Page 2225 of 2339

(11) On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines,
disengage the retainer on the engine wire harness
compressor clutch coil take out from the bracket on
the top of the A/C compressor and remove the two
bolts and the two nuts that secure the A/C compres-
sor to the engine.
NOTE: If a replacement A/C compressor is being
installed, be certain to drain and measure the refrig-
erant oil contained in the removed compressor.
This will determine how much oil the replacement
A/C compressor must contain before it is installed
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
NOTE: The receiver/drier should always be replaced
when the A/C compressor is replaced. This will help
remove any contaminants including moisture from
the system.
(12) Remove the A/C compressor from the engine
compartment.
A/C COMPRESSOR MOUNTING BRACKET -
2.4L ENGINE
(1) Remove the A/C compressor from the mounting
bracket (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the four bolts that secure the compres-
sor mounting bracket to the engine (Fig. 6).(3) Remove the compressor mounting bracket from
the engine.
INSTALLATION
A/C COMPRESSOR
NOTE: If a replacement A/C compressor is being
installed, be certain to check the refrigerant oil level
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended
for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
NOTE: The receiver/drier should always be replaced
when the A/C compressor is replaced. This help will
remove any contaminants including moisture from
the refrigerant system.
(1) Position the A/C compressor into the engine
compartment.
(2) On models with the 2.4L, 2.5L and 2.8L engine,
loosely install the four bolts that secure the A/C com-
pressor to the mounting bracket on the engine (2.4L),
or the cylinder block (2.5L/2.8L). Tighten the bolts to
28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines,
loosely install the two bolts and the two nuts that
secure the A/C compressor to the engine and engage
the retainer on the engine wire harness compressor
clutch coil take out to the bracket on the top of the
A/C compressor. Tighten each of the fasteners using
the following sequence to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
²The upper nut at the front of the compressor.
²The lower nut at the front of the compressor.
Fig. 5 A/C Compressor - 3.8L Shown, 3.3L Typical
1 - A/C COMPRESSOR
2 - BOLT (2)
3 - NUT (2)
Fig. 6 Compressor Mounting Bracket - 2.4L Engine
1 - MOUNTING BRACKET
2 - BOLTS (4)
3 - ENGINE
24 - 74 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
Page 2226 of 2339

²The upper bolt at the rear of the compressor.
²The lower bolt at the rear of the compressor.
(4) Connect the wire harness connector to the com-
pressor clutch coil wire connector.
(5) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the suction and
discharge line fittings and the compressor ports.
(8) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them and a new gasket
onto the suction and discharge line fittings.
(9) Connect the A/C suction line and the A/C dis-
charge line to the A/C compressor.
(10) Install the nut that secures the A/C suction
line and the A/C discharge line to the A/C compres-
sor. Tighten the nuts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(11) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(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).
A/C COMPRESSOR MOUNTING BRACKET -
2.4L ENGINE
(1) Position the compressor mounting bracket onto
the engine.
(2) Install the four bolts that secure the compres-
sor mounting bracket to the engine. Tighten the bolts
to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the A/C compressor onto the mount-
ing bracket (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/COMPRESSOR -
INSTALLATION).
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION
The A/C condenser is located in the front of the
engine compartment behind the front fascia. The A/C
condenser is a heat exchanger that allows the high-
pressure refrigerant gas being discharged by the A/C
compressor to give up its heat to the air passing over
the condenser fins, which causes the refrigerant to
cool and change to a liquid state.The A/C condenser may be removed for service
without removing the radiator and cooling fan from
the vehicle.
The A/C condenser for vehicles equipped with the
2.4L/3.3L/3.8L engines are equipped with an integral
automatic transmission cooler and mounting provi-
sions.
OPERATION
When air passes through the fins of the A/C con-
denser, the high-pressure refrigerant gas within the
A/C condenser gives up its heat. The refrigerant then
condenses as it leaves the A/C condenser and
becomes a high-pressure liquid. The volume of air
flowing over the condenser fins is critical to the
proper cooling performance of the A/C system. There-
fore, it is important that there are no objects placed
in front of the radiator grille openings at the front of
the vehicle or foreign material on the condenser fins
that might obstruct proper air flow. Also, any factory-
installed air seals or shrouds must be properly rein-
stalled following radiator or A/C condenser service.
The A/C condenser cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 7 A/C Condenser ± 2.4L/3.3L/3.8L Engines
1 - A/C CONDENSER
2 - AUTO TRANS COOLER TAPPING BLOCK
3 - UPPER CONDENSER MOUNTING BRACKET (2)
4 - RADIATOR
5 - LOWER CONDENSER MOUNTING BRACKET (2)
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-75
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
Page 2227 of 2339

REMOVAL
2.4L/3.3L/3.8L ENGINES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: Before removing the A/C condenser, note the
location of each of the radiator and condenser air
seals. These air seals are used to direct air through
the A/C condenser and radiator. The air seals must
be reinstalled in their proper locations in order for
the A/C and engine cooling systems to perform as
designed.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
RECOVERY).
(2) Remove the two large screws that secure the
front fascia and the outboard ends of the radiator
sight shield to the radiator closure panel crossmem-
ber (Fig. 8).
(3) Remove the five small screws that secure the
front fascia grille inserts to the radiator sight shield.
(4) Remove the radiator sight shield from the radi-
ator closure panel crossmember.(5) Remove the two bolts that secure the hood
latch to the front of the radiator closure panel cross-
member and move the latch out of the way over the
top of the crossmember. Mark the location of latch for
reinstallation.
(6) Disconnect the transmission oil cooler line
quick-connect fittings located on the driver side of
the A/C condenser from the transmission oil cooler
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION COOLING).
(7) Disconnect the A/C discharge line and the A/C
liquid line from the A/C condenser (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
DISCHARGE LINE - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
LIQUID LINE - REMOVAL).
(8) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrig-
erant line fittings and the condenser ports.
(9) Disengage the retaining clips that secure the
upper A/C condenser mounting brackets to the radi-
ator.
(10) Lift the A/C condenser straight up to disen-
gage the lower A/C condenser mounting brackets
from the radiator.
(11) Carefully remove the A/C condenser from the
engine compartment.
Fig. 8 Radiator Sight Shield ± Typical
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
Fig. 9 A/C Condenser
1 - A/C CONDENSER
2 - LOWER CONDENSER MOUNTING BRACKET (2)
3 - REFRIGERANT LINE PORTS
4 - RETAINING CLIP (2)
5 - UPPER CONDENSER MOUNTING BRACKET (2)
6 - RADIATOR
24 - 76 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)
Page 2228 of 2339

2.5L/2.8L DIESEL ENGINES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
NOTE: Before removing the A/C condenser, note the
location of each of the radiator and condenser air
seals. These air seals are used to direct air through
the A/C condenser and radiator. The air seals must
be reinstalled in their proper locations in order for
the A/C and engine cooling systems to perform as
designed.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
RECOVERY).
(2) Remove the two large screws that secure the
front fascia and the outboard ends of the radiator
sight shield to the radiator closure panel crossmem-
ber (Fig. 8).
(3) Remove the five small screws that secure the
front fascia grille inserts to the radiator sight shield.
(4) Remove the radiator sight shield from the radi-
ator closure panel crossmember.(5) Remove the two bolts that secure the hood
latch to the front of the radiator closure panel cross-
member and move the latch out of the way over the
top of the crossmember. Mark the location of latch for
reinstallation.
(6) Disconnect the transmission oil cooler hoses
from the left side of the cooling module (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS COOLER
LINES - REMOVAL).
(7) Disconnect the A/C discharge line and the A/C
liquid line from the A/C condenser (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
DISCHARGE LINE - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
LIQUID LINE - REMOVAL).
(8) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrig-
erant line fittings and the condenser ports.
(9) Remove the two screws that secure the top of
the mounting bracket on each side of the A/C con-
denser to the cooling module.
(10) Lift the A/C condenser, transmission oil cooler,
and mounting brackets as an assembly far enough to
disengage the lower mounting brackets from the rub-
ber isolators located on each side of the cooling mod-
ule.
(11) Remove the A/C condenser, transmission oil
cooler, and mounting brackets from the vehicle as an
assembly.
(12) Place the assembly on a workbench and
remove the two screws that secure each mounting
bracket to the A/C condenser.
(13) Remove the one screw that secures the left
mounting bracket to the side of the transmission oil
cooler.
(14) Remove the left mounting bracket from the
side of the A/C condenser and transmission oil cooler.
(15) Remove the A/C condenser from the right
mounting bracket and transmission oil cooler.
INSTALLATION
2.4L/3.3L/3.8L ENGINES
NOTE: If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add
50 milliliters (1.7 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.
NOTE: Be certain that each of the radiator and con-
denser air seals are reinstalled in their proper loca-
tions. These air seals are required for proper A/C
and engine cooling system operation.
Fig. 10 Radiator Sight Shield ± Typical
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-77
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)
Page 2229 of 2339

(1) Position the A/C condenser into the engine
compartment.
(2) Carefully lower the A/C condenser straight
down to engage the lower mounting brackets to the
radiator.
(3) Engage the upper A/C condenser mounting
brackets to the radiator. Be sure that the upper
retaining clips are fully engaged to the upper mount-
ing brackets.
(4) Remove the tape or plugs from the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the condenser ports.
(5) Connect the A/C discharge line and the A/C liq-
uid line to the A/C condenser (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
DISCHARGE LINE - INSTALLATION) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
A/C LIQUID LINE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Connect the transmission oil cooler lines to the
A/C Condenser. Be sure that the quick-connect fit-
tings are fully engaged to the cooler tapping block
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION COOLING).
(7) Position the hood latch onto the front of the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(8) Install the two screws that secure the hood
latch to the crossmember. Check and adjust the hoodlatch as required. Tighten the bolts to 14 N´m (123
in. lbs.).
(9) Position the radiator sight shield onto the radi-
ator closure panel crossmember.
(10) 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.).
(11) 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.).
(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).
2.5L/2.8L DIESEL ENGINES
NOTE: If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add
50 milliliters (1.7 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.
NOTE: Be certain that each of the radiator and con-
denser air seals are reinstalled in their proper loca-
tions. These air seals are required for proper A/C
and engine cooling system operation.
(1) Position the A/C condenser onto the right
mounting bracket and transmission oil cooler unit.
(2) Position the left mounting bracket onto the side
of the A/C condenser and transmission oil cooler.
(3) Install the screw that secures the left mounting
bracket to the side of the transmission oil cooler.
Tighten the screw to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the two screws that secure each mount-
ing bracket to the sides of the A/C condenser. Tighten
the screws to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Verify that the A/C condenser isolators are
all installed and positioned correctly.
(5) Position the A/C condenser, transmission oil
cooler, and mounting brackets into the vehicle as an
assembly. Be certain that the lower mounting brack-
ets are engaged into the rubber isolators located on
each side of the cooling module.
(6) Install the two screws that secure the top of
the mounting bracket on each side of the A/C con-
denser to the cooling module. Tighten the screws to 5
N´m (45 in. lbs.).
Fig. 11 A/C Condenser ± 2.5L/2.8L Diesel Engines
1 - BOLT (2)
2 - LOWER MOUNT ISOLATOR (2)
3 - A/C CONDENSER
24 - 78 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)
Page 2230 of 2339

(7) Remove the tape or plugs from the opened
refrigerant line fittings and the condenser ports.
(8) Connect the A/C discharge line and the A/C liq-
uid line to the A/C condenser (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C
DISCHARGE LINE - INSTALLATION) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
A/C LIQUID LINE - INSTALLATION).
(9) Reconnect the hoses to the transmission oil
cooler fittings on the left side of the cooling module
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/TRANSMISSION/TRANS
COOLER LINES - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reposition the hood latch to the front of the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(11) Install the two screws that secure the hood
latch to the front of the radiator closure panel cross-
member. Check and adjust the hood latch as needed.
Tighten the screws to 14 N´m (123 in. lbs.).
(12) Position the radiator sight shield onto the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(13) 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.).
(14) 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.).
(15) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(16) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
A/C DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING).
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
RECOVERY).(2) Remove the two large screws that secure the
front fascia and the outboard ends of the radiator
sight shield to the radiator closure panel crossmem-
ber (Fig. 12).
(3) Remove the five small screws that secure the
front fascia grille inserts to the radiator sight shield.
(4) Remove the radiator sight shield from the radi-
ator closure panel crossmember.
(5) Remove the nut that secures the A/C discharge
line to the right side of the A/C condenser (Fig. 13).
(6) Disconnect the A/C discharge line from the A/C
condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal
and gasket.
(7) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.
(8) Remove the nut that secures the A/C discharge
line to the A/C compressor (Fig. 14).
(9) Disconnect the A/C discharge line from the A/C
compressor and remove and discard the O-ring seal
and gasket.
(10) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the compressor discharge port.
(11) Remove the A/C discharge line from the
engine compartment.
Fig. 12 Radiator Sight Shield - Typical
1 - LARGE SCREWS (2)
2 - SMALL SCREWS (5)
3 - RADIATOR SIGHT SHIELD
4 - GRILLE INSERTS
5 - FRONT FASCIA
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-79
A/C CONDENSER (Continued)
Page 2231 of 2339

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the A/C discharge line into the engine
compartment.
(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 and a new gasket onto
the discharge line fitting.
(4) Install the A/C discharge line to the A/C com-
pressor.(5) Install the nut that secures the A/C discharge
line to the A/C 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 and a new gasket onto
the discharge line fitting.
(8) Install the A/C discharge line to the A/C con-
denser.
(9) Install the nut that secures the A/C discharge
line to the A/C 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 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.).
(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 is
engaged 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.
Fig. 13 A/C Discharge Line to A/C Condenser -
Typical
1 - A/C CONDENSER
2 - A/C DISCHARGE LINE
3 - A/C LIQUID LINE
4 - NUT (2)
Fig. 14 A/C Discharge Line to Compressor - Typical
1 - DISCHARGE LINE
2 - NUT
3 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
4 - STUD
5 - DISCHARGE PORT
24 - 80 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
A/C DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)
Page 2232 of 2339

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
(Fig. 15). 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 (1.7 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the A/C compressor in the
vehicle.
(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
is fitted to the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes
where they exit the HVAC housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY).
(3) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The front ªHº valve-type thermal expansion valve
(TXV) is located at the dash panel between the liquid
and suction lines, and the A/C evaporator. The
assembly consists of an aluminum H-valve body and
a thermal sensor. On RG models, the evaporator tem-
perature sensor is installed on the top of the expan-
sion valve.
OPERATION
High-pressure, low temperature liquid 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. A mechanical sensor in the
expansion valve control head monitors the tempera-
ture and pressure of the refrigerant leaving the evap-
orator 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 requirements. Controlling the refriger-
ant flow through the A/C evaporator ensures that
none of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator is still
in a liquid state, which could damage the compressor.
The A/C expansion valve is a factory calibrated
unit and cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 15 HVAC Housing - LHD Shown, RHD Typical
1 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
2 - UPPER HVAC HOUSING
3 - BLOWER MOTOR AND WHEEL
4 - A/C EVAPORATOR
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-81
A/C EVAPORATOR (Continued)