JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2003 WJ / 2.G Workshop Manual

(9) Remove the 10 screws that secure the two
housing halves to each other.
(10) Separate the top half of the HVAC housing
from the bottom half (Fig. 18).
Fig. 17 WIRE HARNESS ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR(S)
1 - BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR
2 - BLOWER MOTOR
3 - GROUND STRAP
4 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
5 - HEATER CORE TUBES
Fig. 18 HVAC HOUSING- CASE SEPARATED
1 - ELECTRICIAL CONNECTORS
2 - VACUUM ACTUATOR
3 - RECIRCULATION DOOR
4 - THERMAL EXPANSION VALVE
5 - BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR/CONTROLLER
6 - BLOWER WHEEL
7 - EVAPORATOR AND TUBES
8 - FIN SENSOR PROBE9 - BLEND DOOR
10 - PIVOT SHAFT (MOTOR REMOVED)
11 - PANEL/OUTLET DOOR
12 - LOWER HOUSING
13 - VACUUM ACTUATORS
14 - UPPER HOUSING
15 - VACUUM HARNESS
24 - 44 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

NOTE: The blend door sub-assembly is attached to
the housing with 2 screws, and may be removed for
service (Fig. 19).
ASSEMBLY
(1) Place the top half of the HVAC housing on the
bottom half. Be certain that each of the door pivot
pins align with the pivot holes in the HVAC housing.
(2) Install the 10 screws that secure the two hous-
ing halves to each other. Tighten the HVAC housing
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Attach the wire harness electrical connector(s)
to the mounts on the lower case at the blower motor
end of the unit.
(4) Install the 5 clips that secure the two housing
halves to each other. Check doors for binding after
replacement, and after assembly of housing.
(5) Install the screw with plastic washer holding
the lever assembly to the upper case section.
(6) Install the mode door actuator on the left side
of the housing.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAU-
TIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
CAUTION)Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.
(1) Position the HVAC housing to the dash panel.
Be certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube
and the housing mounting studs are inserted into
their correct mounting holes.
(2) Install the HVAC housing mounting nuts to the
studs on the passenger compartment side of the dash
panel. Tighten the nuts to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the HVAC housing wire harness con-
nectors.
(4) Reinstall the rear floor heat ducts to the center
floor heat duct outlets.
(5) Install and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC
housing mounting studs on the engine compartment
side of the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 7 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the PCM to the passenger side dash
panel in the engine compartment. Refer to Electronic
Control Modules for the procedures.
(7) Reinstall the coolant reserve/overflow bottle to
the passenger side inner fender shield. Refer to Cool-
ing for the procedures.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with the manual tem-
perature control system, connect the HVAC system
vacuum supply line connector to the tee fitting near
the heater core tubes.
(9) Unclamp/unplug the heater core hoses and
tubes. Connect the heater hoses to the heater core
tubes and fill the engine cooling system. Refer to
Cooling for the procedures.
(10) Unplug or remove the tape from the suction
line and the evaporator outlet tube fittings. Connect
the suction line to the evaporator outlet tube.
Tighten retaining nut to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(11) Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid
line and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect
the liquid line to the evaporator inlet tube. Tighten
retaining nut to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(12) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
Fig. 19 BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY (AZC)
1 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR
2 - BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
3 - DOOR PIVOT SHAFT BUSHING
4 - DOOR SHAFT LEVER
5 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 45
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(13) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(14) Install the instrument panel in the vehicle(Re-
fer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(15) Connect the battery negative cable.
(16) Start the engine and check for proper opera-
tion of the heating and air conditioning systems.
BLEND DOOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove evaporator from lower case to ease
access to plastic door shaft bushing.
(3) Pinch the retention tabs holding the blend door
pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs, located on
the inside of the case, are part of the shaft retainer.
(4) Remove door(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the blend door(s) by snapping the pivot
shaft into the HVAC case.
(2) Install the evaporator in the lower case.
(3) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)NOTE: The blend door sub-assembly is attached to
the housing with 2 screws, and may be removed for
service (Fig. 20).
MODE DOOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - PANEL OUTLET DOOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
Fig. 20 BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
1 - PASSENGER SIDE BLEND DOOR
2 - BLEND DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
3 - DOOR PIVOT SHAFT BUSHING
4 - DOOR SHAFT LEVER
5 - DRIVER SIDE BLEND DOOR
24 - 46 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)

(2) Pinch the retention tabs holding the panel out-
let door pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs,
located on the inside of the case, are part of the shaft
retainer (Fig. 21).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the panel outlet door pivot
shaft retainer from the pivot shaft.
(4) Remove the panel outlet door from the HVAC
housing.
REMOVAL - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(2) Remove the evaporator, and styrofoam tray
from the lower case.
(3) Place the HVAC housing upside down on a
work bench.
(4) Unscrew and remove the 2 floor heat ducts.
(5) Unsnap and remove the duct adapter from the
bottom of the heat/defrost door sub-assembly (Fig.
22).
(6) Gently pry the metal linkage from the heat/de-
frost door lever.
(7) Remove the heat/defrost door sub-assembly,
which is attached to the housing with 4 screws (Fig.
23).
(8) Pinch the retention tabs holding the heat/de-
frost door pivot shaft lever to the case. The 3 plastic
tabs, located on the inside of the case, are part of the
shaft retainer.
(9) Remove the heat/defrost door (Fig. 24).
Fig. 21 PANEL OUTLET DOOR
1 - PANEL/OUTLET DOOR
2 - DOOR SHAFT
3 - FOAM SEAL
(SPLIT)
4 - LOWER HOUSING
5 - PANEL OUTLET DOOR LEVER
6 - LEVER
Fig. 22 HEAT/DEFROST DOOR DUCTS, AND
ADAPTER
1 - FLOOR DUCT ADAPTER
2 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
3 - DOOR LEVERS
4 - LOWER HOUSING
5 - FLOOR DUCTS
6 - LINKAGE
7 - RETAINING TABS
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 47
MODE DOOR (Continued)

REMOVAL - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
See HVAC Housing in this group for the procedures.
(2) Pinch the retention tabs holding the panel/de-
frost door pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs,
located on the inside of the case, are part of the shaft
retainer (Fig. 25).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the panel/defrost door
pivot shaft retainer from the pivot shaft.
(4) Remove the panel/defrost door from the HVAC
housing.
Fig. 23 HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
1 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
2 - LEVERS
3 - LOWER HOUSING
4 - SCREWS
5 - LINKAGE
Fig. 24 HEAT/DEFROST DOOR REMOVAL
1 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
2 - LOWER HOUSING
3 - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR SUB-ASSEMBLY
4 - FLOOR DUCTS
5 - DOOR LEVER
Fig. 25 PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
1 - UPPER HOUSING
2 - LEVER
3 - PANEL/DEFROST MODE DOOR
24 - 48 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
MODE DOOR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - PANEL OUTLET DOOR
(1) Snap the panel outlet door pivot shaft retainer
on the pivot shaft.
(2) Attach the panel outlet door pivot shaft to the
HVAC case.
(3) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - HEAT/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Install the heat/defrost door by snapping the
heat/defrost door pivot shaft into the HVAC case.
(2) Install the heat/defrost door sub-assembly and
tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Attach the metal linkage to the heat/defrost
door lever.
(4) Snap the duct adapter to the bottom of the
heat/defrost door sub-assembly.
(5) Install the 2 floor heat ducts and tighten the
mounting screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.)..
(6) Install the evaporator, and styrofoam tray in
the lower case.
(7) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - PANEL/DEFROST DOOR
(1) Snap the panel/defrost door pivot shaft retainer
on the pivot shaft.
(2) Attach the panel/defrost door pivot shaft to the
HVAC case.
(3) Reassemble the HVAC housing and install in
the vehicle. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
ASSEMBLY) (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
INSTALLATION)
RECIRCULATION DOOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(2) Place the HVAC housing right side up on the
work bench.
(3) Unplug the wire/vacuum connector from the
recirculation door actuator.
(4) Remove the 2 screws fastening the recircula-
tion door sub-assembly to the main housing (Fig. 26).
Fig. 26 RECIRCULATION DOOR HOUSING
1 - RECIRCULATION DOOR HOUSING
2 - ATTACHING SCREWS
WJDISTRIBUTION 24 - 49
MODE DOOR (Continued)

(5) Raise the front of the door sub-assembly while
releasing the 2 tabs holding the rear to the main
housing, and remove the recirculation door housing.
(6) Remove the electric/vacuum actuator from the
recirculation door sub-assembly and set aside.
(7) Pinch the retention tabs holding the recircula-
tion door pivot shaft to the case. The 3 plastic tabs,
located on the inside of the case, are part of the shaft
retainer.
(8) Remove the recirculation door from the recircu-
lation air door housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the recirculation door in the recircula-
tion air door housing by snapping the pivot shaft
retention tabs into the case.
(2) Install the electric/vacuum actuator on the
recirculation door sub-assembly. Check door for bind-
ing after replacement.
(3) Install the recirculation door housing on the
HVAC case and tighten the 2 screws to 2.2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(4) Plug in the wire/vacuum connector to the recir-
culation door actuator.
(5) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
24 - 50 DISTRIBUTIONWJ
RECIRCULATION DOOR (Continued)

PLUMBING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE.......52
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT LINE.........52
WARNING.............................52
CAUTION
CAUTION...........................53
REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS.......................53
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM LEAKS......................54
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM SERVICE EQUIPMENT..........54
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY..........................55
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM EVACUATE...................55
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM CHARGE.....................56
SPECIFICATIONS
CHARGE CAPACITY...................57
A/C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - A/C COMPRESSOR.......57
DESCRIPTION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................57
OPERATION
OPERATION - A/C COMPRESSOR........57
OPERATION - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE..............................57
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMPRESSOR
NOISE..............................58
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................58
REMOVAL - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL.........60
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................61
INSTALLATION - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL......61
A/C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION.........................62
OPERATION...........................62
REMOVAL.............................62
INSTALLATION.........................63
A/C DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL.........63
REMOVAL...........................64INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL......64
INSTALLATION.......................65
A/C EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION.........................65
OPERATION...........................65
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C EXPANSION
VALVE ..............................65
REMOVAL.............................66
INSTALLATION.........................66
LIQUID LINE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................66
REMOVAL - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL.........66
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................66
INSTALLATION - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL......67
SUCTION LINE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................67
REMOVAL - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL.........68
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................68
INSTALLATION - 2.7L TURBO DIESEL......69
A/C EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION.........................69
OPERATION...........................69
REMOVAL.............................69
INSTALLATION.........................70
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION.........................71
OPERATION...........................71
REMOVAL.............................71
INSTALLATION.........................71
RECEIVER / DRIER
DESCRIPTION.........................72
OPERATION...........................72
REMOVAL.............................73
INSTALLATION.........................73
REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION.........................75
OPERATION...........................75
REFRIGERANT OIL
DESCRIPTION.........................75
OPERATION...........................75
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
OIL LEVEL...........................75
WJPLUMBING 24 - 51

VISCOUS HEATER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................76
DESCRIPTION - VISCOUS HEATER
CLUTCH............................76
OPERATION
OPERATION - VISCOUS HEATER.........76
OPERATION - VISCOUS HEATER CLUTCH . . 76REMOVAL
REMOVAL - VISCOUS HEATER...........76
REMOVAL - VISCOUS HEATER CLUTCH . . . 76
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION.......................78
INSTALLATION - VISCOUS HEATER
CLUTCH............................78
PLUMBING
DESCRIPTION - REFRIGERANT LINE
The refrigerant lines and hoses are used to carry
the refrigerant between the various air conditioning
system components. A barrier hose design with a
nylon tube, which is sandwiched between rubber lay-
ers, is used for the R-134a air conditioning system on
this vehicle. This nylon tube helps to further contain
the R-134a refrigerant, which has a smaller molecu-
lar structure than R-12 refrigerant. The ends of the
refrigerant hoses are made from lightweight alumi-
num or steel, and commonly use braze-less fittings.
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
OPERATION - REFRIGERANT LINE
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING
WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CON-
TAINS REFRIGERANT UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM
IMPROPER SERVICE PROCEDURES. REPAIRS
SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
AVOID BREATHING THE REFRIGERANT AND
REFRIGERANT OIL VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE
MAY IRRITATE THE EYES, NOSE, AND/OR THROAT.
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE
AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERI-
OUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM DIRECT
CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CON-
TACT OCCURS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMME-
DIATELY.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN
REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC LEAK
DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING
SERVICE. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT
RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DIS-
PLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
THE EVAPORATION RATE OF R-134a REFRIGER-
ANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE
IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING
THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGER-
ANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT THE SKIN
OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT
WITH THE REFRIGERANT.
THE R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR THE VEHI-
CLE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE
PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COM-
PRESSED AIR. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR AND
R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE
AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, AND MAY RESULT IN
FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROP-
ERTY DAMAGE.
24 - 52 PLUMBINGWJ

CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with the service equipment being used.
Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to
use R-134a. Damage to the system will result.
R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a
refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
Do not use R-12 equipment or parts on the R-134a
system. Damage to the system will result.
Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. This will
cause excessive compressor head pressure and
can cause noise and system failure.
Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting
or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even
after the system has been discharged. Never open
or loosen a connection before recovering the refrig-
erant.
The refrigerant system must always be evacuated
before charging.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. This will prevent contamination in
the system.
Before disconnecting a component, clean the out-
side of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contami-
nation from entering the refrigerant system.
Immediately after disconnecting a component from
the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a
cap or plug.
Before connecting an open refrigerant fitting,
always install a new seal or gasket. Coat the fitting
and seal with clean refrigerant oil before connect-
ing.
Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement
component until it is to be installed.
When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp
bends that may restrict refrigerant flow. Position the
refrigerant lines away from exhaust system compo-
nents or any sharp edges, which may damage the
line.
Tighten refrigerant fittings only to the specified
torque. The aluminum fittings used in the refriger-
ant system will not tolerate overtightening.
When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a
wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will pre-
vent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of
refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace
the cap on the oil container immediately after using.
Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and
moisture-free container.Keep service tools and the work area clean. Con-
tamination of the refrigerant system through care-
less work habits must be avoided.REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS
Kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing
will reduce the capacity of the entire system. High
pressures are produced in the system when it is oper-
ating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that all refrigerant system connections are pressure
tight.
A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is
to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the
diameter of the hose. Sharp bends will reduce the
flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be
routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches)
from the exhaust manifold. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible refrigerant system hose lines at
least once a year to make sure they are in good con-
dition and properly routed.
There are two types of refrigerant fittings:
²All fittings with O-rings need to be coated with
refrigerant oil before installation. Use only O-rings
that are the correct size and approved for use with
R-134a refrigerant. Failure to do so may result in a
leak.
²Unified plumbing connections with gaskets can-
not be serviced with O-rings. The gaskets are not
reusable and new gaskets do not require lubrication
before installing.
Using the proper tools when making a refrigerant
plumbing connection is very important. Improper
tools or improper use of the tools can damage the
refrigerant fittings. Always use two wrenches when
loosening or tightening tube fittings. Use one wrench
to hold one side of the connection stationary, while
loosening or tightening the other side of the connec-
tion with a second wrench.
The refrigerant must be recovered completely from
the system before opening any fitting or connection.
Open the fittings with caution, even after the refrig-
erant has been recovered. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, tighten the fitting and
recover the refrigerant from the system again.
Do not discharge refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling device
that meets SAE Standard J2210.
The refrigerant system will remain chemically sta-
ble as long as pure, moisture-free R-134a refrigerant
and refrigerant oil is used. Dirt, moisture, or air can
upset this chemical stability. Operational troubles or
serious damage can occur if foreign material is
present in the refrigerant system.
When it is necessary to open the refrigerant sys-
tem, have everything needed to service the system
WJPLUMBING 24 - 53
PLUMBING (Continued)