ESP CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 Repair Manual

Since there are four switches, there are 16 possible
combinations of open and closed switches (codes).
Seven of these codes are related to gear position and
three are recognized as ªbetween gearº codes. This
results in six codes which should never occur. These
are called ªinvalidº codes. An invalid code will result
in a DTC, and the PCM/TCM will then determine the
shift lever position based on pressure switch data.
This allows reasonably normal transmission opera-
tion with a TRS failure.
TRS SWITCH STATES
SLP T42 T41 T3 T1
PCL CL CL OP
RCL OP OP OP
NCL CL OP CL
ODOP OP OP CL
3OP OP CL OP
LCL OP CL CL
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The TRS has an integrated thermistor (Fig. 329)
that the PCM/TCM uses to monitor the transmis-
sion's sump temperature. Since fluid temperature
can affect transmission shift quality and convertor
lock up, the PCM/TCM requires this information to
determine which shift schedule to operate in. The
PCM also monitors this temperature data so it can
energize the vehicle cooling fan(s) when a transmis-
sion ªoverheatº condition exists. If the thermistor cir-
cuit fails, the PCM/TCM will revert to calculated oil
temperature usage.
CALCULATED TEMPERATURE
A failure in the temperature sensor or circuit will
result in calculated temperature being substituted for
actual temperature. Calculated temperature is a pre-
dicted fluid temperature which is calculated from a
combination of inputs:
²Battery (ambient) temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²In-gear run time since start-up
REMOVAL
(1) Remove valve body assembly from transaxle.
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTO-
MATIC - 41TE/VALVE BODY - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove transmission range sensor retaining
screw and remove sensor from valve body (Fig. 330).
(3) Remove TRS from manual shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install transmission range sensor (TRS) to the
valve body and torque retaining screw (Fig. 330) to 5
N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(2) Install valve body to transaxle. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
41TE/VALVE BODY - INSTALLATION)
TRD LINK
DESCRIPTION
The Torque Reduction Link (TRD) is a wire
between the PCM and TCM that is used by the TCM
to request torque management. Torque management
controls or reduces torque output of the engine dur-
ing certain shift sequences, reducing torque applied
to the transaxle clutches.
OPERATION
The torque management signal is basically a
12-volt pull-up supplied by the PCM to the TCM over
the torque reduction link (TRD). Torque management
is requested when the TCM pulses this signal to
ground. The PCM recognizes this request and
responds by retarding ignition timing, killing fuel
injectors, etc. The PCM sends a confirmation of the
request to the TCM via the communication bus.
Torque reduction is not noticable by the driver, and
usually lasts for a very short period of time.
If the confirmation signal is not received by the
TCM after two sequential request messages, a diag-
nostic trouble code will be set.
Fig. 330 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
2 - MANUAL VALVE CONTROL PIN
3 - RETAINING SCREW
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 249
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)
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MANUAL VALVE
The manual valve is operated by the mechanical
shift linkage. Its primary responsibility is to send
line pressure to the appropriate hydraulic circuits
and solenoids. The valve has three operating ranges
or positions.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The main responsibility of the converter clutch
switch valve is to control hydraulic pressure applied
to the front (off) side of the converter clutch piston.
Line pressure from the regulator valve is fed to the
torque converter regulator valve, where it passes
through the valve, and is slightly regulated. The
pressure is then directed to the converter clutch
switch valve and to the front side of the converter
clutch piston. This pressure pushes the piston back
and disengages the converter clutch.
CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
The converter clutch control valve controls the
back (on) side of the torque converter clutch. When
the PCM/TCM energizes or modulates the LR/CC
solenoid to apply the converter clutch piston, both
the converter clutch control valve and the converter
control valve move, allowing pressure to be applied to
the back side of the clutch.
T/C REGULATOR VALVE
The torque converter regulator valve slightly regu-
lates the flow of fluid to the torque converter.
LOW/REVERSE SWITCH VALVE
The low/reverse clutch is applied from different
sources, depending on whether low (1st) gear or
reverse is selected. The low/reverse switch valve
alternates positions depending on from which direc-
tion fluid pressure is applied. By design, when the
valve is shifted by fluid pressure from one channel,
the opposing channel is blocked. The switch valve
alienates the possibility of a sticking ball check, thus
providing consistent application of the low/reverse
clutch under all operating conditions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: If valve body is replaced or reconditioned,
the TCM Quick Learn Procedure must be per-
formed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect gearshift cable from manual valve
lever.
(3) Remove manual valve lever from manual shaft.
(4) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(5) Remove oil pan bolts (Fig. 332).
(6) Remove oil pan (Fig. 333).
Fig. 332 Oil Pan Bolts
1 - OIL PAN BOLTS (USE RTV UNDER BOLT HEADS)
Fig. 333 Oil Pan
1 - OIL PAN
2 - 1/8 INCH BEAD OF RTV SEALANT
3 - OIL FILTER
RS41TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE21 - 251
VALVE BODY (Continued)
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testing must be performed as outlined in previous
sections of this diagnosis and testing procedure.
Use the Radial Force equipment to identify suspect
assemblies and minimize the radial forces. After all
suspect assemblies are optimized, reinstall the
assemblies and road test the vehicle. If a disturbance
still exists and all other vibration diagnostic proce-
dures have been completed, replace one tire or one
wheel at a time, starting with the assembly having
the highest force variation. Be sure to minimize each
new assembly. Road test the vehicle following each
replacement. Continue this process until the distur-
bance is resolved.
NOTE: When using Radial Force equipment, it is
critically important to set proper tire inflation pres-
sure and ensure centering of the wheel on the
equipment spindle.
RADIAL FORCE VARIATION REFERENCE
VALUES
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Total Radial Force
Variation (RFV)Less Than 22 Lbs.   2
Lbs.
Radial First Harmonic
(R1H)Less Than 16 Lbs.   2
Lbs.
Radial Second Harmonic
(R2H)Less Than 12 Lbs.   2
Lbs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
BALANCE
NOTE: Balance equipment must be calibrated and
maintained per equipment manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
Wheel balancing can be accomplished with either
on-vehicle or off-vehicle equipment.
NOTE: If using on-vehicle balancing equipment, on
the driving axle, remove the opposite wheel and tire
assembly.It is recommended that a two-plane dynamic bal-
ancer be used when a wheel and tire assembly
requires balancing. A static balancer should only be
used when a two-plane balancer is not available.
Balance wheel and tire assemblies dynamically and
statically to less than 0.25 (
1¤4) ounce.
For static balancing, find location of heavy spot
causing imbalance. Counter balance wheel directly
opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight required
to counterbalance the area of imbalance. Place half of
this weight on theinnerrim flange and the other
half on theouterrim flange (Fig. 8).
For dynamic balancing, the balance equipment is
designed to indicate the location and amount of
weight to be applied to both the inner and outer rim
flanges (Fig. 9).
The aluminum wheels on this vehicle use a unique
wheel weight (Fig. 10). This wheel weight is designed
to fit the contoured surface of the wheel (Fig. 10).
When balancing an aluminum wheel, this wheel
weight must be used. Do not use any other type of
wheel weight. It will not properly fit the contour of
the wheel.
Always verify the Balance. When using off-vehicle
equipment, rotate assembly 180 degrees on balance
equipment to verify balance. Variation should not be
more than 0.125 (
1¤8) ounce. If variation is more than
0.125 ounce, balancing equipment could be malfunc-
tioning.
If difficult to balance, break down the wheel and
tire assembly and check for loose debris inside tire.
Prior to disassembly, mark (index) the tire at the
valve stem. Use this mark in order to remount the
tire in its original orientation with respect to the
wheel.
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-5
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
MATCH MOUNTING
Wheels and tires are match mounted at the factory.
This means that the high spot of the tire is matched
to the low spot on the wheel rim. This technique is
used to reduce runout in the wheel and tire assem-
bly. The high spot on the tire is marked with a paint
mark or a bright colored adhesive label on the out-
board sidewall. The low spot on the wheel is identi-
fied with a label on the outside of the rim and a dot
or line in the drop well area of the rim (inside where
the tire mounts). If the outside label has been
removed, the tire will have to be removed to locate
the dot or line on the inside of the rim. The tire can
then be match mounted to the tire.
Information on match mounting the tire to the
wheel can be found in Tire and Wheel Runout/Match
Mounting, items (2) through (5), within Diagnosis
And Testing - Tire And Wheel Vibration. (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
ROTATION
NON-DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to
develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be
reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of
rotation are especially worthwhile. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and
wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 11). This method takesadvantage of current tire industry practice which
allows rotation of radial-ply tires. Other rotation
methods may be used, but may not have all the ben-
efits of the recommended method.
NOTE: Only the 4 tire rotation method may be used
if the vehicle is equipped with a low mileage or tem-
porary spare tire.
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern. These
tires are designed to improve traction on wet pave-
ment. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the
tires must be installed so that they rotate in the cor-
rect direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls.
When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained.
Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)
(1) Raise the vehicle so the tire and wheel assem-
bly clears ground level.
(2) Remove the 5 wheel mounting nuts from the
studs.
(3) Remove the tire and wheel from the hub.
Fig. 10 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
Fig. 11 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-7
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND HAND PRO-
TECTION WHEN SERVICING THE MIRROR ASSEM-
BLY. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY FROM BRO-
KEN GLASS.
(1) Carefully pull/pry the broken glass holder from
the mirror assembly.
(2) Disconnect the heated mirror electrical connec-
tors from the terminals on the mirror glass holder, if
equipped.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: It is important to make sure the motor is
square to the glass holder (attaching fingers) prior
to glass holder attachment, otherwise the glass
holder could be installed incorrectly causing poor
retention and possible repeat failure.
(1) Position the new mirror glass holder to the
mirror assembly.
NOTE: Position the mirror glass holder so that the
moisture drain hole on the mirror glass holder
assembly is facing downward.
(2) Align the mirror glass holder's attaching fin-
gers to the mirror motor housing.
NOTE: Ensure that the protective rubber cover of
the mirror motor housing is positioned correctly
around the bottom of the fingers area.
(3) Using one hand, firmly press the mirror glass
holder assembly into place while at the same time
supporting the housing assembly from the backside
with the other hand.
NOTE: Pressure must be applied equally over the
center portion of the mirror to engage the mirror
glass holder's attaching fingers to the correspond-
ing fingers on the housing assembly. One or more
clicks may be heard when finger engagement takes
place.
(4) Verify retention of the mirror glass holder
assembly by gently pulling outward on the mirror
glass holder.
Fig. 21 SIDE VIEW MIRROR
1 - MIRROR
2 - MIRROR TRIM COVER
3 - A-PILLAR
4 - BOLTS
23 - 58 EXTERIORRS
SIDE VIEW MIRROR (Continued)
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BASE COAT/CLEARCOAT
FINISH
DESCRIPTION
On most vehicles a two-part paint application
(basecoat/clearcoat) is used. Color paint that is
applied to primer is called basecoat. The clearcoat
protects the basecoat from ultraviolet light and pro-
vides a durable high-gloss finish.
CAUTION: Do not use abrasive chemicals or com-
pounds on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can
result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish or color can
result.
PAINT CODE
DESCRIPTION
Exterior vehicle body colors are identified on the
Body Code plate. (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHI-
CLE INFORMATION/BODY CODE PLATE -
DESCRIPTION). The paint code is also identified on
the Vehicle Safety Certification Label which is
located on the drivers door shut face. The first digit
of the paint code listed on the vehicle indicates the
sequence of application, i.e.: P = primary coat, Q =
secondary coat. The codes listed in the Color Code
Chart are used for manufacturing purposes.
PAINTED TOUCH-UP
DESCRIPTION
When a painted metal surface has been scratched
or chipped, it should be touched up as soon as possi-
ble to avoid corrosion. For best results, use Mopart
Scratch Filler/Primer, Touch Up Paints and Clear Top
Coat. (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHICLE INFOR-
MATION/BODY CODE PLATE - DESCRIPTION).
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED RESPIRATOR
AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SPRAYING PAINT
OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
TOUCH UP PROCEDURE
(1) Scrape loose paint and corrosion from inside
scratch or chip.
(2) Clean affected area with MopartTar/Road Oil
Remover, and allow to dry.
(3) Fill the inside of the scratch or chip with a coat
of filler/primer. Do not overlap primer onto good sur-
face finish. The applicator brush should be wet
enough to puddle-fill the scratch or chip without run-
ning. Do not stroke brush applicator on body surface.
Allow the filler/primer to dry hard.
(4) Cover the filler/primer with color touch up
paint. Do not overlap touch up color onto the original
color coat around the scratch or chip. Butt the new
color to the original color, if possible. Do not stroke
applicator brush on body surface. Allow touch up
paint to dry hard.
(5) On vehicles without clearcoat, the touch up
color can be lightly finesse sanded (1500 grit) and
polished with rubbing compound.
(6) On vehicles with clearcoat, apply clear top coat
to touch up paint with the same technique as
described in Step 4. Allow clear top coat to dry hard.
If desired, Step 5 can be performed on clear top coat.
WARNING: AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT
WITH PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEAN-
ING SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
FINESSE SANDING/BUFFING &
POLISHING
DESCRIPTION
Minor acid etching, orange peel, or smudging in
clearcoat or single-stage finishes can be reduced with
light finesse sanding, hand buffing, and polishing.If
the finish has been finesse sanded in the past,
it cannot be repeated. Finesse sanding opera-
tion should be performed by a trained automo-
tive paint technician.
CAUTION: Do not remove clearcoat finish, if
equipped. Basecoat paint must retain clearcoat for
durability.
23 - 84 PAINTRS
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²air recirculation button. The Recirculate button
contains an LED that illuminates to show when the
function is in operation.
²an air conditioning button that allows the com-
pressor to be turned on/off. The Snowflake button
contains an LED that illuminates to shown when the
function is in operation.
²rotary knobs for front and rear fan speed selec-
tion.
²a rotary knob for mode control.
REAR CONTROL PANEL
A rear control panel centrally mounted on the
headliner has a rotary adjustment for temperature
and fan speed control of the rear unit by intermedi-
ate seat passengers when the front control rear knob
is set to the rear position.
DESCRIPTION - AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) allows
occupants to select a comfort temperature, which is
the perceived temperature level not the actual pas-
senger compartment air temperature.
The Automatic Temperature Control system
includes a dust and odor air filter. The filter element
is the same size as the air conditioning evaporator to
ensure ample capacity. A door at the base of the
heater and air conditioning housing below the glove
box provides easy access to the filter element.
The ATC computer utilizes integrated circuitry and
information carried on the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus network to monitor
many sensors and switch inputs throughout the vehi-
cle. In response to those inputs, the internal circuitry
and programming of the ATC computer allow it to
control electronic functions and features of the ATC
system. The inputs to the ATC computer are:
²Vehicle Speed/Engine RPM± The ATC com-
puter monitors engine RPM, vehicle speed and Man-
ifold Absolute Pressure information from the PCM.
²Coolant Temperature± ATC computer moni-
tors Coolant temperature received from the PCM and
converts it to degrees Fahrenheit.
²Ambient Temperature± ATC computer moni-
tors Ambient temperature from the Compass Mini
Trip Computer (CMTC) and converts it to degrees
Fahrenheit.
²Engine Miscellaneous Sensor Status±ATC
computer monitors A/C disable information from the
PCM.
²Refrigerant Pressure± ATC computer moni-
tors Barometric Pressure, Intake Air Temperature,
High Side Pressure and Methanol Content as broad-
cast by the PCM.²Door Ajar Status± The ATC computer moni-
tors Driver Front Door, Passenger Front Door, Left
Rear Door, Right Rear Door and Liftgate ajar infor-
mation, as identified by the Body Control Module
(BCM), to determine if all in-car temperatures should
be maintained.
²Dimming± The ATC computer monitors dim-
ming status from the BCM to determine the required
level of brightness and will dim accordingly.
²Vehicle Odometer± The ATC computer moni-
tors the vehicle odometer information from the BCM
to prevent flashing the VF tube icons if the manual
motor calibration or manual cool down tests have
failed. Flashing of the display icons will cease when
the vehicle odometer is greater than 3 miles.
²English/Metric± The ATC computer monitors
the English/Metric information broadcast by the
CMTC. The set temp displays for both the front and
rear control heads will be set accordingly.
²Vehicle Identification Number± The ATC
computer monitors the last eight characters of the
VIN broadcast by the PCM and compares it to the
information stored in EEPROM. If it is different, the
new number will be stored over the old one and a
motor calibration shall be initiated.
²A/C System Information± The ATC computer
will send a message for Evaporator Temperature too
Low, Fan Blower Relay status, Evaporator Sensor
Failure, Rear Window Defogger Relay and A/C Select.
FRONT CONTROL PANEL
The front control panel and integral computer is
mounted in the instrument panel.
The instrument panel mounted control and inte-
gral computer contains:
²A power button which allows the system to be
completely turned off. The display is blank when the
system is off.
²Three rocker switches that select comfort tem-
peratures from 15É to 30É C (59É to 85É F), which are
shown in the vacuum-fluorescent digital control dis-
play. If the set temp is 59 and the down button is
pressed, the set temp value will become 55 but the
display will show LO. If the set temp is 85 and the
up button is pressed, the set temp value will become
90 but the display will show HIGH. Temperatures
can be displayed in either metric or Fahrenheit,
which is controlled from the overhead console.
²A rocker switch that selects a cool-down rate.
LO-AUTO or HI-AUTO are displayed when the sys-
tem is in automatic operation.
²A defroster button which turns on the defroster
independently during full automatic control. A
defroster symbol illuminates in the display when the
button is pressed.
24 - 2 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGRS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
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A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
DESCRIPTION - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer (Fig. 2) is a switch
that is installed on a fitting located on the refriger-
ant liquid line between the filter-drier and the
expansion valve in the right rear corner of the engine
compartment. An internally threaded hex fitting on
the transducer connects it to the externally threaded
Schrader-type fitting on the liquid line. A rubber
O-ring seals the connection between the transducer
and the liquid line fitting. Three terminals within a
molded plastic connector receptacle on the top of the
transducer connect it to the vehicle electrical system
through a take out and connector of the headlamp
and dash wire harness.
The A/C pressure transducer cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it musty be
replaced.
OPERATION
The A/C pressure transducer monitors the pres-
sures in the high side of the refrigerant system
through its connection to a fitting on the liquid line.
The transducer will change its internal resistance in
response to the pressures it monitors. The Power-
train Control Module (PCM) provides a five volt ref-
erence signal and a sensor ground to the transducer,
then monitors the output voltage of the transducer
on a sensor return circuit to determine refrigerant
pressure. The PCM is programmed to respond to this
and other sensor inputs by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning compressor clutch and theradiator cooling fan to help optimize air conditioning
system performance and to protect the system com-
ponents from damage. The A/C pressure transducer
input to the PCM will also prevent the air condition-
ing compressor clutch from engaging when ambient
temperatures are below about 10É C (50É F) due to
the pressure/temperature relationship of the refriger-
ant. The Schrader-type valve in the liquid line fitting
permits the A/C pressure transducer to be removed
or installed without disturbing the refrigerant in the
system. The A/C pressure transducer is diagnosed
using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
The A/C pressure transducer is tested using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information. Before testing the A/C pressure
transducer, be certain that the transducer wire har-
ness connection is clean of corrosion and properly
connected. For the air conditioning system to operate,
an A/C pressure transducer voltage reading between
0.451 and 4.519 volts is required. Voltages outside
this range indicate a low or high refrigerant system
pressure condition to the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). The PCM is programmed to respond to a low
or high refrigerant system pressure by suppressing
operation of the compressor. Refer to the A/C Pres-
sure Transducer Voltage table for the possible condi-
tion indicated by the transducer voltage readings.
A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE POSSIBLE INDICATION
0.0 1. NO SENSOR SUPPLY
VOLTAGE FROM PCM.
2. SHORTED SENSOR CIRCUIT.
3. FAULTY TRANSDUCER.
0.150 TO 0.450 1. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
BELOW 10É C (50É F).
2. LOW REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
0.451 TO 4.519 1. NORMAL REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
4.520 TO 4.850 1. HIGH REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM PRESSURE.
5.0 1. OPEN SENSOR CIRCUIT.
2. FAULTY TRANSDUCER.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 2 A/C Pressure Transducer
1 - RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - A/C PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
4 - RIGHT WIPER MODULE DRAIN TUBE
5 - HIGH SIDE SERVICE PORT
6 - LIQUID LINE
24 - 10 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
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The evaporator temperature sensor is a switch that
is installed on the top of the expansion valve in the
right rear corner of the engine compartment (Fig.
18). The sensor has a small probe that is inserted in
a small well in the body of the expansion valve that
is filled with a special silicone-based thermal grease.
A small molded plastic push-in retainer secures the
sensor to a threaded hole in the top surface of the
expansion valve. Two terminals within a molded
plastic connector receptacle on the sensor connect it
to the vehicle electrical system through a take out
and connector of the HVAC wire harness.
The evaporator temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The evaporator temperature sensor monitors the
temperature of the evaporator through its connection
to the top of the expansion valve. The sensor will
change its internal resistance in response to the tem-
peratures it monitors. The heater-A/C control module
is connected to the sensor through a sensor ground
circuit and a sensor signal circuit. As the evaporator
temperature increases, the resistance of the sensor
decreases and the voltage monitored by the module
decreases. The module uses this monitored voltage
reading to an indication of the evaporator tempera-
ture. The heater-A/C control module is programmed
to respond to this input by sending electronic mes-
sages to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus, and the PCM then cycles the air condition-
ing compressor clutch as necessary to optimize air
conditioning system performance and to protect the
system from evaporator freezing. The external loca-
tion of the sensor and the use of a screw allows the
sensor to be removed or installed from the expansion
valve without disturbing the refrigerant in the sys-
tem. The evaporator temperature sensor is diagnosed
using a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the air cleaner housing from the right
side of the engine compartment.
(3) Remove the windshield wiper assembly from
the vehicle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS/WIPER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the temperature sensor attaching
screw from the expansion valve.
(5) Pull the evaporator temperature sensor away
from the expansion valve far enough to access the
red release ring on the wiring connector. Push thered ring toward the connector to release lock and
remove the HVAC wire harness connector from the
temperature sensor.
(6) Remove the evaporator temperature sensor
from the engine compartment. Please note that any
grease removed with the old temperature sensor
must be replaced, failure to do so could result in poor
a/c performance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the evaporator temperature sensor
into the right rear corner of the engine compartment.
Please make sure any grease removed with the old
sensor has been replaced before the new sensor is
installed, failure to do so could lead to poor a/c per-
formance.
(2) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle.
(3) Position the evaporator temperature sensor
onto the top of the expansion valve with the sensor
probe inserted into the well in the expansion valve.
(4) Install the temperature sensor retaining screw
and tighten.
(5) Install the window wiper assembly to the vehi-
cle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the right
side of the engine compartment.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(8) Run the HVAC Cool Down test to verify system
is operating properly(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
INFRARED TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The infrared temperature sensor consists of two
infrared transducers that are concealed behind a
clear lens located near the bottom of the center panel
outlet near the top of the instrument panel center
bezel (Fig. 19). These sensors are used only on mod-
els equipped with the optional Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (ATC) heating and air conditioning
system. A molded plastic connector receptacle on the
bottom of the panel outlet unit is concealed behind
the center bezel. A short, dedicated jumper wire har-
ness routed behind the center bezel connects the sen-
sors directly to the ATC heater-A/C control module
near the bottom of the center bezel. The infrared
temperature sensor is integral to the center bezel
panel outlet unit. The infrared sensors cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
center bezel panel outlet unit must be replaced.
RSCONTROLS - FRONT24-23
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
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OPERATION
The dual infrared temperature sensors provide
independent measurement inputs to the Automatic
Temperature Control (ATC) heater-A/C control mod-
ule that indicates the surface temperature of the
driver seat and front seat passenger seat occupants.
By using a surface temperature measurement, rather
than an air temperature measurement, the ATC sys-
tem is able to adjust itself to the comfort level as per-
ceived by the occupant. This allows the system to
detect and compensate for other ambient conditions
affecting comfort levels, such as solar heat gain or
evaporative heat loss. The ATC system logic responds
to the infrared sensor inputs by calculating and
adjusting the air flow temperature and air flow rate
needed to properly obtain and maintain the individ-
ually selected comfort level temperatures of both the
driver and passenger seat occupants. The ATC heat-
er-A/C control module continually monitors the infra-
red sensor circuits, and will store a Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) for any problem it detects. This
DTC information can be retrieved and the infrared
temperature sensor diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The mode door actuator is a reversible, 12-volt
Direct Current (DC), servo motor (Fig. 20). The sin-
gle mode door actuator is located on the driver side
end of the heater-A/C housing unit, close to the top of
the distribution housing. The mode door actuator is
mechanically connected to the mode door. The mode
door actuator is interchangeable with the actuatorsfor the blend air door(s) and the recirculation air
door. Each actuator is contained within an identical
black molded plastic housing with an integral wire
connector receptacle. Two integral mounting tabs
allow the actuator to be secured with two screws to
the heater-A/C unit housing. Each actuator also has
an identical output shaft with splines that connects
it to the linkage that drives the mode door. The mode
door actuator does not require mechanical indexing
to the mode door linkage, as it is electronically cali-
brated by the heater-A/C control module. The mode
door actuator cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The mode door actuator is connected to the heater-
A/C control module through the vehicle electrical sys-
tem by a dedicated two-wire take out and connector
of the HVAC wire harness. The mode door actuator
can move the mode door in two directions. When the
heater-A/C control module pulls the voltage on one
side of the motor connection high and the other con-
nection low, the mode door will move in one direction.
When the module reverses the polarity of the voltage
to the motor, the mode door moves in the opposite
direction. When the module makes the voltage to
both connections high or both connections low, the
mode door stops and will not move. These same
motor connections also provide a feedback signal to
the heater-A/C control module. This feedback signal
allows the module to monitor the operation and rela-
tive position of the mode door actuator and the mode
door. The heater-A/C control module learns the mode
Fig. 19 Infrared Temperature Sensor
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL
2 - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
3 - INFRARED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Fig. 20 Mode Door Actuator
1 - CONNECTOR
2 - MODE DOOR ACTUATOR
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - DRIVER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (DUAL-ZONE ONLY)
5 - HEATER CORE
6 - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (SINGLE ZONE) OR PASSENGER
BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (DUAL-ZONE)
24 - 24 CONTROLS - FRONTRS
INFRARED TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
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