Page 2241 of 2339

(8) Disconnect the A/C liquid line from the A/C
condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal
and gasket.
(9) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the condenser outlet port.
(10) Disengage the retainer that secures the liquid
line routing clip to the top of the right frame rail
ahead of the front strut tower in the engine compart-
ment (Fig. 28).
(11) Remove the bolt that secures the front section
of the A/C liquid line to the receiver/drier.
(12) Disconnect the A/C liquid line from the receiv-
er/drier and remove and discard the O-ring seal.
(13) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the receiver/drier inlet port.
(14) Remove the front section of the A/C liquid line
from the engine compartment.
REAR SECTION
(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 negative battery
cable.
(3) Remove the air cleaner housing from 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 A/C pressure transducer (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS
- FRONT/A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER -
REMOVAL).(6) If equipped, remove the nut that secures the
A/C ground strap to the weld stud on the top of the
right front strut tower (Fig. 28).
(7) If equipped, remove the A/C ground strap eye-
let terminal connector from the weld stud.
(8) Remove the bolt that secures the rear section
of the A/C liquid line to the receiver/drier.
(9) Disconnect the A/C liquid line from the receiv-
er/drier and remove and discard the O-ring seal.
(10) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the receiver/drier outlet port.
(11) Remove the nut that secures the A/C suction
line and the A/C liquid line to the A/C expansion
valve.
(12) Disconnect the A/C suction line and the A/C
liquid line from the A/C expansion valve and remove
and discard the O-ring seals.
(13) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and liquid line fittings and both expansion
valve ports.
(14) On RHD models, remove the rear section of
the A/C liquid line from the retaining bracket located
at the top of the dash panel
Fig. 27 A/C Condenser Connections
1 - A/C CONDENSER
2 - A/C DISCHARGE LINE
3 - A/C LIQUID LINE
4 - NUT (2)Fig. 28 A/C Liquid Line - LHD Shown, RHD Typical
1 - A/C GROUND STRAP (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - NUT (IF EQUIPPED)
3 - WELD STUD (IF EQUIPPED)
4 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
5 - WELD STUD (2)
6 - A/C EXPANSION VALVE
7 - A/C LIQUID LINE (REAR SECTION)
8 - LIQUID LINE EXTENSION (REAR A/C ONLY)
9 - NUT (2)
10 - RECEIVER/DRIER
11 - ROUTING CLIP
12 - A/C LIQUID LINE (FRONT SECTION)
24 - 90 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
LIQUID LINE (Continued)
Page 2242 of 2339

(15) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
rear heating-A/C system, go to Step 16. If the vehicle
is not equipped with the optional rear heating-A/C
system, go to Step 22.
(16) Raise and support the vehicle.
(17) Cut the tie strap located just forward of the
connections between the underbody plumbing and
the engine compartment plumbing for the rear heat-
ing-A/C system (Fig. 29).
(18) Disconnect the A/C liquid line extension fit-
ting from the underbody liquid line fitting for the
rear A/C system.
(19) Remove the O-ring seal from the underbody
liquid line fitting and discard.
(20) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fittings.
(21) Lower the vehicle.
(22) Remove the rear section of the A/C liquid line
from the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
FRONT SECTION
(1) Position the front section of the A/C liquid line
into the engine compartment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
fitting and the receiver/drier inlet port.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it onto the liquid line fit-
ting.
(4) Connect the A/C liquid line to the receiver/
drier.(5) Install the bolt that secures the A/C liquid line
to the receiver/drier. Tighten the bolt to 11 N´m (97
in. lbs.).
(6) Engage the retainer that secures the liquid line
routing clip to the top of the right frame rail ahead of
the front strut tower in the engine compartment.
(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the condenser
outlet port and the liquid line fitting.
(8) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it and a new gasket onto
the liquid line fitting.
(9) Connect the A/C liquid line to the A/C con-
denser.
(10) Install the nut that secures the A/C liquid line
to the A/C condenser. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.).
(11) Position the radiator sight shield onto the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(12) 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.).
(13) Install 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. Tighten the screws to 6 N´m (53 in. lbs.).
(14) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the
right side of the engine compartment.
(15) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(16) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(17) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REAR SECTION
(1) Position the rear section of the A/C liquid line
into the engine compartment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
and liquid line fittings and both expansion valve
ports.
(3) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them onto the suction line
and liquid line fittings.
(4) Reconnect the A/C liquid line and the A/C suc-
tion line to the A/C expansion valve.
(5) Install the nut that secures the rear section of
the A/C liquid line and the A/C suction line to the
A/C expansion valve. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17
ft. lbs.).
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
fitting and the receiver/drier outlet port.
Fig. 29 Underbody A/C Line Connections
1 - SUCTION LINE EXTENSION TUBE
2 - LIQUID LINE EXTENSION TUBE
3 - RETAINING STRAP
4 - REAR HEATER EXTENSION TUBES
5 - UNDERBODY REFRIGERANT LINES
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-91
LIQUID LINE (Continued)
Page 2243 of 2339

(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(8) Reconnect the A/C liquid line to the receiver/
drier.
(9) Install the bolt that secures the A/C liquid line
to the receiver/drier. Tighten the bolt to 11 N´m (97
in. lbs.).
(10) If equipped, reinstall the A/C ground strap
eyelet terminal connector onto the weld stud on the
top of the right front strut tower (if equipped).
(11) If equipped, install the nut that secures the
A/C ground strap to the weld stud. Tighten the nut
to 12 N´m (106 in. lbs.)
(12) Install the A/C pressure transducer (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS
- FRONT/A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - INSTAL-
LATION).
(13) Connect the drain tube to the wiper module
drain on the right side of the engine compartment.
(14) Install the air cleaner housing into the right
side of the engine compartment.
(15) On RHD models, install the liquid line into
the retaining bracket located at the top of the dash
panel.
(16) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
rear heating-A/C system, go to Step 17. If the vehicle
does not have the optional rear heating-A/C system,
go to Step 23.
(17) Raise and support the vehicle.
(18) Remove the tape or plugs from the A/C liquid
line extension fitting and the underbody liquid line
fitting.
(19) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the underbody liquid
line fitting.
(20) Connect the A/C liquid line extension fitting
to the underbody liquid line fitting. Tighten the fit-
tings to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(21) Install a new tie strap just forward of the con-
nections between the underbody plumbing and the
engine compartment plumbing for the rear heating-
A/C system.
(22) Lower the vehicle.
(23) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(24) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(25) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).RECEIVER / DRIER
DESCRIPTION
The receiver/drier is mounted in a bracket secured
to the right front strut tower in the engine compart-
ment. The receiver/drier is connected between the
front and rear sections of the liquid line between the
condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet. The receiv-
er/drier cannot be repaired. If the receiver/drier is
faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has
been contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for
an indeterminable period or if the A/C compressor
has failed, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The receiver/drier performs a filtering action to
prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from con-
taminating the expansion valve. Desiccant inside the
receiver/drier canister absorbs any moisture which
may have entered and become trapped within the
refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of
high demand air conditioner operation, the receiver/
drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant.
Refrigerant enters the receiver/drier as a high-pres-
sure, low temperature liquid.
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 air cleaner housing from the right
side of the engine compartment.
(3) Remove the bolt that secures the liquid line
front section fitting to the top of the receiver/drier
(Fig. 30).
(4) Disconnect the liquid line fitting from the
receiver/drier inlet port.
(5) Remove the O-ring seal from the liquid line fit-
ting and discard.
(6) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the receiver/drier inlet port.
24 - 92 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
LIQUID LINE (Continued)
Page 2244 of 2339

(7) Remove the bolt that secures the liquid line
rear section fitting to the top of the receiver/drier.
(8) Disconnect the liquid line fitting from the
receiver/drier outlet port.
(9) Remove the seal from the liquid line fitting and
discard.
(10) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the receiver/drier outlet port.
(11) Remove the two nuts that secure the receiver/
drier mounting bracket to the weld studs on the side
of the right front strut tower.
(12) Remove the receiver/drier and mounting
bracket unit from the studs.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the receiver/drier is being replaced, add 25
milliliters (0.8 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the A/C compressor in the
vehicle.(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.
Fig. 30 Reciever/Drier - LHD Shown, RHD Typical
1 - A/C GROUND STRAP (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - NUT (IF EQUIPPED)
3 - WELD STUD (IF EQUIPPED)
4 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
5 - WELD STUD (2)
6 - A/C EXPANSION VALVE
7 - A/C LIQUID LINE (REAR SECTION)
8 - LIQUID LINE EXTENSION (REAR A/C ONLY)
9 - NUT (2)
10 - RECEIVER/DRIER
11 - ROUTING CLIP
12 - A/C LIQUID LINE (FRONT SECTION)
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-93
RECEIVER / DRIER (Continued)
Page 2245 of 2339

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.
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
24 - 94 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
REFRIGERANT (Continued)
Page 2246 of 2339

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 this A/C system the front A/C evapo-
rator retains 50 ml. (1.7 oz.). The A/C condenser
retains 50 ml. (1.7 oz.) of oil, and front A/C system oil
capacity is 180 ml. (6.1 oz.).
180 ml. ± 100 ml. = 80 ml. (2.7 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 6.1 230 7.8
Receiver/Drier 25 0.8 25 0.8
A/C Condenser 50 1.7 50 1.7
Front Evaporator 50 1.7 50 1.7
Rear Evap. (including
underbody lines)N/A N/A 50 1.7
A/C Compressor Drain and measure the oil
from the old A/C 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 cleancontainer. Return the amount of lubricant measured
from the used compressor, plus the amount reclaimed
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.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-95
REFRIGERANT OIL (Continued)
Page 2247 of 2339

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.
(9) Remove the retainer that secures the suction
line routing clip to the receiver/drier mounting
bracket on the side of the right front strut tower in
the engine compartment (Fig. 31).
(10) Remove the nut that secures the suction line
and liquid line fittings to the expansion valve.
(11) Disconnect the suction line and liquid line fit-
tings from the expansion valve.
(12) Remove the seals from the suction line and
liquid line fittings and discard.
(13) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line and liquid line fittings and both expansion
valve ports.
(14) Remove the suction line from the retaining
bracket located at the top of the dash panel.
(15) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
rear air conditioner, go to Step 16. If the vehicle does
not have the optional rear air conditioner, go to Step
22.
(16) Raise and support the vehicle.
(17) Cut the tie strap located just forward of the
connections between the underbody plumbing and
the engine compartment plumbing for the rear
heater and air conditioner (Fig. 32).
Fig. 31 Suction Line - LHD Shown, RHD Typical
1 - A/C EXPANSION VALVE
2 - SUCTION LINE EXTENSION (REAR A/C ONLY)
3 - NUT
4 - RETAINING CLIP
5 - SUCTION LINE
24 - 96 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
SERVICE PORT VALVE CORE (Continued)
Page 2248 of 2339

(18) Disconnect the suction line extension fitting
from the underbody suction line fitting for the rear
air conditioner.
(19) Remove the O-ring seal from the underbody
suction line fitting and discard.
(20) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suc-
tion line fittings.
(21) Lower the vehicle.
(22) Remove the suction line from the engine com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the suction line into the engine com-
partment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction line
and liquid line fittings and both expansion valve
ports.
(3) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the suction line
and liquid line fittings.
(4) Reconnect the liquid line and suction line fit-
tings to the expansion valve.
(5) Install the nut that secures the suction line
and liquid line fittings to the expansion valve.
Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the retainer that secures the suction
line routing clip to the receiver/drier mounting
bracket on the side of the right front strut tower in
the engine compartment.(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor
suction port and the suction line fitting.
(8) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the suction line fit-
ting.
(9) Install a new dual plan seal and reconnect the
suction line fitting to the compressor suction port.
(10) Install the nut that secures the suction line
fitting to the A/C compressor. Tighten the nut to 23
N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(11) Reconnect the drain tube to the wiper module
drain on the right side of the engine compartment.
(12) Install the air cleaner top cover and snorkel
onto the air cleaner housing located on the right side
of the engine compartment.
(13) On RHD models, install the suction line into
the retaining bracket located at the top of the dash
panel.
(14) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
rear air conditioner, go to Step 15. If the vehicle does
not have the optional rear air conditioner, go to Step
21.
(15) Raise and support the vehicle.
(16) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction
line extension fitting and the underbody suction line
fitting.
(17) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the underbody suction
line fitting.
(18) Reconnect the suction line extension fitting to
the underbody suction line fitting. Tighten the fit-
tings to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(19) Install a new tie strap just forward of the con-
nections between the underbody plumbing and the
engine compartment plumbing for the rear heater
and air conditioner.
(20) Lower the vehicle.
(21) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(22) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(23) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
Fig. 32 Underbody A/C Line Connections
1 - SUCTION LINE EXTENSION TUBE
2 - LIQUID LINE EXTENSION TUBE
3 - RETAINING STRAP
4 - REAR HEATER EXTENSION TUBES
5 - UNDERBODY REFRIGERANT LINES
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-97
SUCTION LINE (Continued)