2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ECO mode

(4) With the A/C compressor clutch engaged, duct
temperature should not be less than 2É C (35É F) or
more than 12É C (54É F). The compressor clutch may
cycle, depending upon the ambient temperature and
humidity. If the clutch cycles, use the readings
obtained before the clutch disengaged.
(5) If the A/C compressor clutch has not cycled off
and the duct temperature is less than 2É C (35É F),
check the evaporator temperature sensor and circuitby performing the ATC Function Test (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - ATC FUNCTION TEST).
(6) If the air outlet temperature fails to meet the
specifications, refer to the A/C System Diagnosis
chart.
A/C SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
Condition Possible Causes Correction
Rapid A/C compressor clutch
cycling (ten or more cycles
per minute).Very low refrigerant system
charge.See Refrigerant System Leaks in this group.
Test the refrigerant system for leaks. Repair,
evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, if
required.
Equal pressures, but the
compressor clutch does not
engage.1. No refrigerant in the refrig-
erant system.1. See Refrigerant System Leaks in this
group. Test the refrigerant system for leaks.
Repair, evacuate and charge the refrigerant
system, if required.
2. Faulty fuse. 2. Check the fuses in the Power distribution
block and junction block. Repair the shorted
circuit or component and replace the fuses, if
required. Refer to Group 8.
3. Faulty A/C compressor
clutch coil.3. See A/C Compressor Clutch Coil in this
group. Test the compressor clutch coil and
replace, if required.
4. Improperly installed or faulty
evaporator temperature sensor.4. See Evaporator Temperature Sensor in this
group. Test the sensor and replace, if re-
quired.
5. Faulty A/C pressure trans-
ducer.5. See A/C Pressure Transducer in this
group. Test the sensor and replace, if re-
quired.
6. Faulty engine Control Mod-
ule (ECM).6. Refer to Group 9 - Engine Electrical Diag-
nostics for testing of the ECM. Test the ECM
and replace, if required.
Normal pressures, but A/C
Performance Test air temper-
atures at center panel outlet
are too high.1. Excessive refrigerant oil in
system.1. See Refrigerant Oil Level in this group.
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system and inspect the refrigerant oil content.
Restore the refrigerant oil to the proper level,
if required.
2. Blend door cable improperly
installed or faulty.2. See Mode Door Cables in this group. In-
spect the cable for proper operation and re-
place, if required.
3. Blend-air door(s) inoperative
or sealing improperly.3. See HVAC Housing in this group. Inspect
the blend-air door(s) for proper operation and
sealing. Repair if required.
24 - 4 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGVA

OPERATION
The compressor clutch components provide the
means to engage and disengage the compressor from
the engine serpentine accessory drive belt. When the
clutch coil is energized, it magnetically draws the
clutch into contact with the pulley and drives the
compressor shaft. When the coil is not energized, the
pulley freewheels on the clutch hub bearing, which is
part of the pulley.
The compressor clutch engagement is controlled by
several components:
²A/C switch on the A/C-heater control panel
²Evaporator temperature sensor
²A/C pressure transducer
²Air temperature sensor
²CAN bus messages
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
STANDARD PROCEDURE
A / C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH AIR GAP
If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are being
used, the air gap between the clutch plate and clutch
pulley must be checked using the following proce-
dure:
(1) Using feeler gauges, measure the air gap
between the clutch plate and the clutch pulley fric-
tion surfaces.
(2) If the air gap is not between specifications
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING -
SPECIFICATIONS), add or subtract shims until the
desired air gap is obtained.
NOTE: The shims may compress after tightening
the compressor shaft bolt. Check the air gap in four
or more places on the clutch plate to verify that the
air gap is still correct. Spin the clutch pulley before
making the final air gap check.
A / C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH BREAK - IN
After a new compressor clutch has been installed,
cycle the compressor clutch approximately twenty
times (five seconds on, then five seconds off). During
this procedure, set the heater-A/C control in the
Recirculation Mode, the A/C button in the on posi-
tion, the blower motor switch in the highest speed
position, and the engine speed at 1500 to 2000 rpm.
This procedure (burnishing) will seat the opposing
friction surfaces and provide a higher compressor
clutch torque capability.
REMOVAL
The refrigerant system can remain fully-charged
during compressor clutch, pulley, or coil replacement.
The compressor clutch can be serviced in the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the engine wire harness connector
for the compressor clutch coil from the clutch coil
wire harness connector on the top of the compressor.
(4) Remove the retainer securing the compressor
clutch coil lead on the top of the compressor.
(5) Remove the bolt that secures the compressor
clutch to the compressor shaft (Fig. 2). If necessary, a
band-type oil filter wrench or strap wrench can be
placed around the clutch plate to aid in bolt
removal.
Fig. 1 A/C Compressor Clutch
1 - BOLT
2 - CLUTCH PLATE
3 - PULLEY AND BEARING
4 - FIELD COIL
5 - SNAP RING
6 - SNAP RING
7 - SHIM (2)
VACONTROLS-FRONT 24 - 9

front cover of the compressor. Be certain that the
snap ring is properly fully and properly seated in the
groove.
(6) If the original clutch plate and clutch pulley
are to be reused, reinstall the original shim(s) on the
compressor shaft against the shoulder. If a new
clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are being used,
install a trial stack of shims 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) thick
on the compressor shaft against the shoulder.
(7) Install the clutch plate onto the compressor
shaft.
(8) Install and tighten the compressor shaft bolt. If
necessary, a band-type oil filter wrench or a strap
wrench can be placed around the clutch plate to aid
in bolt tightening. Tighten the bolt to 17.5 N´m (155
in. lbs.).
NOTE: The shims may compress after tightening
the shaft bolt. Check the air gap in four or more
places to verify the air gap is still correct. Spin the
pulley before performing a final check of the air
gap.
(9) If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are
being installed, the air gap between the clutch plate
and clutch pulley must be checked (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(10) Install the retainer that secures the compres-
sor clutch coil lead to the top of the compressor.
(11) Reconnect the engine wire harness connector
to the clutch coil lead on the top of the compressor.
(12) Reinstall the serpentine accessory drive belt
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE
BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(14) If a new clutch plate and/or clutch pulley are
being installed, the new clutch components must be
burnished (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
A / C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
COIL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A / C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH COIL
The air conditioning compressor clutch coil electri-
cal circuit is controlled by the ATC control module
which is integral to the heater-A/C control. Begin
testing of a suspected compressor clutch coil problem
by performing the ATC Function Test using the
DRBIIItscan tool.PRELIMINARY CHECKS
(1) If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are found
in the A/C-heater control or the powertrain control
module (PCM), go to Step 2. If any DTCs are found,
repair as required.
(2) If the A/C compressor clutch still will not
engage, verify the refrigerant charge level (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS). If the refrigerant charge level is
OK, go to TESTS. If the refrigerant charge level is
not OK, adjust the refrigerant charge as required.
TESTS
(1) Verify the battery state of charge (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(2) Connect an ammeter (0 to 10 ampere scale
selected) in series with the clutch coil feed terminal.
Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 volt scale selected) to
measure voltage across the battery and the clutch
coil.
(3) With the A/C-heater control in the A/C mode
and the blower motor at low speed, start the engine
and allow it to run at a normal idle speed.
(4) The A/C compressor clutch should engage
immediately, and the clutch coil supply voltage
should be within two volts of the battery voltage. If
the coil supply voltage is OK, go to Step 5. If the coil
supply voltage is not within two volts of battery volt-
age, test the clutch coil feed circuit for excessive volt-
age drop and repair as necessary.
(5) For the acceptable A/C clutch coil current draw
specifications refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING - SPECIFICATIONS. Specifications apply
for a work area temperature of 21É C (70É F). If volt-
age is more than 12.5 volts, add electrical loads by
turning on electrical accessories until voltage reads
below 12.5 volts.
(a) If the A/C clutch coil current reading is zero,
the coil is open and must be replaced.
(b) If the A/C clutch coil current reading is above
specifications, the coil is shorted and must be
replaced.
A / C HEATER CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
This ATC system uses a combination of electrical
and mechanical controls. These controls provide the
vehicle operator with a number of setting options to
help control the climate and comfort within the vehi-
cle.
The A/C-heater control is located on the instrument
panel inboard of the steering column and below the
24 - 12 CONTROLS-FRONTVA

NOTE: While holding the A/C-heater control in the
installation position, verify that the control cables
are not twisted.
(4) Turn the mode control knob on the A/C-heater
control to the nine-o-clock position.
(5) Turn the upper mode door lever counter-clock-
wise until it reaches its stop and install the cable
into the retainer in this position (arrow).
(6) Turn the lower mode door lever clockwise until
it reaches its stop and install the cable into the
retainer in this position (arrow).
(7) Operate the mode control and verify that the
mode door cables are properly adjusted.
(8) Install the A/C-heater control and the two
retaining screws. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in.
lbs.).
(9) Install the center bezel onto the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(10) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTU-
ATOR
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle uses a two-position vacuum operated
recirculation door actuator to move the recirculation
door (Fig. 23). Vacuum supply to the recirculation
door actuator is controlled by an integral electronic
control solenoid. The recirculation door actuator ismounted on the outboard side of the ventilation
housing above the blower motor in the engine com-
partment.
OPERATION
The recirculation door actuator uses engine vac-
uum, which is controlled by an integral electrical
solenoid. The electrical solenoid is connected to the
A/C-heater control through the vehicle electrical sys-
tem by a dedicated two-wire lead and connector. The
output shaft of the recirculation door actuator is
keyed to a pivot shaft, which is keyed to the recircu-
lation door shaft. The recirculation door actuator can
move the recirculation door in two directions.
The recirculation door actuator is controlled by an
electrical switch that is integral to the A/C-heater
control. When the rotary-type mode control is moved
to the recirculation position, a signal is sent to the
electrical solenoid within the recirculation door
actuator. This signal causes the solenoid to open a
port to engine vacuum which pulls the output shaft
into the actuator, which moves the recirculation-air
door. The actuator is spring loaded so the door moves
to the fresh-air position when no vacuum is supplied
through the electrical solenoid.
The recirculation door actuator can be diagnosed
by performing the ATC Function Test using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures.
The recirculation door actuator cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 22 Adjusting Air Distribution Control Cables
1 - MODE CONTROL KNOB
2 - UPPER MODE DOOR CABLE
3 - UPPER MODE DOOR LEVER
4 - LOWER MODE DOOR LEVER
5 - LOWER MODE DOOR CABLE
6 - HEATER-A/C CONTROL
Fig. 23 Recirculation Door Actuator
1 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
2 - VACUUM CONNECTOR
3 - ELECTRONIC CONTROL SOLENOID
24 - 22 CONTROLS-FRONTVA

(5) Remove the shift mechanism (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
NAG1/SHIFT MECHANISM - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove center floor distribution duct from the
heater housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the center floor distribution duct onto
the heater housing.
(2) Install the shift mechanism (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
NAG1/SHIFT MECHANISM - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the left and right floor distribution
ducts onto the center floor distribution duct.
(4) Install the left and right floor distribution duct
retaining screws to the instrument panel support.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the defroster ducts (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/DE-
FROSTER DUCTS - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install the instrument panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLATION).
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and
cautions for this system before performing the fol-
lowing operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cau-
tions could result in possible personal injury or
death.
NOTE: The HVAC housing must be removed from
the vehicle and the two halves of the housing sep-
arated for service access of the heater core, A/C
evaporator and each of the various mode doors.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY)
(2) Partially drain the engine cooling system
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - DRAINING COOLING SYS-
TEM).
(3) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(4) Remove the air cleaner housing (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER
HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the windshield washer reservoir (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WASHER
RESERVOIR - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the air filter from the ventilation hous-
ing (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/DISTRIBUTION/AIR FILTER - REMOVAL).
(7) Disconnect the wire harness and vacuum con-
nectors from the recirculation door actuator (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/
RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR - REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
blower motor resistor block (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK - REMOVAL).
(9) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
blower motor (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/BLOWER MOTOR -
REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the nuts and washers that secure the
ventilation housing to the body and remove the ven-
tilation housing from the vehicle (Fig. 7).
Fig. 6 Floor Distribution Duct, RH Shown, LH
Typical
1 - HEATER HOUSING
2 - SCREW (1)
3 - RH FLOOR DUCT
4 - CENTER FLOOR DUCT
24 - 48 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTVA

(3) Remove the gasket located at the A/C evapora-
tor and heater core tubes and the gasket that seals
the ventilation housing to the HVAC housing (Fig. 9).
(4) Remove the 12 screws that secure the two
housing halves together.
(5) Seperate the two housing halves.
(6) Remove the heater core from the lower hous-
ing.
(7) Remove the wire harness.
(8) Remove the three heater core tube retaining
bolts and the heater core tube assembly from the
heater core.
(9) Remove the heater core tube seals and discard.
(10) Install plug in, or tape over the opened heater
core fittings.
(11) Remove the A/C evaporator from the lower
housing.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install the A/C evaporator into the lower hous-
ing.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the heater core
fittings.(3) Lubricate two new rubber O-ring seals with
clean engine coolant and install them onto the heater
core fitting.
(4) Connect the heater core tube assembly to the
heater core and install the three retaining bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the wire harness.
(6) Install the heater core into the lower housing.
(7) Install the two housing halves together.
(8) Install the 12 screws that secure the two hous-
ing halves together. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Install the gasket for the A/C evaporator and
heater core tube outlets and the gasket that seals the
ventilation housing to the HVAC housing.
(10) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: High pressures are produced in the refriger-
ant system when the A/C compressor is operating.
Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that
each of the refrigerant system connections is pres-
sure-tight and leak free.
(1) Position the HVAC housing to the dash panel.
Be certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
is positioned correctly.
(2) Install the screws that secure the HVAC hous-
ing to the dash panel. Tighten the screws to 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC housing wire harness con-
nectors and install the wiring harness to the bracket.
(4) Connect the A/C-heater control cables to the
mode door levers (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/MODE DOOR CABLE
- INSTALLATION).
(5) Reinstall the passenger airbag bracket (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/PASSENGER
AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the two bulkhead ground connection
near the instrument cluster area.
(7) Reinstall the defroster, floor distribution and
instrument panel ducts.
(8) Reinstall the instrument panel (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLATION).
(9) Unplug or remove the tape from the opened
refrigerant line fittings.
(10) Lubricate two new rubber O-ring seals with
clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the evap-
orator core fittings.
(11) Connect the refrigerant line terminal block to
the evaporator tubes.
Fig. 9 HVAC Housing
1 - SCREW (12)
2 - UPPER HOUSING
3 - A/C EVAPORATOR
4 - EVAPORATOR O-RING SEAL (2)
5 - EVAPORATOR GASKET
6 - VENTILATION HOUSING GASKET
7 - LOWER HOUSING
8 - WIRING HARNESS
9 - BOLT (3)
10 - HEATER CORE
11 - HEATER CORE TUBE ASSEMBLY
12 - HEATER CORE TUBE GASKET
13 - HEATER CORE TUBE O-RING SEAL (2)
24 - 50 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTVA

SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approximately 28 in Hg.)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE). Determine if the
system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If vacuum is
held, a leak is probably not present. If system will
not maintain vacuum level, proceed to Step 2.
(2) Prepare and dispense 0.284 kilograms (10
ounces) of R-134a refrigerant into the evacuated
refrigerant system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE) and
proceed to Step 1 of the System Low procedure.
SYSTEM LOW
(1) Position the vehicle in a wind free work area.
This will aid in detecting small leaks.
(2) Operate the heating-A/C system with the
engine at idle under the following conditions for at
least five minutes.
²Doors or windows open
²Transmission in Park
²A/C-heater controls set to outside air, full cool,
panel mode, high blower and with A/C compressor
engaged
CAUTION: A leak detector only designed for R-12
refrigerant will not detect leaks in a R-134a refriger-
ant system.
(3) Shut the vehicle Off and wait 2-7 minutes.
Then use an electronic leak detector that is designed
to detect R-134a refrigerant and search for leaks. Fit-
tings, lines or components that appear to be oily usu-
ally indicate a refrigerant leak. To inspect the A/C
evaporator for leaks, insert the leak detector probe
into the drain tube opening or an air outlet. A dye for
R-134a is available to aid in leak detection. Use only
DaimlerChrysler approved refrigerant dye.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT
WARNING: Eye protection must be worn when ser-
vicing an A/C refrigerant system. Turn off (rotate
clockwise) all valves on the equipment being used,
before connecting to or disconnecting from the
refrigerant system. Failure to observe these warn-
ings may result in possible personal injury.
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and
cautions for this system before performing the fol-
lowing operation (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Referto 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTIONS). Failure to follow the warnings and cau-
tions could result in possible personal injury or
death.
When servicing the air conditioning system, a
R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging sta-
tion that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be used.
Contact an automotive service equipment supplier for
refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging equipment.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied by the
equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of
this equipment.
A manifold gauge set may be needed with some
recovery/recycling/charging equipment (Fig. 1). The
service hoses on the gauge set being used should
have manual (turn wheel), or automatic back-flow
valves at the service port connector ends. This will
prevent refrigerant from being released into the
atmosphere.
MANIFOLD GAUGE SET CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not use an R-12 manifold gauge set
on an R-134a system. The refrigerants are not com-
patible and system damage will result.
Fig. 1 Manifold Gauge Set - Typical
1 - HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE
2 - VALVE
3 - VACUUM/REFRIGERANT HOSE (YELLOW W/ BLACK
STRIPE)
4 - HIGH PRESSURE HOSE (RED W/ BLACK STRIPE)
5 - LOW PRESSURE HOSE (BLUE W/ BLACK STRIPE)
6 - VALVE
7 - LOW PRESSURE GAUGE
VAPLUMBING 24 - 63

CAUTION: A small amount of refrigerant oil is
removed from the A/C system each time the refrig-
erant system is recovered and evacuated. Before
charging the A/C system, you MUST replenish any
oil lost during the recovery process. Refer the
equipment manufacturer instructions for more infor-
mation.
After the refrigerant system has been tested for
leaks and evacuated, a refrigerant charge can be
injected into the system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - SPECIFICA-
TIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY)
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to charge the refrigerant system with R-134a
refrigerant. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care
and use of this equipment.
PARTIAL CHARGE METHOD
The partial charge method is used to add a partial
charge to a refrigerant system that is low on refrig-
erant. To perform this procedure the evaporator inlet
and outlet tube temperatures are measured. The
temperature difference is measured with a tempera-
ture meter with one or two clamp-on thermocouple
probes. The difference between the evaporator inlet
and outlet tube temperatures will determine the
amount of refrigerant needed.
Before adding a partial refrigerant charge, check
for refrigerant system leaks. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS)
If a leak is found, make the necessary repairs before
attempting a full or partial refrigerant charge.
(1) Attach a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system service ports.
(2) Attach the two clamp-on thermocouple probes
to the inlet and outlet tubes of the evaporator coil.
²If a single thermocouple probe is used, attach
the probe to the evaporator inlet tube just before the
collar of the refrigerant line connector fitting. The
probe must make contact with the bottom surface of
the evaporator inlet tube.
²If dual thermocouple probes are used, attach
probe 1 to the evaporator inlet tube, and probe 2 to
the evaporator outlet tube. Attach both probes to the
evaporator tubes just before the collar of the refrig-erant line connector fittings. The probes must make
contact with the bottom surfaces of the evaporator
inlet and outlet tubes.
(3) Open all of the windows or doors of the passen-
ger compartment.
(4) Set the A/C button on the A/C Heater controls
to the on position, the temperature control knob in
the full cool position, select Recirculation Mode, and
place the blower motor switch in the highest speed
position.
(5) Start the engine and hold the engine idle speed
at 1,000 rpm. Allow the engine to warm up to normal
operating temperature.
(6) The compressor clutch may cycle, depending
upon ambient temperature, humidity, and the refrig-
erant system charge level.
(7) Hold the engine idle speed at 1,000 rpm.
(8) Allow three to five minutes for the refrigerant
system to stabilize, then record the temperatures of
the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes.
²If a single probe is used, record the temperature
of the evaporator inlet tube. Then remove the probe
from the inlet tube and attach it to the evaporator
outlet tube just before the collar of the refrigerant
line connector fitting. The probe must make contact
with the bottom surface of the evaporator outlet tube.
Allow the thermocouple and meter time to stabilize,
then record the temperature of the evaporator outlet
tube. Subtract the inlet tube temperature reading
from the outlet tube temperature reading.
²If dual probes are used, record the temperatures
of both the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes. Then
subtract the inlet tube temperature reading from the
outlet tube temperature reading.
(9) If the measured temperature differential is
higher than 22É C to 26É C (40É F to 47É F), add 0.4
kilograms (14 ounces) of refrigerant.
(10) Allow three to five minutes for the refrigerant
system to stabilize, then take a second set of thermo-
couple measurements. Record the temperature differ-
ence to determine if an additional charge is required.
(11) Record the compressor discharge pressure. If
the reading is higher than the pressure shown in the
Compressor Discharge Pressure Chart, the system
could be overcharged. If the reading is equal to, or
lower, than the pressure shown in the chart, continue
with this procedure.
Compressor Discharge Pressure Chart
Ambient Tempera-
ture16ÉC
(60ÉF)21ÉC
(70ÉF)27ÉC
(80ÉF)32ÉC
(90ÉF)38ÉC
(100ÉF)43ÉC
(110ÉF)
Compressor Dis-
charge Pressure1378 kPa
(200 psi)1516 kPa
(220 psi)1723 kPa
(250psi)1930 kPa
(280 psi)2206 kPa
(320 psi)2413 kPa
(350 psi)
VAPLUMBING 24 - 65