²a rotary adjustment knob for temperature.
²a rotary adjustment for fan speed control.
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Two different automatic temperature control (ATC)
heating-A/C systems are available for this model
depending on the market.
The Dual-Zone ATC system allows the driver and
front occupants to each select individual comfort tem-
peratures.
The Three-Zone ATC system allows both the driver
and front occupants and the rear intermediate occu-
pants to select individual comfort temperatures.
NOTE: Individual comfort temperatures are the per-
ceived temperature level at the individual seating
areas, NOT the actual passenger compartment air
temperature.
The ATC system includes a particulate air filter.
The filter element is the same size as the A/C evap-
orator to ensure ample capacity. A door at the base of
the HVAC housing below the glove box provides easy
access to the filter element.
The ATC computer utilizes integrated circuitry and
information carried on the programmable communi-
cations interface (PCI) data bus network to monitor
many sensors and switch inputs throughout the vehi-
cle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry
and programming of the ATC computer allow it to
control electronic functions and features of the ATC
system. The inputs to the ATC computer are:
²Vehicle Speed/Engine RPM± The ATC com-
puter monitors engine rpm, vehicle speed and mani-
fold absolute pressure information from the
powertrain control module (PCM).
²Coolant Temperature± ATC computer moni-
tors coolant temperature received from the PCM and
converts it to degrees Fahrenheit.
²Ambient Temperature± ATC computer moni-
tors ambient temperature from the compass mini trip
computer (CMTC) and converts it to degrees Fahren-
heit.
²Engine Miscellaneous Sensor Status±ATC
computer monitors A/C disable information from the
PCM.
²Refrigerant Pressure± ATC computer moni-
tors barometric pressure, intake air temperature,
high side pressure and methanol content as broad-
cast by the PCM.
²Door Ajar Status± The ATC computer moni-
tors driver front door, passenger front door, left rear
door, right rear door and liftgate ajar information, as
identified by the body control module (BCM), to
determine if all in-car temperatures should be main-
tained.²Dimming± The ATC computer monitors dim-
ming status from the BCM to determine the required
level of brightness and will dim accordingly.
²Vehicle Odometer± The ATC computer moni-
tors the vehicle odometer information from the BCM
to prevent flashing the vacuum-flourescent (VF) dig-
ital display icons if the manual motor calibration or
manual cool down tests have failed. Flashing of the
display icons will cease when the vehicle odometer is
greater than 3 miles.
²English/Metric± The ATC computer monitors
the English/Metric information broadcast by the
CMTC. The set temp displays for both the front and
rear control heads will be set accordingly.
²Vehicle Identification Number± The ATC
computer monitors the last eight characters of the
VIN broadcast by the PCM and compares it to the
information stored in EEPROM. If it is different, the
new number will be stored over the old one and a
motor calibration shall be initiated.
²A/C System Information± The ATC computer
will send a message for evaporator temperature too
low, fan blower relay status, evaporator sensor fail-
ure, rear window defogger relay and A/C select.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
The front A/C-heater control and integral computer
is mounted in the instrument panel and contains:
²a power button which allows the system to be
completely turned off. The display is blank when the
system is off.
²a rocker switch that selects a cool-down rate.
LO-AUTO or HI-AUTO are displayed when the sys-
tem is in automatic operation.
²three rocker switches that select comfort temper-
atures from 15É to 30É C (59É to 85É F), which are
shown in the VF digital display. If the set temp is 15É
C (59É F) and the down button is pressed, the set
temp value will become 13É C (55É F) but the display
will show LO. If the set temp is 29É C (85É F) and the
up button is pressed, the set temp value will become
32É C (90É F) but the display will show HIGH. Tem-
peratures can be displayed in either metric or Fahr-
enheit, which is controlled from the overhead console.
²an air conditioning button that allows the com-
pressor to be turned off. A Snowflake symbol is illu-
minated when air conditioning is on, whether under
manual or automatic control.
²an air recirculation button. A Recirculation sym-
bol appears in the display when the button is
pressed, or when the system exceeds 80 percent recir-
culated air under automatic control due to high air
conditioning demand.
²a rear window defogger on/off switch. A graphic
symbol shows when the defroster is on.
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-3
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
²a rotary knob for front fan speed selection can
override the automatic controls. LEDs surrounding
the knob show the current setting.
²a rotary knob for control of the rear system
(Three-Zone ATC system only).
²a rotary knob for mode control can override the
automatic controls. LEDs surrounding the knob show
the current setting.
²computer logic which remembers the settings of
the controls when the ignition is turned off and
retains those settings after a restart. If the system is
off when the ignition is turned off it will be off when
the engine is restarted, etc.
²computer logic which provides variable air recir-
culation under high temperature and humidity condi-
tions. Because recirculation is generally accompanied
by increased fan noise, the proportion of recirculated
to outside air gradually approaches full recirculation
over a broad temperature range.
²computer logic which enables additional heat for
diesel equipped vehicles by using a supplemental
engine coolant heater.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
The Three-Zone ATC sytem utilizes a rear control
panel centrally mounted on the headliner which
includes a VF digital display, a rocker control for
temperature and rotary controls for adjustment of
mode and fan speed of the rear heating-A/C system
by intermediate seat passengers.
OPERATION
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
The heating and air conditioning systems pulls
outside (ambient) air through the cowl opening at the
base of the windshield and into the plenum chamber
above the heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) housing, then through the evaporator coil.
Air flow can be directed either through or around the
heater core by adjusting the blend door with the tem-
perature control knob on the A/C-heater control
located on instrument panel. The air flow can then
be directed out from the panel, floor and defrost out-
lets in various combinations using the mode control
knob located on the A/C-heater control. Air flow
velocity can be adjusted with the blower speed selec-
tor located on the A/C-heater control.
NOTE: It is important to keep the air intake opening
clear of debris. Leaf particles and other debris that
is small enough to pass through the cowl opening
screen can accumulate within the HVAC housing.
The closed, warm, damp and dark environment cre-
ated within the housing is ideal for the growth of
certain molds, mildews and other fungi. Any accu-mulation of decaying plant matter provides an addi-
tional food source for fungal spores, which enter
the housing with the fresh intake-air. Excess debris,
as well as objectionable odors created by decaying
plant matter and growing fungi can be discharged
into the passenger compartment during heater-A/C
operation if the air intake opening is not kept clear
of debris.
The heater and air conditioning system is a blend-
air type system. In a blend-air system, a blend door
controls the amount of conditioned air that is allowed
to flow through, or around, the heater core. The tem-
perature control knob determines the discharge air
temperature by actuating an electric motor, which
operates the blend door. This allows an almost imme-
diate control of the output air temperature of the sys-
tem.
On all models, the outside air intake can be shut
off by pressing the Recirculation button on the A/C-
heater control. This will operate a electric actuated
recirculation air door that closes off the outside fresh
air intake and recirculates the air that is already
inside the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor can be engaged in
any mode by pressing the snowflake, A/C on/off but-
ton. It can also be engaged by placing the mode con-
trol in the mix to defrost positions. This will remove
heat and humidity from the air before it is directed
through or around the heater core. The mode control
knob on the A/C-heater control is used to also direct
the conditioned air to the selected system outlets.
The mode control switch uses an electric motor to
control the mode doors.MANUAL SINGLE ZONE
²The temperature control knob enables continu-
ously variable proportioning of the conditioned air.
²The mode control knob enables continuously
variable proportioning of air flow between modes and
has detents adjacent to each icon.
²The blower control provides four separate speeds
and an Off position.
²When the heater-A/C system is off, the HVAC
computer closes the recirculation door to prevent out-
side air from entering the passenger compartment.
²Interior air may be recirculated to speed up
heating or cooling in all modes except defrost and
mix by pressing the Recirculate button on the A/C-
heater control.
²To reduce humidity for rapid defogging, the A/C
compressor runs automatically in modes from ªmixº
to full defrost when outside temperatures are above
freezing.
²Air conditioning is available in any mode by
pressing the snowflake, A/C on/off button.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
defogger function will be active for 10 minutes and
can be turned off by a switch press. The defogger will
function while the control is in the ON mode.
²FAN/MODE± The Fan and Mode knobs have
17 manual selectable positions. Manually changing
either of the rotary knobs for mode or fan speed set-
tings makes control of that blower motor manual. If
only one is changed manually, the other remains
under automatic control. Pressing the HI-AUTO/LO-
AUTO rocker switch restores full automatic control.
²BLOWER DELAY TIMER± The word DELAY
is displayed at start-up to signify that the system is
waiting so that cold air will not be blowing. This tells
the operator that it is unnecessary to turn the sys-
tem off, raise the temperature setting or turn the fan
speed setting down to prevent cold air from blowing.
A countdown in minutes and seconds until the engine
is warm enough to begin delivering heat to the pas-
sengers alternates with the DELAY message at 25
second intervals. This countdown is based on actual
measurement of the rate of engine coolant tempera-
ture change. During the delay time, mix mode is
selected and the fan operates at a low speed to keep
the windshield fog free.
²REAR CONTROL (Three-Zone only)± When
the Rear System control knob is moved to the OFF
position, there will be a delay of approximately 1 sec-
ond before the system actually turns off. This delay
is to prevent an undesired blower dropout if the knob
is moved through OFF to the other selections.
REAR CONTROL PANEL ± THREE ZONE ATC
SYSTEM
Primary control of the rear compartment heating-
A/C system for the Three-Zone ATC system is in the
instrument panel center stack. This control allows
the driver to turn the rear heating-A/C system off, or
allows the intermediate seat occupants control of the
rear system by switching to the REAR position, or
provides fully automatic control based on the temper-
ature setting shown on the front control display.
²REAR CONTROL± Selecting automatic control
of the rear unit at the instrument panel, illuminates
a Locked Padlock in the rear control panel display.
Selecting REAR activates the rear control panel and
the Padlock then appears unlocked.
²FAN KNOB± The rear fan control has Off and
AUTO positions and a range of manual speed set-
tings that override the AUTO setting.
²MODE KNOB± The mode control allows inter-
mediate seat occupants to manually override the
automatic mode and select any balance of air flow
between overhead and floor outlets from full over-
head to full floor.
²SET TEMP± The rear set temp control will
operate identical to the front controls. If the frontcontrol rear set temp button is pressed simulta-
neously with the rear control head, then the front
control head press events shall have priority, i.e. if
the front user presses Rear Set Temp down and the
rear user presses Set Temp up, then the rear set
temp will decrease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C COOL DOWN TEST
The heater-A/C control module can perform an A/C
cool down test, which is a test performed during the
manufacturing process to confirm that the air condi-
tioning system is performing satisfactorily. This test
can also provide a quick confirmation of air condi-
tioning system performance to the service technician.
If the test is completed satisfactorily, no further ser-
vice is required. If the test is failed, proceed to the
A/C Performance Test to confirm the A/C system is
operating properly, or use a DRBIIItscan tool to
diagnose the A/C system control and distribution sys-
tems. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The front blower speed and rear blower speed (if
equipped with rear HVAC) must be set to High and
the evaporator temperature sensor must be greater
than 13É C (55É F) or the test will fail immediately.
The test is activated by depressing the A/C and Rear
Wipe/Wash buttons simultaneously and holding them
depressed for no less than five seconds. The Rear
Wipe/Wash and A/C LEDs will blink on and off until
the test is complete. If the LEDs stop blinking before
two minutes, then the cool down test has been com-
pleted successfully. If the two minutes expire without
the expansion valve temperature reaching -6É C (20É
F) less than the outside air temperature, then the
cool down test has been failed and further A/C sys-
tem diagnosis is required. If the test is failed, the
LEDs will continue to blink until the vehicle has
been driven for greater than 13 km (8 miles).
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The ambient air temperature in the room where
the vehicle will be tested must be a minimum of 21É
C (70ÉF) for this test. The test is activated by
depressing the A/C and PWR buttons simultaneously
and holding them depressed for no less than four sec-
onds. The snowflake icon and the DELAY text in the
ATC display will blink on and off alternately until
the test is complete. If the snowflake icon and the
DELAY text stop blinking before two minutes, then
the cool down test has been completed successfully. If
the two minutes expire without the evaporator tem-
perature reaching -6É C (20É F) less than the evapo-
24 - 6 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
Condition Possible Causes Correction
The low side pressure is too
low, and the high side
pressure is too high.1. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the refrigerant lines.1. See Liquid Line, Suction Line and Discharge
Line in this group. Inspect the refrigerant lines for
kinks, tight bends or improper routing. Correct
the routing or replace the refrigerant line, if
required.
2. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the A/C expansion
valve.2. See A/C Expansion Valve in this group.
Replace the valve, if required.
3. Restricted refrigerant flow
through the A/C condenser.3. See A/C Condenser in this group. Replace the
restricted condenser, if required.
HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST
WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN THIS GROUP BEFORE PERFORMING
THIS PROCEDURE (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING).
Check the coolant level, drive belt tension, radiator
air flow and fan operation. Start engine and allow to
warm up to normal operating temperature.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP
WHEN ENGINE IS HOT, PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
If vehicle has been run recently, wait 15 minutes
before removing the radiator cap. Place a rag overthe cap and turn it to the first safety stop. Allow
pressure to escape through the overflow tube. When
the system pressure stabilizes, remove the cap com-
pletely.
MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT: TEST AND ACTION
Engine coolant is provided to the heater system by
two heater hoses. With the engine idling at normal
operating temperature, set the temperature control
to maximum heat, the mode control to the floor posi-
tion, and the blower in the highest speed position.
Using a test thermometer, check the temperature of
the air being discharged from the floor outlets. Com-
pare the test thermometer reading to the Tempera-
ture Reference chart.
TEMPERATURE REFERENCE
Ambient Temperature Minimum Floor Outlet Temperature
Celsius Fahrenheit Celsius Fahrenheit
15.5É 60É 62.2É 144É
21.1É 70É 63.8É 147É
26.6É 80É 65.5É 150É
32.2É 90É 67.2É 153É
If the floor outlet air temperature is insufficient,
check that the cooling system is operating to specifi-
cations (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). Both heater hoses should be
HOT to the touch (the coolant return hose should be
slightly cooler than the supply hose). If the coolant
return hose is much cooler than the supply hose,
locate and repair the engine coolant flow obstruction
in heater system.
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW Possible locations or causes
of obstructed coolant flow are as follows:
²Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
²Improper heater hose routing.²Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports
at the cooling system connections.
²Plugged heater core.
If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is
verified, and heater outlet air temperature is insuffi-
cient, a mechanical problem may exist.
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
Possible causes of insufficient heat due to mechan-
ical problems are as follows:
²Obstructed cowl air intake.
²Obstructed heater system outlets.
²Blend door not functioning properly.
24 - 10 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be
adjusted with the temperature control knob on the
A/C-heater control panel, the following could require
service:
²Blend door binding.
²Faulty blend door actuator.
²Faulty A/C-heater control.
²Faulty related wiring harness or connectors.²Improper engine coolant temperature.
SPECIFICATIONS
A/C SYSTEM
The R-134a refrigerant system charge capacity for
this vehicle can be found on the underhood Specifica-
tion Label.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Item Description Notes
A/C Compressor Denso 10S17 ± 2.4L/2.5L/2.8L/3.3L
without rear A/C
Denso 10S20 ± 3.3L/3.8L with rear
A/CND-8 PAG Oil
Freeze±up Control Evaporator temperature sensor HVAC housing mounted (RS models),
Evaporator mounted (RG models) - input to
A/C-heater control module
Low PSI Control A/C pressure transducer Liquid line mounted - input to Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) - PCM opens compressor clutch
relay above 200 kPa (29 psi)
High PSI Control A/C pressure transducer Liquid line mounted - input to PCM - PCM
opens compressor clutch relay below 3100 kPa
(450 psi)
High Pressure relief valve Compressor mounted - opens above 3445-4135
kPa (500-600 psi), closes below 2756 kPa (400
psi)
Compressor Clutch Coil
DrawDenso 10S17 ± 3.3 amps @ 12V
0.5V @ 21É C (70É F)
Denso 10S20 ± 2.2 amps @ 12V
0.5V @ 21É C (70É F)
Compressor Clutch Air
Gap0.35 - 0.60 mm (0.014 - 0.024 in.)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
A/C Compressor Shaft Bolt 17.5 ± 155
A/C Compressor Mounting Bolts (2.4L/2.5L/2.8L) 28 21 ±
A/C Compressor Mounting Bolts (3.3L/3.8L) 54 40 ±
A/C Compressor Mounting Bracket Bolts (2.4L) 54 40 ±
A/C Condenser Mounting Bracket Screws 5 ± 45
A/C Expansion Valve Screws 11 ± 97
A/C-Heater Control Screws 2 ± 17
Blend Door Actuator Screws 2 ± 17
Blower Motor Screws 2 ± 17
Blower Motor Power Module Screws (ATC) 2 ± 17
Blower Motor Resistor Block Screws (MTC) 2 ± 17
Center Bezel Outlet Screws 2 ± 17
RSHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING24-11
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
(13) Remove the two screws that secure the top of
the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the quar-
ter inner panel.(14) Remove the two screws that secure the bottom
of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the
rear HVAC housing.
(15) Remove the rear floor heat duct from the
right quarter inner panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/REAR
FLOOR HEAT DUCT - REMOVAL).
(16) Take the proper precautions to protect the
carpeting below the rear heater core from spilled
engine coolant and have absorbent toweling readily
available to clean up any spills.
(17) Disconnect the heater hoses at the rear heater
core (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER HOSE -
REMOVAL).
(18) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core fittings and both heater hoses.
(19) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(20) Remove the screw that secures the back of the
rear HVAC housing to the right D-pillar (Fig. 8).
(21) Remove the screw that secures the front of
the rear HVAC housing to the right quarter inner
panel.
(22) Lift the rear HVAC housing up far enough for
the lower mounting studs and the evaporator exten-
sion lines to clear the mounting holes in the rear
floor panel.
(23) Remove the rear HVAC housing from the
vehicle.
(24) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
Fig. 5 Underbody A/C Line Rear Connections ± with
New Seating Element (NSE)
1 - UNDERBODY LIQUID LINE
2 - NUT
3 - SEALING PLATE
4 - UNDERBODY SUCTION LINE
5 - EXTENSION LINE TAPPING PLATE
Fig. 6 Underbody A/C Line Rear Connections ±
without New Seating Element (NSE)
1 - UNDERBODY LIQUID LINE
2 - BOLT
3 - EXTENSION LINE TAPPING PLATE
4 - UNDERBODY SUCTION LINE
5 - SEALING PLATE
Fig. 7 Rear HVAC Housing Mounting Studs ±
Typical
1 - REAR HVAC HOUSING MOUNTING STUDS
RSDISTRIBUTION - REAR24-61
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the rear heater core or the rear HVAC
housing have been removed from the vehicle for
service, the rear heater core may be pre-filled with
the proper engine coolant mixture prior to recon-
necting the heater hoses to the heater core hose fit-
tings (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER CORE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - HEATER CORE FILLING).
(1) Position the rear HVAC housing into the vehi-
cle with the evaporator extension line sealing plate
inserted into the rectangular hole in the rear floor
panel behind the right rear wheel house.
(2) Align the rear HVAC housing lower mounting
studs with the holes in the rear floor panel and lower
the rear HVAC housing to the floor.
(3) Install the screw that secures the front of the
rear HVAC housing to the right quarter inner panel.
Tighten the screw to 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.).(4) Install the screw that secures the back of the
rear HVAC housing to the right D-pillar. Tighten the
screw to 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.).
(5) Remove the plugs or tape from both heater core
fittings and both heater hoses.
(6) Reconnect the heater hoses to the rear heater
core (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - REAR/HEATER HOSE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Reinstall the rear floor heat duct onto the right
quarter inner panel (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/REAR FLOOR
HEAT DUCT - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install the two screws that secure the bottom
of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to the
rear HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the top of the quarter trim panel attaching bracket to
the quarter inner panel.
Fig. 8 Rear HVAC Housing ± Typical
1 - U-NUT (3)
2 - REAR HVAC HOUSING
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - EXPANSION VALVE5 - STUD (2 w/NSE, 3 wo/NSE)
6 - HEATER LINES
7 - NUT (5)
8 - STUD (2)
24 - 62 DISTRIBUTION - REARRS
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
PLUMBING - FRONT
DESCRIPTION
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.
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 refrigerant line
or hose, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly
to prevent contamination from entering the refriger-
ant system.
When opening a refrigeration system, have every-
thing you will need to repair the system ready to
minimize the amount of time the system is opened.
Cap or plug all refrigerant line 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 refrigerant line or
hose, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to
prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system.
All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing mani-
fold, manifold gauge set and test hoses should be
kept clean and dry.
The A/C refrigerant lines and hoses are used to
carry the refrigerant between the various A/C system
components. The refrigerant lines and hoses for the
R-134a system on this vehicle consist of a barrier-
hose design with a nylon tube sandwiched between
rubber layers. The nylon tube helps to contain the
R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecular
structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant lines are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant lines
and hoses will reduce the capacity of the entire A/C
system and can reduce the flow of refrigerant in the
system. The radius of all bends in the flexible hose
refrigerant lines should be at least ten times the
diameter of the hose and the refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) away from the exhaust manifold(s) and
exhaust pipe(s).
OPERATION
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the A/C compressor is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure that each of the
refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and
leak free. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible
hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make
sure they are in good condition and properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled to
other A/C system components with block-type fit-
tings. An O-ring seal, or a flat steel gasket with an
integral O-ring (dual plane seal), is used to mate the
refrigerant line fittings with A/C system components
to ensure the integrity of the refrigerant system.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING: THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS
DESIGNED TO DEVELOP INTERNAL PRESSURES
OF 97 TO 123 KILOPASCALS (14 TO 18 POUNDS
PER SQUARE INCH). DO NOT REMOVE OR
LOOSEN THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP, CYLIN-
DER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS, RADIATOR DRAIN,
RADIATOR HOSES, HEATER HOSES, OR HOSE
CLAMPS WHILE THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS
HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING CAN RESULT IN SERI-
OUS BURNS FROM THE HEATED ENGINE COOL-
ANT. ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL FOR A
MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES BEFORE OPENING THE
COOLING SYSTEM FOR SERVICE.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-65