6. Position the A/C suction line (1) into the engine
compartment.
7. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened fitting
on the A/C suction line and the inlet port on the
A/C compressor (2).
8. Lubricate a new seal with clean refrigerant oil and
install it onto the suction line fitting. Use only the
specified seal as it is made of a special material for
the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the A/C compressor in the
vehicle.
9. Install the A/C suction line onto the A/C compres-
sor.
10. Install the bolt (5) that secures the A/C suction
line to the A/C compressor. Tighten the bolt to 20
Nꞏm (15 ft. lbs.).
11. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
12. Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVAC-
UATE).
13. Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
REFRIGERANT-A/C
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system 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-flammable, 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 compatiblewith R-12 refrigerant in an A/C system. Even a small amount of R-12 refrigerant
added to an R-134a refrigerant system will cause A/C compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludge or poor A/C system
performance. In addition, the polyalkylene glycol (PAG) synthetic refrigerant oils used in an R-134a refrigerant sys-
tem are not compatible with the mineral-based refrigerant 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 refrigerant systemis not accidentally contaminated with the
wrong refrigerant (R-12). There are also labels posted in the engine compartment of the vehicle and on the A/C
compressor to identify that the A/C system is equipped with R-134a refrigerant.
TUBE-A/C ORIFICE
DESCRIPTION
The fixed A/C orifice tube is installed in the A/C liquid
line and provides a restriction in the liquid refrigerant
line between the A/C condenser and the A/C evapora-
tor. This restriction established the pressure differential
between the high and low-pressure sides of the A/C
system.
The A/C orifice tube includes a diffuser screen (1),
O-ring seals (2) to seal it to the inner wall of the A/C
liquid line, an inlet filter screen (3) and the fixed orifice
(4).
OPERATION
The fixed A/C orifice tube is used to meter the flow of liquid refrigerant into the A/C evaporator. The high-pressure
liquid refrigerant from the A/C condenser expands into a low-pressure liquid as it passes through the metering orifice
and diffuser screen of the A/C orifice tube.
The A/C orifice tube is not serviceable and cannot be repaired and, if faulty or plugged, the A/C liquid line must be
replaced (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/LINE-A/C LIQUID - DESCRIPTION).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A/C ORIFICE TUBE
WARNING: The A/C liquid line between the A/C condenser and the A/C orifice tube can become hot enough
to burn the skin. Use extreme caution when performing the following test toprevent possible personal
injury.
NOTE: The A/C orifice tube can be checked for proper operation using the following procedure. However,
the A/C orifice tube is only serviced as a part of the A/C liquid line. If the results of this test indicate that the
A/C orifice tube is obstructed or missing, the A/C liquid line must be replaced.
1. Confirm that the refrigerant system is properly charged (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PERFORMANCE).
2. Start the engine. Turn on the A/Csystem and confirm that the compressor clutch is engaged.
3. Allow the A/C system to operate for five minutes.
4. Lightly and cautiously touch the A/C liquid line near the condenser outlet at the front of the engine compartment.
TheA/Cliquidlineshouldbehottothetouch.
5. Touch the A/C liquid line near the evaporator inlet at the rear of the engine compartment. The A/C liquid line
should be cold to the touch.
6. If there is a distinct temperature differential between the two ends of the A/C liquid line, the A/C orifice tube is in
good condition. If there is little or no detectable temperature differential between the two ends of the A/C liquid
line, the A/C orifice tube is obstructed or missing and the A/C liquid line must be replaced (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/LINE-A/C LIQUID - REMOVAL).
EMISSIONS CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
STATE DISPLAY TEST MODE
The switch inputs to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) have two recognized states; HIGH and LOW. For this
reason, the PCM cannot recognize the difference between a selected switchposition versus an open circuit, a short
circuit, or a defective switch. If the State Display screen shows the changefromHIGHtoLOWorLOWtoHIGH,
assume the entire switch circuit to the PCM functions properly. Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link con-
nector and access the state display screen. Then access either State Display Inputs and Outputs or State Display
Sensors.
CIRCUIT ACTUATION TEST MODE
The Circuit Actuation Test Mode checks for proper operation of output circuits or devices the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) may not internally recognize. The PCM attempts to activate these outputs and allow an observer to
verify proper operation. Most of the tests provide an audible or visual indication of device operation (click of relay
contacts, fuel spray, etc.). Except for intermittent conditions, if a device functions properly during testing, assume the
device, its associated wiring, and driver circuit work correctly. Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link connector
and access the Actuators screen.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) indicates the PCM has recognized an abnormal condition in the system.
Remember that DTC’s are the results of a system or circuit failure, but do not directly identify the failed
component or components.
BULB CHECK
Each time the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the malfunction indicator (check engine) lamp on the instru-
ment panel should illuminate for approximately 2 seconds then go out. Thisis done for a bulb check.
OBTAINING DTC’S USING DRB SCAN TOOL
1. Obtain the applicable Powertrain Diagnostic Manual.
2. Obtain the DRB Scan Tool.
3. Connect the DRB Scan Tool to the data link (diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in the passenger
compartment at the lower edge of instrument panel, and near the steering column.
4. Turn the ignition switch on and access the “Read Fault” screen.
5. Record all the DTC’s and “freeze frame” information shown on the DRB scantool.
6. To erase DTC’s, use the “Erase Trouble Code” data screen on the DRB scan tool.Do not erase any DTC’s
until problems have been investigated and repairs have been performed.
TA S K M A N A G E R
The PCM is responsible for efficiently coordinating the operation of all the emissions-related components. The PCM
is also responsible for determining if the diagnostic systems are operating properly. The software designed to carry
out these responsibilities is called the ’Task Manager’.
MONITORED SYSTEMS
There are new electronic circuit monitors that check fuel, emission, engine and ignition performance. These moni-
tors use information from various sensor circuits to indicate the overalloperation of the fuel, engine, ignition and
emission systems and thus the emissions performance of the vehicle.
The fuel, engine, ignition and emission systems monitors do not indicate aspecific component problem. They do
indicate that there is an implied problem within one of the systems and thata specific problem must be diagnosed.
If any of these monitors detect a problem affecting vehicle emissions, theMalfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will be
illuminated. These monitors generate Diagnostic Trouble Codes that can be displayed with the MIL or a scan tool.
The primary components within the assembly are: A three port solenoid thatactivates both of the functions listed
above; a pump which contains a switch, two check valves and a spring/diaphragm, a canister vent valve (CVV) seal
which contains a spring loaded vent seal valve.
Immediately after a cold start, between predetermined temperature thresholds limits, the three port solenoid is briefly
energized. This initializes the pump by drawing air into the pump cavity and also closes the vent seal. During non
test conditions the vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm assembly which pushes it open at the full travel
position. The vent seal will remain closed while the pump is cycling due to the reed switch triggering of the three
port solenoid that prevents the diaphragm assembly from reaching full travel. After the brief initialization period, the
solenoid is de-energized allowing atmospheric pressure to enter the pumpcavity, thus permitting the spring to drive
the diaphragm which forces air out of the pump cavity and into the vent system. When the solenoid is energized
and de energized, the cycle is repeated creating flow in typical diaphragmpump fashion. The pump is controlled in
2 modes:
Pump Mode: The pump is cycled at a fixed rate to achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten the overall test
length.
Test Mode: The solenoid is energized with a fixed duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur when the dia-
phragm reaches the Switch closure point.
The spring in the pump is set so that the system will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5” H20. The cycle
rate of pump strokes is quite rapid as the system begins to pump up to this pressure. As the pressure increases, the
cycle rate starts to drop off. If there is no leak in the system, the pump would eventually stop pumping at the equal-
ized pressure. If there is a leak, it will continue to pump at a rate representative of the flow characteristic of the size
of the leak. From this information we can determine if the leak is larger than the required detection limit (currently
set at .040” orifice by CARB). If a leak is revealed during the leak test portion of the test, the test is terminated at
the end of the test mode and no further system checks will be performed.
After passing the leak detection phase of the test, system pressure is maintained by turning on the LDP’s solenoid
until the purge system is activated. Purge activation in effect creates a leak. The cycle rate is again interrogated and
when it increases due to the flow through the purge system, the leak check portion of the diagnostic is complete.
The canister vent valve will unseal the system after completion of the testsequence as the pump diaphragm assem-
bly moves to the full travel position.
Evaporative system functionality will be verified by using the stricter evap purge flow monitor. At an appropriate
warm idle the LDP will be energized to seal the canister vent. The purge flowwill be clocked up from some small
value in an attempt to see a shift in the02 control system. If fuel vapor, indicated by a shift in the 02 control, is
present the test is passed. If not, it is assumed that the purge system is notfunctioning in some respect. The LDP
is again turned off and the test is ended.
MISFIRE MONITOR
Excessive engine misfire results in increased catalyst temperature and causes an increase in HC emissions. Severe
misfires could cause catalyst damage. To prevent catalytic convertor damage, the PCM monitors engine misfire.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors for misfire during most engine operating conditions (positive torque)
by looking at changes in the crankshaft speed. If a misfire occurs the speedof the crankshaft will vary more than
normal.
FUEL SYSTEM MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters. These converters reduce the
emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst works best when the Air Fuel (A/F)
ratio is at or near the optimum of 14.7 to 1.
The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio of 14.7 to 1. This is done by making short term
corrections in the fuel injector pulse width based on the O2S sensor output. The programmed memory acts as a self
calibration tool that the engine controller uses to compensate for variations in engine specifications, sensor toler-
ances and engine fatigue over the life span of the engine. By monitoring theactual fuel-air ratio with the O2S sen-
sor (short term) and multiplying that with the program long-term (adaptive) memory and comparing that to the limit,
it can be determined whether it will pass an emissions test. If a malfunction occurs such that the PCM cannot main-
tain the optimum A/F ratio, then the MIL will be illuminated.
CATALYST MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are equipped with catalytic converters. These converters reduce the
emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide.
Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a catalyst to decay. This can increase vehicle emissions and
deteriorate engine performance, driveability and fuel economy.
The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors (O2S’s) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The dual O2S’s
sensor strategy is based on the fact that as a catalyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its efficiency are
both reduced. By monitoring the oxygen storage capacity of a catalyst, itsefficiency can be indirectly calculated. The
upstream O2S is used to detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas beforethe gas enters the catalytic con-
verter. The PCM calculates the A/F mixture from the output of the O2S. A low voltage indicates high oxygen content
(lean mixture). A high voltage indicates a low content of oxygen (rich mixture).
When the upstream O2S detects a lean condition, there is an abundance of oxygen in the exhaust gas. A function-
ing converter would store this oxygen so it can use it for the oxidation of HCand CO. As the converter absorbs the
oxygen, there will be a lack of oxygen downstream of the converter. The output of the downstream O2S will indicate
limited activity in this condition.
As the converter loses the ability to store oxygen, the condition can be detected from the behavior of the down-
stream O2S. When the efficiency drops, no chemical reaction takes place. This means the concentration of oxygen
will be the same downstream as upstream. The output voltage of the downstream O2S copies the voltage of the
upstream sensor. The only difference is a time lag (seen by the PCM) betweenthe switching of the O2S’s.
To monitor the system, the number of lean-to-rich switches of upstream anddownstream O2S’s is counted. The
ratio of downstream switches to upstream switches is used to determine whether the catalyst is operating properly.
An effective catalyst will have fewer downstream switches than it has upstream switches i.e., a ratio closer to zero.
For a totally ineffective catalyst, this ratio will be one-to-one, indicating that no oxidation occurs in the device.
The system must be monitored so that when catalyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions increase to over
the legal limit, the MIL will be illuminated.
TRIP DEFINITION
The term “Trip” has different meanings depending on what the circumstances are. If the MIL (Malfunction Indicator
Lamp) is OFF, a Trip is defined as when the Oxygen Sensor Monitor and the Catalyst Monitor have been completed
in the same drive cycle.
When any Emission DTC is set, the MIL on the dash is turned ON. When the MIL is ON, it takes 3 good trips to turn
the MIL OFF. In this case, it depends on what type of DTC is set to know what a “Trip” is.
For the Fuel Monitor or Mis-Fire Monitor (continuous monitor), the vehicle must be operated in the “Similar Condition
Window” for a specified amount of time to be considered a Good Trip.
If a Non-Continuous OBDII Monitor fails twice in a row and turns ON the MIL, re-running that monitor which previ-
ously failed, on the next start-up and passing the monitor, is considered tobeaGoodTrip.Thesewillincludethe
following:
Oxygen Sensor
Catalyst Monitor
Purge Flow Monitor
Leak Detection Pump Monitor (if equipped)
EGR Monitor (if equipped)
Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor
If any other Emission DTC is set (not an OBDII Monitor), a Good Trip is considered to be when the Oxygen Sensor
Monitor and Catalyst Monitor have been completed; or 2 Minutes of engine run time if the Oxygen Sensor Monitor
or Catalyst Monitor have been stopped from running.
It can take up to 2 Failures in a row to turn on the MIL. After the MIL is ON, it takes3GoodTripstoturntheMIL
OFF. After the MIL is OFF, the PCM will self-erase the DTC after 40 Warm-up cycles. A Warm-up cycle is counted
when the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor) has crossed 160°F (71.1C) and has risen by at least 40°F
(4.4°C) since the engine has been started.
COMPONENT MONITORS
There are several components that will affect vehicle emissions if they malfunction. If one of these components
malfunctions the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
Some of the component monitors are checking for proper operation of the part. Electrically operated components
now have input (rationality) and output (functionality) checks. Previously, a component like the Throttle Position sen-
sor (TPS) was checked by the PCM for an open or shorted circuit. If one of these conditions occurred, a DTC was
set. Now there is a check to ensure that the component is working. This is donebywatchingforaTPSindication
of a greater or lesser throttle opening than MAP and engine rpm indicate. Inthe case of the TPS, if engine vacuum
is high and engine rpm is 1600 or greater, and the TPS indicates a large throttle opening, a DTC will be set. The
same applies to low vacuum if the TPS indicates a small throttle opening.
All open/short circuit checks, or any component that has an associated limp-in, will set a fault after 1 trip with the
malfunction present. Components without an associated limp-in will taketwo trips to illuminate the MIL.
OPERATION
OPERATION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors many
different circuits in the fuel injection, ignition, emission
and engine systems. If the PCM senses a problem
withamonitoredcircuitoftenenoughtoindicatean
actual problem, it stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) in the PCM’s memory. If the problem is repaired
or ceases to exist, the PCM cancels the code after 40
warm-up cycles. Diagnostic trouble codes that affect
vehicle emissions illuminatethe Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL). The MIL is displayed as an engine icon
(graphic) on the instrument panel. Refer to Malfunction
Indicator Lamp in this section.
Certain criteria must be met before the PCM stores a
DTC in memory. The criteria may be a specific range
of engine RPM, engine temperature, and/or input volt-
age to the PCM.
The PCM might not store a DTC for a monitored cir-
cuit even though a malfunction has occurred. This
may happen because one of the DTC criteria for the
circuit has not been met.For example,assume the diagnostic trouble code criteria requires the PCM to monitor the
circuit only when the engine operates between 750 and 2000 RPM. Suppose thesensor’s output circuit shorts to
ground when engine operates above 2400 RPM (resulting in 0 volt input to thePCM). Because the condition hap-
pens at an engine speed above the maximum threshold (2000 rpm), the PCM willnot store a DTC.
There are several operating conditions for which the PCM monitors and setsDTC’s. Refer to Monitored Systems,
Components, and Non-Monitored Circuits in this section.
Technicians must retrieve stored DTC’s by connecting the DRB scan tool (oran equivalent scan tool) to the 16–way
data link connector. The connector is located on the bottom edge of the instrument panel near the steering column.
NOTE: Various diagnostic procedures may actually cause a diagnostic monitor to set a DTC. For instance,
pulling a spark plug wire to perform a spark test may set the misfire code. When a repair is completed and
verified, connect the DRB scan tool to the 16–way data link connector (1) toerase all DTC’s and extinguish
the MIL.
TA S K M A N A G E R
The Task Manager determines which tests happen when and which functions occur when. Many of the diagnostic
steps required by OBD II must be performed under specific operating conditions. The Task Manager software orga-
nizes and prioritizes the diagnostic procedures. The job of the Task Manager is to determine if conditions are appro-
priate for tests to be run, monitor theparameters for a trip for each test, and record the results of the test. Following
are the responsibilities of the Task Manager software:
Test Sequence
MIL Illumination
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Trip Indicator
Freeze Frame Data Storage
Similar Conditions Window
Te s t S e q u e n c e
In many instances, emissions systems must fail diagnostic tests more thanonce before the PCM illuminates the
MIL. These tests are know as ’two trip monitors.’ Other tests that turn the MIL lamp on after a single failure are
known as ’one trip monitors.’ A trip is defined as ’start the vehicle and operate it to meet the criteria necessary to
run the given monitor.’
Many of the diagnostic tests must be performed under certain operating conditions. However, there are times when
tests cannot be run because another test is in progress (conflict), another test has failed (pending) or the Task
Manager has set a fault that may cause a failure of the test (suspend).
Pending
Under some situations the Task Manager will not run a monitor if the MIL is illuminated and a fault is stored
from another monitor. In these situations, the Task Manager postpones monitorspendingresolution of the
original fault. The Task Manager does not run the test until the problem is remedied.
For example, when the MIL is illuminated for an Oxygen Sensor fault, the Task Manager does not run the
Catalyst Monitor until the Oxygen Sensor fault is remedied. Since the Catalyst Monitor is based on signals
from the Oxygen Sensor, running the test would produce inaccurate results.
Conflict
There are situations when the Task Manager does not run a test if another monitor is in progress. In these
situations, the effects of another monitor running could result in an erroneous failure. If thisconflictis present,
themonitorisnotrununtiltheconflicting condition passes. Most likelythe monitor will run later after the con-
flicting monitor has passed.
For example, if the Fuel System Monitor is in progress, the Task Manager does not run the EGR Monitor.
Since both tests monitor changes in air/fuel ratio and adaptive fuel compensation, the monitors will conflict with
each other.
Suspend
Occasionally the Task Manager may not allow a two trip fault to mature. The Task Manager willsuspendthe
maturing of a fault if a condition exists that may induce an erroneous failure. This prevents illuminating the MIL
for the wrong fault and allows more precis diagnosis.
For example, if the PCM is storing a one trip fault for the Oxygen Sensor and the EGR monitor, the Task
Manager may still run the EGR Monitor but will suspend the results until theOxygen Sensor Monitor either
passes or fails. At that point the Task Manager can determine if the EGR system is actually failing or if an
Oxygen Sensor is failing.
MIL Illumination
The PCM Task Manager carries out the illumination of the MIL. The Task Manager triggers MIL illumination upon
test failure, depending on monitor failure criteria.
The Task Manager Screen shows both a Requested MIL state and an Actual MIL state. When the MIL is illuminated
upon completion of a test for a third trip, the Requested MIL state changes to OFF. However, the MIL remains
illuminated until the next key cycle. (On some vehicles, the MIL will actually turn OFF during the third key cycle)
During the key cycle for the third good trip, the Requested MIL state is OFF,while the Actual MIL state is ON. After
the next key cycle, the MIL is not illuminated and both MIL states read OFF.