TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS ATC-95
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS FOR UNUSUAL PRESSURE
Whenever system’s high and/or low side pressure(s) is/are unusual, diagnose using a manifold gauge. The
marker above the gauge scale in the following tables indicates the standard (usual) pressure range. Since the
standard (usual) pressure, however, differs from vehicle to vehicle, refer to above table (Ambient air tempera-
ture-to-operating pressure table).
Both High- and Low-pressure Sides are Too High
High-pressure Side is Too High and Low-pressure Side is Too Low
Gauge indication Refrigerant cycle Probable cause Corrective action
Both high- and low-pressure sides
are too high. The pressure returns to nor-
mal soon after water is
splashed on condenser. Excessive refrigerant charge
in refrigeration cycle. Reduce refrigerant until speci-
fied pressure is obtained.
Air suction by cooling fan is
insufficient. Insufficient condenser cooling
performance.
↓
1. Condenser fins are clogged.
2. Improper fan rotation of cooling fan.
Clean condenser.
Check and repair cooling fan
as necessary.
Low-pressure pipe is not
cold.
When compressor is
stopped high-pressure
value quickly drops by
approximately 196 kPa (2
kg/cm
2 , 28 psi). It then
decreases gradually there-
after. Poor heat exchange in con-
denser
(After compressor operation
stops, high-pressure
decreases too slowly.).
↓
Air in refrigeration cycle. Evacuate repeatedly and
recharge system.
Engine tends to overheat. Engine cooling systems mal-
function. Check and repair each engine
cooling system.
An area of the low-pres-
sure pipe is colder than
areas near the evaporator
outlet.
Low-pressure pipe is
sometimes covered with
frost.
Excessive liquid refrigerant
on low-pressure side.
Excessive refrigerant dis-
charge flow.
Expansion valve is open a
little compared with the
specification.
↓
Improper expansion valve
adjustment. Replace expansion valve.
AC359A
Gauge indication Refrigerant cycle Probable cause Corrective action
High-pressure side is too high and
low-pressure side is too low.
Upper side of condenser and
high-pressure side are hot,
however, liquid tank is not so
hot. High-pressure tube or parts
located between compressor
and condenser are clogged or
crushed.
Check and repair or replace
malfunctioning parts.
Check lubricant for contami-
nation.
AC360A
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS ATC-97
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
Low-pressure Side Sometimes Becomes Negative
Low-pressure Side Becomes Negative
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE FOR INSUFFICIENT COOLING
SYMPTOM: Insufficient cooling
1. CHECK POWER SUPPLY FOR ECV (ELECTRONIC CONTROL VALVE)
1. Disconnect compressor (ECV) connector.
2. Turn ignition switch ON.
3. Check voltage between compressor (ECV) harness connector F6 terminal 2 and ground.
OK or NG
OK >> GO TO 2.
NG >> Check power supply circuit and 10A fuse [No. 12, located in the fuse block (J/B)]. Refer to PG-81, "
FUSE
BLOCK - JUNCTION BOX (J/B)" .
If fuse is OK, check harness for open circuit. Repair or replace if necessary.
If fuse is NG, check harness for short circuit and replace fuse.
Gauge indication Refrigerant cycle Probable cause Corrective action
Low-pressure side sometimes
becomes negative.
Air conditioning system
does not function and does
not cyclically cool the com-
partment air.
The system constantly func-
tions for a certain period of
time after compressor is
stopped and restarted. Refrigerant does not dis-
charge cyclically.
↓
Moisture is frozen at expan-
sion valve outlet and inlet.
↓
Water is mixed with refriger-
ant.
Drain water from refrigerant
or replace refrigerant.
Replace liquid tank.
AC354A
Gauge indication Refrigerant cycle Probable cause Corrective action
Low-pressure side becomes nega-
tive.
Liquid tank or front/rear side of
expansion valve’s pipe is
frosted or wet with dew. High-pressure side is closed
and refrigerant does not flow.
↓
Expansion valve or liquid tank
is frosted. Leave the system at rest until
no frost is present. Start it
again to check whether or not
the malfunction is caused by
water or foreign particles.
If water is the cause, initially
cooling is okay. Then the
water freezes causing a
blockage. Drain water from
refrigerant or replace refrig-
erant.
If due to foreign particles,
remove expansion valve
and remove the particles
with dry and compressed air
(not shop air).
If either of the above meth-
ods cannot correct the mal-
function, replace expansion
valve.
Replace liquid tank.
Check lubricant for contami-
nation.
AC362A
2 – ground : Battery voltage
RJIA2294E
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS ATC-99
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
Insufficient HeatingNJS000EB
SYMPTOM: Insufficient heating
INSPECTION FLOW
*1 ATC-60, "Operational Check"*2ATC-71, "Air Mix Door Motor Circuit"*3AT C - 5 3 , "FUNCTION CONFIRMA-
TION PROCEDURE", see No. 4 to
6.
*4 ATC-53, "
FUNCTION CONFIRMA-
TION PROCEDURE", see No. 13. *5
ATC-64, "
LAN System Circuit"*6AT C - 7 7 , "Blower Motor Circuit"
*7 EC-210, "DTC P0117, P0118 ECT
SENSOR" (VQ35DE) or EC-879,
"DTC P0117, P0118 ECT SEN-
SOR" (VK45DE) *8
CO-11, "
Changing Engine Coolant"
(VQ35DE) or CO-38, "
Changing
Engine Coolant" (VK45DE) *9
CO-15, "
Checking Radiator Cap"
(VQ35DE) or CO-43, "
Checking
Radiator Cap" (VK45DE)
SJIA1593E
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS ATC-109
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
Sunload Sensor CircuitNJS000EH
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
Sunload Sensor
The sunload sensor is located on the passenger’s side front
defroster grille. It detects sunload entering through windshield by
means of a photo diode. The sensor converts the sunload into a cur-
rent value which is then input into the unified meter and A/C amp.
SUNLOAD INPUT PROCESS
The unified meter and A/C amp. also includes a processing circuit which averages the variations in detected
sunload over a period of time. This prevents drastic swings in the ATC system operation due to small or quick
variations in detected sunload.
For example, consider driving along a road bordered by an occasional group of large trees. The sunload
detected by the sunload sensor will vary whenever the trees obstruct the sunlight. The processing circuit aver-
ages the detected sunload over a period of time, so that the (insignificant) effect of the trees momentarily
obstructing the sunlight does not cause any change in the ATC system operation. On the other hand, shortly
after entering a long tunnel, the system will recognize the change in sunload, and the system will react accord-
ingly.
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE FOR SUNLOAD SENSOR
SYMPTOM: Sunload sensor circuit is open or shorted. (25 or −25 is
indicated on unified meter and A/C amp. as a result of performing
self-diagnosis STEP-2.)
1. CHECK VOLTAGE BETWEEN SUNLOAD SENSOR AND GROUND
1. Disconnect sunload sensor connector.
2. Turn ignition switch ON.
3. Check voltage between sunload sensor harness connector M87 terminal 1 and ground.
OK or NG
OK >> GO TO 2.
NG >> GO TO 4.
RJIA2026E
RJIA1455E
1 – Ground : Approx. 5 V
RJIA2027E
HEATER & COOLING UNIT ASSEMBLY ATC-125
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
HEATER & COOLING UNIT ASSEMBLYPFP:27110
Removal and InstallationNJS000EU
REMOVAL
1. Use a refrigerant collecting equipment (for HFC-134a) to discharge the refrigerant.
2. Drain coolant from cooling system. Refer to CO-11, "
Changing Engine Coolant" (VQ35DE) or CO-38,
"Changing Engine Coolant" (VK45DE).
3. Remove cowl top cover. Refer to EI-23, "
COWL TOP" .
4. Remove high-pressure pipe 2 mounting clip.
5. Remove low-pressure flexible hose bracket mounting bolt. Refer to ATC-146, "
Removal and Installation of
Low-pressure Flexible Hose" .
6. Disconnect low-pressure pipe 1 and high-pressure pipe 2 from evaporator.
a. Set a disconnector [high-pressure side (SST: 9253089908), low- pressure side (SST: 9253089916)] on A/C piping.
b. Slide a disconnector toward vehicle front until it clicks.
c. Slide A/C piping toward vehicle front and disconnect it.
CAUTION:
Cap or wrap the joint of the pipe with suitable material such
as vinyl tape to avoid the entry of air.
7. Remove electric throttle control actuator (VQ35DE). Refer to EM-19, "
INTAKE MANIFOLD COLLECTOR" .
8. Disconnect two heater hoses from heater core.
9. Remove instrument panel assembly. Refer to IP-10, "
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY" .
10. Remove blower unit. Refer to ATC-120, "
BLOWER UNIT" .
RJIA2037E
RJIA2041E
RJIA2077E
REFRIGERANT LINES ATC-137
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
REFRIGERANT LINESPFP:92600
HFC-134a (R-134a) Service ProcedureNJS000F0
SETTING OF SERVICE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Discharging Refrigerant
WARNING:
Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and
throat. Remove HFC-134a (R-134a) from A/C system using certified service equipment meeting
requirements of SAE J-2210 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment] or J-2209 [HFC-134a (R-134a)
recovery equipment]. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming ser-
vice. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manu-
facturers.
Evacuating System and Charging Refrigerant
WJIA0614E
WJIA0615E
ATC-156
REFRIGERANT LINES
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
Checking for Refrigerant LeaksNJS000FE
Perform a visual inspection of all refrigeration parts, fittings, hoses and components for signs of A/C lubricant
leakage, damage and corrosion. A/C lubricant leakage may indicate an area of refrigerant leakage. Allow
extra inspection time in these areas when using either an electrical leak detector or fluorescent dye leak
detector (SST: J-42220).
If dye is observed, confirm the leak with an electrical leak detector. It is possible a prior leak was repaired and
not properly cleaned.
When searching for leaks, do not stop when one leak is found but continue to check for additional leaks at all
system components and connections.
When searching for refrigerant leaks using an electrical leak detector, move the probe along the suspected
leak area at 1 to 2 inches per second and no further than 1/4 inch from the component.
CAUTION:
Moving the electrical leak detector probe slower and closer to the suspected leak area will improve the
chances of finding a leak.
Checking System for Leaks Using the Fluorescent Leak DetectorNJS000FF
1. Check A/C system for leaks using the UV lamp and safety goggles (SST: J-42220) in a low sunlight area (area without windows preferable). Illuminate all components, fittings and lines. The dye will appear as a
bright green/yellow area at the point of leakage. Fluorescent dye observed at the evaporator drain open-
ing indicates an evaporator core assembly (tubes, core or expansion valve) leak.
2. If the suspected area is difficult to see, use an adjustable mirror or wipe the area with a clean shop rag or cloth, with the UV lamp for dye residue.
3. After the leak is repaired, remove any residual dye using dye cleaner (SST: J-43872) to prevent future misdiagnosis.
4. Perform a system performance check and verify the leak repair with an approved electrical leak detector.
NOTE:
Other gases in the work area or substances on the A/C components, for example, anti-freeze, windshield
washer fluid, solvents and lubricants, may falsely trigger the leak detector. Make sure the surfaces to be
checked are clean.
Clean with a dry cloth or blow off with shop air.
Do not allow the sensor tip of the detector to contact with any substance. This can also cause false readings
and may damage the detector.
Dye InjectionNJS000FG
(This procedure is only necessary when recharging the system or when the compressor has seized and was
replaced.)
1. Check A/C system static (at rest) pressure. Pressure must be at least 345 kPa (3.52 kg/cm
2 , 50 psi).
2. Pour one bottle (1/4 ounce / 7.4 cc) of the A/C refrigerant dye into the injector tool (SST: J-41459).
3. Connect the injector tool to the A/C low-pressure side service valve.
4. Start engine and switch A/C ON.
5. When the A/C operating (compressor running), inject one bottle (1/4 ounce / 7.4 cc) of fluorescent dye through the low-pressure service valve using dye injector tool (SST: J-41459) (refer to the manufacture’s
operating instructions).
6. With the engine still running, disconnect the injector tool from the service valve. CAUTION:
Be careful the A/C system or replacing a component, pour the dye directly into the open system
connection and proceed with the service procedures.
7. Operate the A/C system for a minimum of 20 minutes to mix the dye with the system oil. Depending on the leak size, operating conditions and location of the leak, it may take from minutes to days for the dye to
penetrate a leak and become visible.
8. Attach a blue label as necessary.
ATC-158
REFRIGERANT LINES
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
CHECKING PROCEDURE
To prevent inaccurate or false readings, make sure there is no refrigerant vapor, shop chemicals, or cigarette
smoke in the vicinity of the vehicle. Perform the leak test in calm area (low air/wind movement) so that the
leaking refrigerant is not dispersed.
1. Stop engine.
2. Connect a suitable A/C manifold gauge set (SST: J-39183) to the A/C service valves.
3. Check if the A/C refrigerant pressure is at least 345 kPa (3.52 kg/cm
2 , 50 psi) above 16 °C (61 °F). If less
than specification, recover/evacuate and recharge the system with the specified amount of refrigerant.
NOTE:
At temperatures below 16 °C (61 °F), leaks may not be detected since the system may not reach 345 kPa
(3.52 kg/cm
2 , 50 psi).
4. Perform the leak test from the high-pressure side (compressor discharge a to evaporator inlet h) to the low-pressure side [evaporator drain hose i to shaft seal o (VK45DE) or n (VQ35DE)]. Refer to ATC-139,
"Components" . Perform a leak check for the following areas carefully. Clean the component to be
checked and move the leak detected probe completely around the connection/component.
Compressor
Check the fitting of high- and low-pressure flexible hoses, relief valve and shaft seal.
Condenser
Check the fitting of high-pressure flexible hose and pipe, refrigerant pressure sensor.
Liquid tank
Check the fitting of refrigerant connection.
Service valves
Check all around the service valves. Ensure service valve caps are secured on the service valves (to pre-
vent leaks).
NOTE:
After removing A/C manifold gauge set from service valves, wipe any residue from valves to prevent any
false readings by leak detector.
Cooling unit (Evaporator)
With engine OFF, turn blower fan on “High” for at least 15 seconds to dissipate any refrigerant trace in the
cooling unit. Wait a minimum of 10 minutes accumulation time (refer to the manufacturer’s recommended
procedure for actual wait time) before inserting the leak detector probe into the drain hose.
Keep the probe inserted for at least 10 seconds. Use caution not to contaminate the probe tip with water
or dirt that may be in the drain hose.
5. If a leak detector detects a leak, verify at least once by blowing compressed air into area of suspected leak, then repeat check as outlined above.
6. Do not stop when one leak is found. Continue to check for additional leaks at all system components. If no leaks are found, perform steps 7 - 10.
7. Start the engine.
8. Set the A/C control as follows;
a. A/C switch: ON
b. Mode door position: VENT (Ventilation)
c. Intake position: Recirculation
d. Temperature setting: Max. cold
e. Fan speed: High
9. Run engine at 1,500 rpm for at least 2 minutes.
10. Stop the engine and perform leak check again following steps 4 through 6 above.
Refrigerant leaks should be checked immediately after stopping
the engine. Begin with the leak detector at the compressor. The
pressure on the high-pressure side will gradually drop after
refrigerant circulation stops and pressure on the low-pressure
side will gradually rise, as shown in the graph. Some leaks are
more easily detected when pressure is high.
SHA839E