2009 SUBARU TRIBECA engine

AC-24
Refrigerant Leak Check
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
5. Refrigerant Leak Check
A: INSPECTION
1) At engine speed below 1500rpm, operate the A/
C system for approx. 10 minutes, and confirm that
the high-side pressure shows at least 690 kPa
(7.03 kg/cm2, 100 psi). Then stop the engine to
start the leak test.
2) Starting from the connection between high-pres-
sure pipe and evaporator, check the system for
leaks along the high-pressure side through the
compressor. The following items must be checked
thoroughly.
3) Check the joint and seam between pressure
switch (dual switch) and high-pressure pipe.
4) Check the connections between condenser and
pipes, and welded joints on the condenser.
The leak tester may detect the oil on the condenser
fins as a leak.
5) Check the joint between compressor and hoses.
6) Check the machined area of the compressor and
other joints on the compressor.
7) Check the compressor shaft seal at the area
near the center of compressor clutch pulley.
Some shaft seals show a slight amount of leakage,
about 3 g (0.1 oz) per year. This is not a problem.
8) Starting from the connection between low-pres-
sure pipe and evaporator, check the system for
leakage along the low-pressure side through the
compressor. The following items must be checked
thoroughly.
•Connection between 2 parts
•Connection between pipe and plate
•Connection between pipes
9) Visually check the rubber area of the flexible
hose for cracks.
Check the entire length of the flexible hose, espe-
cially the connection with the metal hose end.
CAUTION:
Carefully check the external surface of hoses
and tubes at approx. 25 mm (0.98 in) per sec-
ond.
10) Disconnect the drain hose from the heater
case, and check the hose end for at least 10 sec-
onds.
After the test is finished, reconnect the drain hose.
11) Turn the ignition key to the ON position, and
run the blower at high speed for approx. 1 minute.
Stop the blower to check the ventilation grill on the
instrument panel. While moving the tester closer to
the grill, run the blower for 1 or 2 seconds, then stop
it. Check the grill at that point for at least 10 sec-
onds.
12) Check the valve in the service port.
13) Visually check the rubber seal in the service
port cap.
AC-00035
(A) Flexible hose
AC-00036
(A)
AC-00037
AC-00038

AC-25
Compressor Oil
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
6. Compressor Oil
A: PROCEDURE
NOTE:
Before making repairs, perform the oil return oper-
ation to return the compressor oil in circulation with
the refrigerant to the compressor.
1) Increase the engine to 1,500 rpm.
2) Turn on the A/C switch.
3) Turn the temperature control switch to MAX
COOL.
4) Put in RECIRC position.
5) Turn the blower control switch to HI. (For models
with rear coolers, also turn the rear cooler fan
switch to HI)
6) Leave in this condition for 10 minutes.
B: REPLACEMENT
NOTE:
•If a component has been replaced, add an ap-
propriate amount of compressor oil (same as the
amount of remaining oil in removed component).
•When replacing the compressor, the new com-
pressor will already have the specified amount of
oil in it. Install the new compressor after removing
the same amount of oil that is remaining in the com-
pressor removed.

AC-33
Compressor
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
14.Compressor
A: INSPECTION
1. MAGNETIC CLUTCH CLEARANCE
Check the clearance of the entire circumference
around the drive plate and pulley.
Standard:
0.45±0.15 mm (0.0177±0.0059 in)
2. MAGNETIC CLUTCH OPERATION
1) Disconnect the compressor connector.
2) Connect the positive (+) lead from the battery to
the compressor connector terminal, and the nega-
tive (–) lead to the compressor body.
3) Check the magnet clutch engagement.
If there is a problem, replace the compressor.
B: REMOVAL
1) Perform the compressor oil return operation.

2) Turn the A/C switch to OFF and stop the engine.
3) Using the refrigerant recovery system, dis-
charge refrigerant. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure.>
4) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
5) Remove the V-belts. REMOVAL, V-belt.>
6) Remove the generator. REMOVAL, Generator.>
7) Remove the bolt and remove the low-pressure
hose and high-pressure hose.
8) Disconnect the compressor harness from the
body harness.
9) Remove the bolts and remove the compressor
bracket.
10) Remove the bolts, then remove the bracket
from the compressor.
C: INSTALLATION
1) Install in the reverse order of removal.
2) Replace the O-rings on low-/high-pressure hos-
es with new parts, then apply compressor oil.
3) After replacing the compressor, adjust the
amount of compressor oil. CEDURE, Compressor Oil.>
4) Charge refrigerant. DURE, Refrigerant Charging Procedure.>
Tightening torque:
Refer to “COMPONENT” of “General Descrip-
tion”. UNIT, COMPONENT, General Description.>
NENT, General Description.>
AC-01287
AC-01381
AC-01289
AC-01290

AC-35
Heater and Cooling Unit
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
16.Heater and Cooling Unit
A: REMOVAL
1. FRONT
1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Using the refrigerant recovery system, dis-
charge refrigerant. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure.>
3) Drain engine coolant from the radiator.
4) Remove the bolts securing expansion valve and
pipe in engine compartment. Release the heater
hose clamps in engine compartment to remove the
hoses.
5) Remove the instrument panel. REMOVAL, Instrument Panel Assembly.>
6) Remove the support beam.
7) Remove the blower motor unit assembly. to AC-26, REMOVAL, Blower Motor Unit Assem-
bly.>
8) Disconnect the actuator connector.
9) Remove the bolt and nuts and remove the heat-
er and cooling unit.
2. REAR
1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Using the refrigerant recovery system, dis-
charge the refrigerant. DURE, Refrigerant Recovery Procedure.>
3) Remove the quarter trim. MOVAL, Rear Quarter Trim.>
4) Remove the bolts, then disconnect the rear tube.
5) Disconnect the harness connector.
6) Remove the nuts, then remove the cooler unit.
B: INSTALLATION
1) Install in the reverse order of removal.
2) Charge refrigerant. DURE, Refrigerant Charging Procedure.>
Tightening torque:
Refer to “COMPONENT” of “General Descrip-
tion”. UNIT, COMPONENT, General Description.>
AC-01294
AC-01295

AC-38
Hose and Tube
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
18.Hose and Tube
A: REMOVAL
CAUTION:
•When disconnecting/connecting hoses, do
not apply an excessive force to them. After in-
stalling, check that no torsion or excessive ten-
sion applied to the hoses.
•Seal the disconnected hose with a plug or vi-
nyl tape to prevent foreign matter from enter-
ing.
1. FRONT
1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Using the refrigerant recovery system, dis-
charge refrigerant. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure.>
3) Remove the evaporator unit mounting bolt (A)
and low-pressure hose bracket bolt (B).
4) Remove the low-pressure hose attaching bolts
(C).
5) Disconnect the low-pressure hose from evapo-
rator unit.
6) Disconnect the low-pressure hose from com-
pressor.
7) Remove the low-pressure hose from vehicle.
8) Remove the high-pressure hose attaching bolt
(D).
9) Disconnect the high-pressure hose from com-
pressor.
10) Disconnect the high-pressure hose from con-
denser.
11) Remove the high-pressure hose from vehicle.
12) Remove the high-pressure tube attaching bolt
(E).
13) Remove the high-pressure tube from vehicle.
2. REAR
1) Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
2) Using the refrigerant recovery system, dis-
charge refrigerant. Refrigerant Recovery Procedure.>
3) Remove the sheet and floor mat. REMOVAL, Floor Mat.>
4) Remove the ECM bracket and tube protector.
Module (ECM).>
5) Remove the quick connectors (A and B).
ST REMOVER PS 73499XA01A
ST REMOVER PD73499XA00A
NOTE:
Refer to the instruction manual for the ST when
working.
6) Remove the tube bracket.
7) Remove the front tube and rear tube connecting
bolts (C)
8) Remove the connecting bolts (D) of the rear
cooler unit.
AC-01318
(A)
(B)
(D)(C)
(D)
(E)

AC-50
General Diagnostic Table
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
29.General Diagnostic Table
A: INSPECTION
Symptom Repair order
Blower motor
Does not operate.
Fuse
Blower motor relay
Blower motor
Blower motor resistor
Blower switch
Wiring harness
Strange noiseBlower motor
Air conditioner filter
Compressor
Does not operate.
Refrigerant
Fuse
Air conditioning relay
Magnet clutch
Compressor
Pressure switch
A/C switch
Blower switch
Wiring harness
Strange noise
V- b e l t
Magnet clutch
Compressor
Belt tensioner
Cold air not emitted.
Refrigerant
V- b e l t
Magnet clutch
Compressor
Pressure switch
Expansion valve
A/C switch
Blower switch
Wiring harness
Heater duct
Heater vent duct
Te m p e r a t u r e c o n t r o l d o o r a c t u a t o r
Wa r m a ir n ot e mi t te d .
Engine coolant
Blower switch
Heater core
Te m p e r a t u r e c o n t r o l d o o r a c t u a t o r
Te m p e r a t u r e o f a i r f r o m v e n t s d o e s n o t c h a n g e .
Engine coolant
Air mix door actuator (Auto A/C)
Wire harness (Auto A/C)
Unable to switch blow vents.
Mode door actuator
Air flow switch
Wiring harness
Unable to switch suction vents.
Air inlet select switch
FRESH/RECIRC door actuator
Wiring harness

AC(diag)-3
General Description
HVAC SYSTEM (AUTO A/C) (DIAGNOSTICS)
2. General Description
A: CAUTION
1) Never connect the battery in reverse polarity.
•Auto A/C control module may be destroyed in-
stantly.
2) Do not disconnect the battery terminals while the
engine is running.
•A large counter electromotive force will be gener-
ated in the generator, and this voltage may damage
electronic parts such as auto A/C control module
etc.
3) Before disconnecting the connectors of each
sensor and the auto A/C control module, be sure to
turn the ignition switch to OFF.
•Auto A/C control module may be damaged.
4) Every A/C-related part is a precision part. Do not
drop them.
5) Airbag system wiring harness is routed near the
A/C control panel and junction box.
CAUTION:
•For airbag system, yellow-colored wiring har-
ness and connectors are all used. Do not use
the electrical test equipment on these circuits.
•Be careful not to damage the airbag system
wiring harness when servicing the A/C control
panel and junction box.
B: INSPECTION
Before performing the diagnosis, check the follow-
ing items which might affect A/C system problems.
1. BATTERY
1) Measure the battery voltage and specific gravity
of electrolyte.
Standard voltage: 12 V
Specific gravity: 1.260 or more
2) Check the condition of the fuses for A/C system
power supply and other fuses.
3) Check the condition of harness and harness
connector connections.
2. ASPIRATOR HOSE
1) Turn the ignition switch to ON, and press the A/
C switch.
2) Turn the temperature control dial to maximum
hot position.
3) Turn the air flow control dial to “DEF” position.
4) Turn the fan speed control dial to 4th position.
5) Put a strip of paper close to the front side of in-
vehicle sensor suction port (A) located in the driv-
er’s side console side panel, and check that air is
being sucked into the port by seeing the paper
moving towards the port.
NOTE:
Be careful not to let the paper get sucked into the
port.
6) If the paper does not move at all, remove the
driver’s side console side panel MOVAL, Center Console.> and check for improper
connection of the aspirator hose, in-vehicle sensor
and heater unit, and repair them if necessary.
3. A/C LINE
Check the connection for A/C line (A) and lower
side high-pressure pipe.
AC-01323
AC-01324
(A)

AC(diag)-4
General Description
HVAC SYSTEM (AUTO A/C) (DIAGNOSTICS)
4. CONTROL SWITCHES
Start the engine and warm-up completely.
1) Inspection using switches
2) Compressor operation inspection
3) Inspection of illumination control
No. Point to check Switch operation Judgment standard
1OFF switch Press the OFF switch.
Setting temperature display goes out.
•Blower fan: OFF
•Inlet opening: FRESH
•Compressor: OFF
2
AU TO sw it c h, d r iver ’s
side temperature con-
trol dial and passen-
ger’s side temperature
control dial
1) Press the AUTO switch.
2) Turn the temperature control dial to the left
fully, and set to 18°C (65°F) (maximum cool posi-
tion).
AU TO di sp l ay i l lu mi n at e s.
•Outlet air temperature: COOL
•Blower fan: HI (AUTO)
•Outlet opening: FACE
•Inlet opening: AUTO
•Compressor: AUTO
3) Turn the temperature control dial to the right
slowly, and change the setting from 18°C (64°F)
(maximum cool position) to 32°C (85°F).
•Outlet air temperature: COOL → HOT
•Blower fan: AUTO
•Outlet opening: FACE → B/L → FOOTHEAT
•Inlet opening: AUTO
•Compressor: AUTO
4) Turn the temperature control dial to the right
fully, and set to 32°C (85°F) (maximum hot posi-
tion).
•Outlet air temperature: HOT
•Blower fan: HI (AUTO)
•Outlet opening: HEAT
•Inlet opening: FRESH (AUTO)
•Compressor: AUTO
3Defroster switch Press the defroster switch.
Defroster switch indicator illuminates.
•Outlet air temperature: AUTO
•Blower fan: AUTO
•Outlet opening: DEF
•Inlet opening: FRESH
•Compressor: ON
4FRESH/RECIRC
switchPress the FRESH/RECIRC switch.
Inlet opening switches RECIRC → FRESH or
FRESH → RECIRC each time pressing the
switch.
5MODE switch Press the MODE switch.Outlet opening switches FACE → B / L → HEAT
→ D/H each time pressing the switch.
6FAN switch Turn the FAN switch.
Blower fan switches OFF → LO → M1 → M2
→ M3 → M4 → HI each time turning the
switch and it switches in reverse order when
turned backward.
No. Point to check Switch operation Judgment standard
1Compressor1) Turn the A/C switch to ON.
2) Set the FAN switch between LO and HI.Compressor: ON
No. Point to check Switch operation Judgment standard
1Illumination Turn the lighting switch to ON. Illumination comes on.