1. Position the A/C compressor (2) into the engine
compartment.
2. Install and hand tighten the four bolts (1) that
secure the A/C compressor to the cylinder block
(3).
3. Tighten the bolts that secure the A/C compressor to
the cylinder block to 23 Nꞏm (17 ft. lbs.).
4. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrig-
erant line fittings and the compressor ports.
5. Lubricate new seals with clean refrigerant oil and
install them onto the refrigerant line fittings. Use
only the specified seals as they are made of a spe-
cial material for the R-134a system. Use only
refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C
compressor in the vehicle.
6. Install the A/C suction line (1) and the A/C dis-
charge line (3) onto the A/C compressor (2).
7. Install the bolts (5) that secure the refrigerant lines
to the A/C compressor. Tighten the bolts to 20 Nꞏm
(15 ft. lbs.).
8. Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
compressor clutch coil connector (4).
9. Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE - INSTAL-
LATION).
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
12. Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
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).
