. Confirm that no
torsion and excessive tension exists after install-
ing.
 Seal the disconnected hose with a plug or vi-
nyl tape to prevent foreign matters from enter-
ing.
1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Using the refrigerant recovery system, dis-
charge refrigerant. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure.>
3) Remove the evaporator unit mounting bolt (A).
4) Remove the low-pressure hose attaching bolts
(B).
5) Disconnect the low-pressure hose from evapo-
rator unit.
6) Disconnect the low-pressure hose from com-
pressor.
7) Remove the low-pressure hose from vehicle.
8) Remove the high-pressure hose attaching bolts
(C).
9) Disconnect the high-pressure hose from com-
pressor.
10) Disconnect the high-pressure hose from con-
denser.
11) Remove the high-pressure hose from vehicle.
12) Remove the high-pressure tube attaching bolt
(D).
13) Remove the high-pressure tube from vehicle.
B: INSTALLATION
CAUTION:
 When disconnecting/connecting hoses, do
not apply an excessive force to them. Confirm
that no torsion and excessive tension exists af-
ter installing.
 Seal the disconnected hose with a plug or vi-
nyl tape to prevent foreign matters from enter-
ing.
 Replace the o-rings for hoses and pipes with
new ones, and then apply compressor oil.
1) Install in the reverse order of removal.
2) Charge refrigerant. TION, Refrigerant Charging Procedure.>
Tightening torque:
Refer to COMPONENT in General Descrip-
tion. UNIT, COMPONENT, General Description.>
C: INSPECTION
NOTE:
Check the hoses for cracks, damage and expan-
sion. If any failure is found, replace them with new
ones.
AC-00869
(A)
(C) (B)
(D)

AB-12
AIRBAG SYSTEM
Inspection Locations After a Collision
3. Inspection Locations After a
Collision
A: REPLACEMENT
When airbag system is deployed, replace the fol-
lowing parts.
1. FRONT COLLISION
1) Driver’s airbag module
2) Passenger’s airbag module
3) Driver’s seat belt (pretensioner, lap seat belt pre-
tensioner)
4) Passenger’s seat belt (pretensioner)
5) Airbag control module
6) Front sub-sensor
7) Roll connector
2. SIDE COLLISION
1) Airbag control module
2) Side airbag module (operating side seat bag)
3) Side airbag sensor (operating side)
3. INSPECTION OF OTHER PARTS
Check for the following parts, replace the damaged
parts with new ones.
1) Steering wheel and steering shaft
Check the steering wheel and steering shaft for
mounting condition and deflection of axial and radi-
al direction. Check the steering shaft for deflection
of axial direction with tilt lever released. (After a col-
lision, absorbing part of steering shaft may inflate.)
2) Check the direct type connector of driver’s air-
bag module, pretensioner, etc. for damage, and
also check each harness for pinch and connector
damage. If damage is found, replace the harness
as a unit.
B: INSPECTION
If the vehicle is involved in a collision on any side,
even if it is a slight collision, be sure to check the
following system parts.
1. DRIVER’S AIRBAG MODULE
1) Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Airbag module is cracked or deformed.
 Harness and/or connector is cracked, deformed
or open. Lead wire is exposed.
 The module surface is fouled with grease, oil,
water or cleaning solvent.
2) When installing a new driver’s airbag module,
check the following. If necessary, install a new air-
bag module and steering wheel.
 The steering wheel is in the way, making it diffi-
cult to install the airbag module. The clearance between the driver’s airbag mod-
ule and steering wheel is not constant.
 The steering wheel deformation in axial and radi-
al directions exceed limits.
Specifications:
Height deflection A
Less than 6 mm (0.24 in)
O.D. deflection L
Less than 17 mm (0.67 in)
2. PASSENGER’S AIRBAG MODULE
Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Airbag module is cracked or deformed.
 Harness and/or connector is cracked, deformed
or open. Lead wire is exposed.
 Mounting bracket is cracked or deformed.
3. SIDE AIRBAG MODULE
Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Front seat is damaged or deformed.
 Harness and/or connector is cracked, deformed
or open.
 Lead wire is exposed.
4. AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Control module is cracked or deformed.
 Mounting bracket is cracked or deformed.
 Connector is scratched or deformed.
 Airbag is deployed.
 Side airbag is deployed.
AB-00028
L
A