2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ABS

SEAT - FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(2) Remove the seat belt anchor bolt.
(3) Remove the seat bolts.
(4) Disconnect the electrical connectors, if
equipped.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position seat in vehicle and connect the electri-
cal connectors, if equipped.
(2) Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 25
N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the seat belt anchor and bolt.
(4) Tighten anchor bolt to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(5) Connect battery negative cable.
SEAT BACK - FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(2) Remove seat cushion. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT CUSHION - FRONT - REMOVAL)
(3) Verify that seat back is in full upright position.
(4) Disconnect lumbar support hose, if equipped.
(Fig. 3)
(5) Remove seat back bolts and remove seat back.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove stop screw.
(2) Install seat back locking spline side first.
NOTE: For better centering of seat back in the
mounting bore during installation, operate the seat
back release lever once.
(3) Install the spline side seat back bolt.
(4) Install remaining seat back side.
NOTE: It may be necessary to press the guide tabs
apart slightly.
(5) Install the remaining seat back bolt.
(6) Tighten the seat back bolts to 20 N´m (15 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Place seat back in the foremost position until
the hold down spring latches audibly.
(8) Install stop bolt and tighten to 20 N´m (15 ft.
lbs.).
(9) Connect the lumbar support hose, if equipped.
(10) Check seat back operation.
(11) Install the seat cushion. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT CUSHION - FRONT - INSTALLA-
TION)
Fig. 2 FRONT SEAT
1 - SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLT
2 - BOLTS (6)
Fig. 3 FRONT SEAT BACK
1 - SEAT BACK
2 - STOP BOLT
3 - LUMBAR SUPPORT HOSE
4 - GUIDE TAB
5 - RELEASE LEVER
6 - SEAT BACK BOLTS (2)
VASEATS 23 - 77

To maintain minimum evaporator temperature and
prevent evaporator freezing, an evaporator tempera-
ture sensor is used.
Vehicles equipped with the available rear A/C sys-
tem have an individual temperature control and
blower motor speed switches. When the rear A/C sys-
tem is turned on, a solenoid valve opens the rear
refrigerant circuit and activates the blower motor for
the rear evaporator. The circulated internal air tem-
perature is measured by a temperature sensor and
the temperature value is compared within the rear
A/C control module to an adjusted value at the tem-
perature control switch. To prevent icing of the rear
evaporator, the temperature switch cuts off the flow
of refrigerant through the rear A/C circuit by de-en-
ergizing the solenoid valve.
The front and rear A/C systems are designed for
the use of non-CFC, R-134a refrigerant only. Both
the front and rear systems use an expansion valve to
meter refrigerant flow to the evaporator.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUNCTION TEST
The ATC system can perform an self-test, which
can be activated by the DRBIIItscan tool to confirm
that the air conditioning system is performing satis-
factorily. This test provides a quick confirmation of
heater - air conditioning system performance to the
service technician. Refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures for the appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE TEST
The air conditioning system is designed to provide
the passenger compartment with low temperature
and low specific humidity air. The evaporator, located
in the heater housing on the dash panel below the
instrument panel, is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing point. As warm damp air passes through the
cooled evaporator, the air transfers its heat to the
refrigerant in the evaporator and the moisture in the
air condenses on the evaporator fins. During periods
of high heat and humidity, an air conditioning sys-
tem will be more effective in the Recirculation Mode.
With the system in the Recirculation Mode, only air
from the passenger compartment passes through the
evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehu-
midifies, the air conditioning system performance
levels improve.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the air condition-
ing system. When humidity is high, the evaporatorhas to perform a double duty. It must lower the air
temperature, and it must lower the temperature of
the moisture in the air that condenses on the evapo-
rator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air trans-
fers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing.
This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature
of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Remov-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from their
air conditioning system on humid days. A perfor-
mance test is the best way to determine whether the
system is performing up to standard. This test also
provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of
trouble with the air conditioning system.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
NOTE: Very specific instructions and conditions
pertain to this procedure which are significantly dif-
ferent than procedures used in other vehicle appli-
cations. Follow each step in the order they are
presented. Do not skip steps or change conditions
from those stated or results will be adversely
affected and invalid.
The compressor clutch is de-energized under any of
the following conditions:
²Blocked compressor (thermal fuse in the pulley)
²Low pressure in the system
²Low evaporator temperature
²Hard acceleration (WOT)
²High coolant temperatures
(1) Place the vehicle in the shade with all widows
open.
(2) Turn the temperature control to cold.
(3) Select Fresh Air, not Recirculate and open all
air conditioning duct louvers.
(4) Start the vehicle and allow it to idle.
(5) Turn the blower switch to the maximum blower
speed setting and allow to operate for a short period
of time before proceeding.
(6) Perform an outlet temperature test as follows:
a. Turn the blower switch to the lowest blower
speed setting.
b. Insert a thermometer into a center duct for at
least five minutes.
VAHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)

(4) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
sensor and remove the sensor from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the wire harness connector to the
ambient temperature sensor.
(2) Install the sensor onto the front fascia through
the access hole in the fascia.
(3) Install the front license plate bracket (Refer to
23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE BRACKET
- INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
This temperature control system uses a blower
motor resistor. The blower motor resistor is mounted
to the top of ventilation housing located in the engine
compartment. The blower motor resistor can be
accessed for service without removing any other com-
ponents.
OPERATION
The blower motor resistor block has multiple resis-
tor wires. Each resistor wire changes the resistance
in the blower motor current path to change the
blower motor speed. The blower motor switch directs
the current through the correct resistor wire to
obtain the selected speed.With the blower motor switch in the lowest speed
position, voltage for the motor is applied through all
of the resistor wires. Each higher speed selected with
the blower motor switch applies the blower motor
current path through fewer of the resistor wires,
increasing the blower motor speed. When the blower
motor switch is in the highest speed position, the
blower motor resistor is bypassed and the blower
motor circuit receives a direct path to battery volt-
age.
The blower motor resistor block cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
RESISTOR BLOCK
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information.
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 AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
blower motor resistor block.
(3) Check for continuity between each of the
blower motor switch input terminals of the resistor
and the resistor output terminal. In each case there
should be continuity. If OK, repair the wire harness
circuits between the blower motor switch and the
blower motor resistor or blower motor as required. If
not OK, replace the faulty blower motor resistor.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Depress resistor block locking tab and remove
resistor block from the ventilation housing by sliding
the resistor block inboard (Fig. 12).
(3) Depress two locking tabs and unplug the wire
harness connector from the blower motor resistor
block.
(4) Remove the blower motor resistor from the
engine compartment.
Fig. 11 Ambient Temperature Sensor
1 - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - FRONT FASCIA
24 - 16 CONTROLS - FRONTVA
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)

DISTRIBUTION - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AIR FILTER
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
AIR OUTLETS
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
BLOWER MOTOR
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................33
DEFROSTER DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL.............................34
DISASSEMBLY.........................36
ASSEMBLY............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
AIR FILTER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the insulation blanket from the venti-
lation housing in the engine compartment (Fig. 1).
(2) Open the locking clips at the front and rear of
the ventilation housing.
(3) Slide the ventilation housing cover in the direc-
tion of the arrow shown.
(4) Remove the air filter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the air filter into the ventilation hous-
ing.
(2) Install the ventilation housing cover
(3) Close the locking clips at the front and rear of
the ventilation housing.
NOTE: The locking tabs should retain the ventila-
tion housing cover securely.
(4) Install the insulation blanket onto the ventila-
tion housing.
AIR OUTLETS
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER
AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TEN-
SIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM
CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORM-
ING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS
THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 1 Air Filter Element
1 - VENTILATION HOUSING INSULATION BLANKET
2 - LOCKING CLIP (2)
3 - AIR FILTER
VADISTRIBUTION - FRONT 24 - 31

CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to
use R-134a. Damage to the system will result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a
refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
Do not use R-12 equipment or parts on the R-134a
system. Damage to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. This will
cause excessive compressor head pressure and
can cause noise and system failure.
Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
The refrigerant system must always be evacuated
before charging.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. This will prevent contamination in
the system.
Before disconnecting a component, clean the out-
side of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contami-
nation from entering the refrigerant system.
Immediately after disconnecting a component from
the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a
cap or plug.
Before connecting an open refrigerant fitting,
always install a new seal or gasket. Coat the fitting
and seal with clean refrigerant oil before connect-
ing.
Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement
component until it is to be installed.
When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp
bends that may restrict refrigerant flow. Position the
refrigerant lines away from exhaust system compo-
nents or any sharp edges, which may damage the
line.
Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the specified
torque. The aluminum fittings used in the refriger-
ant system will not tolerate overtightening.
When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a
wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will pre-
vent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of
refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace
the cap on the oil container immediately after using.
Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and
moisture-free container.Keep service tools and the work area clean. Con-
tamination of the refrigerant system through care-
less work habits must be avoided.REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS
Kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing
will reduce the capacity of the entire system. High
pressures are produced in the system when it is oper-
ating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that all refrigerant system connections are pressure
tight.
A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is
to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the
diameter of the hose. Sharp bends will reduce the
flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be
routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches)
from the exhaust manifold. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible refrigerant system hose lines at
least once a year to make sure they are in good con-
dition and properly routed.
There are two types of refrigerant fittings:
²All fittings with O-rings need to be coated with
refrigerant oil before installation. Use only O-rings
that are the correct size and approved for use with
R-134a refrigerant. Failure to do so may result in a
leak.
²Unified plumbing connections with gaskets can-
not be serviced with O-rings. The gaskets are not
reusable and new gaskets do not require lubrication
before installing.
Using the proper tools when making a refrigerant
plumbing connection is very important. Improper
tools or improper use of the tools can damage the
refrigerant fittings. Always use two wrenches when
loosening or tightening tube fittings. Use one wrench
to hold one side of the connection stationary, while
loosening or tightening the other side of the connec-
tion with a second wrench.
The refrigerant must be recovered completely from
the system before opening any fitting or connection.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the refrig-
erant has been recovered. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, tighten the fitting and
recover the refrigerant from the system again.
Do not discharge refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling device
that meets SAE Standard J2210.
The refrigerant system will remain chemically sta-
ble as long as pure, moisture-free R-134a refrigerant
and refrigerant oil is used. Dirt, moisture, or air can
upset this chemical stability. Operational troubles or
serious damage can occur if foreign material is
present in the refrigerant system.
VAPLUMBING 24 - 45
PLUMBING (Continued)

(12) Disconnect the discharge line from the retain-
ing clip and remove the discharge line from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
(1) Position the discharge line into the engine com-
partment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor
discharge port and the discharge line fitting.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(4) Connect the discharge line fitting to the com-
pressor discharge port on the top of the compressor.(5) Install the bolt that secures the discharge line
fitting to the compressor. Tighten the bolt to 23 N´m
(17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the condenser
inlet port and the discharge line fitting.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(8) Connect the discharge line fitting to the con-
denser inlet port.
(9) Install the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser. Tighten the nut to 33 N´m
(24 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the grille(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(11) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(12) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(13) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The evaporator is located in the heater housing,
behind the instrument panel. The evaporator is posi-
tioned 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
coil fins will only be conditioned when the compres-
sor is engaged and refrigerant is circulating through
the evaporator coil tubes.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the evaporator from the expan-
sion 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 vapor-
ize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas
before it leaves the evaporator.
The evaporator cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 4 A/C Compressor - Refrigerant Lines
1 - A/C COMPRESSOR
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - SUCTION LINE
4 - BOLT
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - BOLT
7 - DISCHARGE LINE
8 - O-RING SEAL
24 - 54 PLUMBINGVA
A/C DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)

RECEIVER/DRIER
DESCRIPTION
The receiver/drier is mounted in a bracket secured
to the left 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 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. A desiccant bag is
mounted inside the receiver/drier canister to absorb
any moisture which may have entered and become
trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition,
during periods of high demand air conditioner opera-
tion, the receiver/drier acts as a reservoir to store
surplus refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the receiver/
drier as a high-pressure, low-temperature liquid.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Remove the bolts that secure the front and rear
sections of the liquid line to the top of the receiver/
drier (Fig. 15).
(3) Disconnect the liquid line fittings from the
receiver/drier.
(4) Remove the seals from the liquid line fittings
and discard.
(5) Install a plug in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fittings and the receiver/drier ports.
(6) Loosen the clamp that secures the receiver/
drier to the mounting bracket.
(7) Remove the receiver/drier from the engine com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the receiver/drier is being replaced, add 30
milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the compressor in the vehi-
cle.
(1) Position the receiver/drier onto the mounting
bracket on the front left strut tower.
(2) Tighten the clamp that secures the receiver/
drier to the mounting bracket.
(3) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
fittings and the receiver/drier ports.
(4) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the liquid line fit-
tings.
(5) Connect the front and rear sections of the liq-
uid line to the receiver/drier.
(6) Install the bolts that secures the liquid line fit-
tings to the receiver/drier. Tighten the bolts to 7 N´m
(62 in. lbs.).
(7) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(8) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
Fig. 15 Receiver/Drier
1 - RECEIVER/DRIER
2 - LIQUID LINE (REAR SECTION)
3 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
4 - LIQUID LINE (FRONT SECTION)
5 - CLAMP
24 - 64 PLUMBINGVA

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
refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse
gas and can contribute to global warming.
OPERATION
R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12
refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a
small amount of R-12 added to an R-134a refrigerant
system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil
sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
In addition, the PolyAlkylene Glycol (PAG) synthetic
refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant system
are not compatible with the mineral-based refriger-
ant oils used in an R-12 refrigerant system.
R-134a refrigerant system service ports, service
tool couplers and refrigerant dispensing bottles have
all been designed with unique fittings to ensure that
an R-134a system is not accidentally contaminated
with the wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also
labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehi-
cle and on the compressor identifying to service tech-
nicians 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
contains a different additive package. The 10PA17
compressor used in this vehicle is designed to use an
ND8 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
mineral 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
container immediately to prevent moisture contami-
nation.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL
LEVEL
When an air conditioning system is assembled at
the factory, all components except the compressor are
refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has
been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the
compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant
system. The receiver-drier, evaporator, condenser,
and compressor will each retain a significant amount
of the needed refrigerant oil.
It is important to have the correct amount of oil in
the refrigerant system. This ensures proper lubrica-
tion of the compressor. Too little oil will result in
damage to the compressor. Too much oil will reduce
the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the
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, a connector fitting, a compo-
nent, or a component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30
milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system after the repair has been made.
Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak point
by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the
leak.
Refrigerant oil must be added when a receiver/
drier, evaporator coil, or condenser are replaced. See
the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart. When a com-
pressor is replaced, the refrigerant oil must be
drained from the old compressor and measured.
Drain all of the refrigerant oil from the new compres-
sor, then fill the new compressor with the same
amount of refrigerant oil that was drained out of the
old compressor.
VAPLUMBING 24 - 65