MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

FRONTA/CSYSTEM
²LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSEÐThe low
pressure hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to
the suction line service port. This port is located on
the suction line near the dash panel.
²HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSEÐThe high
pressure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the
discharge line service port. This port is located on the
liquid line between the condenser and the reciver-
drier.
²RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/
CHARGING HOSEÐThe center manifold hose (Yel-
low, or White, with Black stripe) is used to recover,
evacuate, and charge the refrigerant system. When
the low or high pressure valves on the manifold
gauge set are opened, the refrigerant in the system
will escape through this hose.
REARA/CSYSTEM
²LOW PRESSURE GAUGE HOSEÐThe low
pressure hose (Blue with Black stripe) attaches to
the suction line service port. This port is located
within the rear A/C evaporator housing near the left
side of the evaporator, below the high-pressure ser-
vice port.
²HIGH PRESSURE GAUGE HOSEÐThe high
pressure hose (Red with Black stripe) attaches to the
liquid line service port. This port is located within
the rear A/C evaporator housing near the left side of
the evaporator, above the low-pressure service port.
²RECOVERY/RECYCLING/EVACUATION/
CHARGING HOSEÐThe center manifold hose (Yel-
low, or White, with Black stripe) is used to recover,
evacuate, and charge the refrigerant system. When
the low or high pressure valves on the manifold
gauge set are opened, the refrigerant in the system
will escape through this hose.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY
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.
A R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station that meets SAE Standard J2210 must be
used to recover the refrigerant from an R-134a refrig-
erant system. Refer to the operating instructions sup-
plied by the equipment manufacturer for the proper
care and use of this equipment.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE
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.
If the refrigerant system has been open to the
atmosphere, it must be evacuated before the system
can be charged. If moisture and air enters the system
and becomes mixed with the refrigerant, the com-
pressor head pressure will rise above acceptable
operating levels. This will reduce the performance of
the air conditioner and damage the compressor.
Evacuating the refrigerant system will remove the
air and boil the moisture out of the system at near
room temperature. To evacuate the refrigerant sys-
tem, use the following procedure:
(1) Connect a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recy-
cling/charging station that meets SAE Standard
J2210 and a manifold gauge set to the refrigerant
system of the vehicle.
(2) Open the low and high side valves and start
the charging station vacuum pump. When the suc-
tion gauge reads 88 kPa (26 in. Hg.) vacuum or
greater, close all of the valves and turn off the vac-
uum pump.
(a) If the refrigerant system fails to reach the
specified vacuum, the system has a leak that must
be corrected. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS)
(b) If the refrigerant system maintains the spec-
ified vacuum for five minutes, restart the vacuum
pump, open the suction and discharge valves and
evacuate the system for an additional ten minutes.
(3) Close all of the valves, and turn off the charg-
ing station vacuum pump.
(4) The refrigerant system is now ready to be
charged with R-134a refrigerant. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE
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.
24 - 64 PLUMBINGVA

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

(12)EXAMPLE:The ambient temperature is 21É
C (70É F). The evaporator inlet tube temperature is
12É C (54É F) and the evaporator outlet tube temper-
ature is 10É C (50É F). Subtract the inlet tube tem-
perature from the outlet tube temperature. The
difference is -2É C (-4É F). With a -2É C (-4É F) tem-
perature differential at 21É C (70É F) ambient tem-
perature, the system is fully charged.
(13) Add enough refrigerant to bring the refriger-
ant system up to a full charge.
(14) Remove the jumper wire from the low pres-
sure cycling clutch switch wire harness connector
and plug the connector back into the switch.
A / C COMPRESSOR
DESCRIPTION
The standard front A/C system uses a Denso
7SBU16C seven cylinder, variable displacement
swash plate-type A/C compressor (Fig. 2). This A/C
compressor has a volume control which is regulated
by an internal control valve and has both the suction
and discharge ports located at the rear of the com-
pressor.
The optional independant Konvekta rear A/C sys-
tem uses theDenso 10S17C ten cylinder, double-act-
ing swash plate-type A/C compressor (Fig. 3). This
A/C compressor has a fixed displacement of 170 cubic
centimeters (10.374 cubic inches), and has both the
suction and discharge ports located on the cylinder
head at the rear of the compressor.A label identifying the use of R-134a refrigerant is
located on both A/C compressors.
OPERATION
The A/C compressor is driven by the engine
through an electric clutch, drive pulley and belt
arrangement. The A/C compressor is lubricated by
refrigerant oil that is circulated throughout the
refrigerant system with the refrigerant.
The A/C compressor draws in low-pressure refrig-
erant vapor from the A/C evaporator through its suc-
tion port. It then compresses the refrigerant into a
high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor,
which is then pumped to the A/C condenser through
the compressor discharge port.
The A/C compressor cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The compres-
sor clutch, pulley and bearing assembly, and clutch
field coil are available for service. If an internal fail-
ure of the A/C compressor has occurred, the receiver/
drier must also be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
A / C COMPRESSOR NOISE
When investigating an air conditioning related
noise, you must first know the conditions under
which the noise occurs. These conditions include:
weather, vehicle speed, transmission in gear or neu-
tral, engine speed, engine temperature, and any
other special conditions. Noises that develop during
air conditioning operation can often be misleading.
For example: What sounds like a failed front bearing
or connecting rod, may be caused by loose bolts, nuts,
Fig. 2 Denso 7SBU16C A/C Compressor
1 - A/C COMPRESSOR (DENSO 7SBU16C)
2 - SUCTION AND DISCHARGE PORT
3 - INTERNAL CONTROL VALVE
Fig. 3 Denso 10S17C A/C Compressor
1 - A/C COMPRESSOR (DENSO 10S17C)
2 - SUCTION AND DISCHARGE PORT
3 - CYLINDER HEAD
24 - 66 PLUMBINGVA

mounting brackets, or a loose compressor clutch
assembly.
Drive belts are speed sensitive. At different engine
speeds and depending upon belt tension, belts can
develop noises that are mistaken for a compressor
noise. Improper belt tension can cause a misleading
noise when the compressor clutch is engaged, which
may not occur when the compressor clutch is disen-
gaged. Check the serpentine drive belt condition and
tension as described in Cooling before beginning this
procedure.
(1) Select a quiet area for testing. Duplicate the
complaint conditions as much as possible. Switch the
compressor on and off several times to clearly iden-
tify the compressor noise. Listen to the compressor
while the clutch is engaged and disengaged. Probe
the compressor with an engine stethoscope or a long
screwdriver with the handle held to your ear to bet-
ter localize the source of the noise.
(2) Loosen all of the compressor mounting hard-
ware and retighten. Tighten the compressor clutch
mounting nut. Be certain that the clutch coil is
mounted securely to the compressor, and that the
clutch plate and pulley are properly aligned and have
the correct air gap. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/A/C COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH - INSTALLATION)
(3) To duplicate a high-ambient temperature condi-
tion (high head pressure), restrict the air flow
through the condenser. Install a manifold gauge set
to be certain that the discharge pressure does not
exceed 2760 kPa (400 psi).
(4) Check the refrigerant system plumbing for
incorrect routing, rubbing or interference, which can
cause unusual noises. Also check the refrigerant lines
for kinks or sharp bends that will restrict refrigerant
flow, which can cause noises. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAU-
TION - REFRIGERANT HOSES/LINES/TUBES
PRECAUTIONS)
(5) If the noise is from opening and closing of the
high pressure relief valve, reclaim, evacuate, and
recharge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT RECOVERY)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIG-
ERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE) If the high pressure relief valve still
does not seat properly, replace the a/c compressor.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR - REMOVAL)
(6) If the noise is from liquid slugging on the suc-
tion line, check the refrigerant oil level and the
refrigerant system charge. (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGER-ANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
SPECIFICATIONS - CHARGE CAPACITY).
(7) If the noise continues, replace the compressor
and repeat Step 1.
REMOVAL
DENSO 7SBU16CA/CCOMPRESSOR
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 A/C compressor may be removed and
repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant
lines or discharging the refrigerant system. Dis-
charging is not necessary if servicing the compres-
sor clutch, clutch coil or the engine.
NOTE: If an internal failure of the A/C compressor
has occurred, the receiver/drier must be replaced.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
(3) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE -
REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
A/C compressor clutch coil.
(5) Remove the bolts that secure the A/C suction
and discharge lines to the A/C compressor.
(6) Disconnect the A/C suction and discharge lines
from the A/C compressor and remove and discard the
O-ring seals (Fig. 4).
(7) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrig-
erant line fittings and the compressor ports.
(8) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(9) If equipped with an add-on rear A/C system,
remove the lower A/C compressor and position it out
of the way (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COMPRESSOR -
REMOVAL - DENSO 10S17).
(10) Support the A/C compressor and remove the
compressor mounting bolts.
(11) Remove the A/C compressor from the engine
compartment.
VAPLUMBING 24 - 67

DENSO 10S17A/CCOMPRESSOR
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 A/C compressor may be removed and
repositioned without disconnecting the refrigerant
lines or discharging the refrigerant system. Dis-
charging is not necessary if servicing the compres-
sor clutch, clutch coil or the engine.
NOTE: If an internal failure of the A/C compressor
has occurred, the receiver/drier must be replaced.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.(4) Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
clutch field coil of the A/C compressor (Fig. 5).
(6) Remove the bolts that secure the underbody
suction and discharge lines to the A/C compressor.
(7) Disconnect the underbody suction and dis-
charge lines from the A/C compressor and remove
and discard the O-ring seals.
(8) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrig-
erant line fittings and the compressor ports.
(9) Remove the bolts that secure the A/C compres-
sor to the mounting bracket.
(10) Remove the A/C compressor from the engine
compartment.
INSTALLATION
DENSO 7SBU16CA/CCOMPRESSOR
NOTE: Be certain to check the refrigerant oil level if
the A/C compressor is being replaced. See Refriger-
ant Oil Level in this group for the procedures. Use
only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the
A/C compressor in the vehicle.
NOTE: If an internal failure of the A/C compressor
has occurred, the receiver/drier must be replaced.
(1) Position the A/C compressor in the engine com-
partment and loosely install the three compressor
retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts using the following
sequence to 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 4 Denso 7SBU16C A/C Compressor
1 - A/C COMPRESSOR
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - A/C SUCTION LINE
4 - BOLT
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - BOLT
7 - A/C DISCHARGE LINE
8 - O-RING SEAL
Fig. 5 Denso 10S17 A/C Compressor
1 - REFRIGERANT LINES
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - BOLTS (3)
4 - A/C COMPRESSOR
24 - 68 PLUMBINGVA

²The upper bolt at the front of the compressor.
²The lower bolt at the front of the compressor.
²The bolt at the rear of the compressor.
(2) If equipped with an add-on rear A/C system,
install the lower A/C compressor (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/A/C COM-
PRESSOR - INSTALLATION - DENSO 10S17).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Remove the tape or plugs from the opened suc-
tion line fitting and the discharge line fitting and the
compressor ports.
(5) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them onto the suction and
the discharge line fittings. Use only the specified
O-rings as they are made of a special material for the
R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
(6) Connect the A/C suction and discharge lines to
the A/C compressor.
(7) Install the bolts that secure the A/C suction
and discharge lines to the A/C compressor. Tighten
the bolts to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(8) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
compressor clutch coil.
(9) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Replace the receiver/drier if the A/C compres-
sor is being replaced due to an internal failure (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING/RECEIVER/DRIER - REMOVAL) and (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
RECEIVER/DRIER - INSTALLATION).
(11) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(12) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(13) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
DENSO 10S17A/CCOMPRESSOR
NOTE: Be certain to check the refrigerant oil level if
the A/C compressor is being replaced. See Refriger-
ant Oil Level in this group for the procedures. Use
only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the
A/C compressor in the vehicle.
NOTE: If an internal failure of the A/C compressor
has occurred, the receiver/drier must be replaced.
(1) Position the A/C compressor in the engine com-
partment and loosely install the three compressorretaining bolts. Tighten the bolts using the following
sequence to 20 N´m (14 ft. lbs.).
²The upper bolt at the front of the compressor.
²The lower bolt at the front of the compressor.
²The bolt at the rear of the compressor.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the opened
underbody suction and discharge line fittings and
compressor ports.
(3) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them onto the suction and
the discharge line fittings. Use only the specified
O-rings as they are made of a special material for the
R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
(4) Connect the underbody suction and discharge
lines to the A/C compressor.
(5) Install the bolts that secure the underbody suc-
tion and discharge lines to the A/C compressor.
Tighten the bolts to 21 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(6) Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C
compressor clutch coil.
(7) Install the accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/BELTS-DRIVE -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Replace the receiver/drier if the A/C compressor
is being replaced due to an internal failure (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/
RECEIVER/DRIER - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/RE-
CEIVER/DRIER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(11) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(12) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
A / C CONDENSER
DESCRIPTION
The condenser is located in the air flow in front of
the engine cooling radiator. The condenser is a heat
exchanger that allows the high-pressure refrigerant
gas being discharged by the compressor to give up its
heat to the air passing over the condenser fins.
OPERATION
When the refrigerant gas gives up its heat, it con-
denses. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser, it
has become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The
volume of air flowing over the condenser fins is crit-
ical to the proper cooling performance of the air con-
ditioning system. Therefore, it is important that
VAPLUMBING 24 - 69

there are no objects placed in front of the radiator
grille openings in the front of the vehicle or foreign
material on the condenser fins that might obstruct
proper air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or
shrouds must be properly reinstalled following radia-
tor or condenser service.
The condenser cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
(3) Remove the front fascia.
(4) Remove the grille (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the headlamps from their mounts.
(6) Remove the radiator crossmember (Refer to 23
- BODY/EXTERIOR/RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER -
REMOVAL).
(7) Disconnect the A/C discharge and liquid lines
from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the
O-ring seals (Fig. 6).
(8) Install plug in, or tape over the opened liquid
line fitting and the condenser ports.
(9) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
auxiliary fan.
(10) Remove the auxiliary fan and upper bracket
assembly.
(11) Remove the auxiliary fan lower bracket
retainers and bracket.
(12) Remove the four condenser retaining screws.
(13) Carefully remove the condenser from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add
30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the
type recommended for the A/C compressor in the
vehicle.
(1) Carefully position the A/C condenser into the
engine compartment.
(2) Install the four screws that secure the A/C con-
denser. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the lower auxiliary fan bracket and
retaining nuts. Tighten the nuts to 5 N´m (45 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install the auxiliary fan and upper bracket
assembly. Tighten the screws to 5 N´m (45 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the wire harness connector to the aux-
iliary fan.
(6) Remove the tape or plug from the condenser
ports and the opened refrigerant line fittings.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the refrigerant line
fittings.
(8) Connect the A/C discharge and liquid lines to
the A/C condenser.
Fig. 6 A/C Condenser
1 - SCREW (4)
2 - CONDENSER
3 - LIQUID REFRIGERANT LINE
4 - COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE LINE
5 - NUT (2)
6 - LOWER AUXILIARY FAN BRACKET
7 - NUT (2)
8 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
9 - AUXILIARY COOLING FAN
10 - SCREW (2)
24 - 70 PLUMBINGVA

(9) Install the nuts that secure the A/C discharge
and liquid lines to the A/C condenser. Tighten the
nuts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the radiator crossmember (Refer to 23
- BODY/EXTERIOR/RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the headlamps into their mounts.
(12) Install the grille (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(13) Install the front fascia.
(14) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(15) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(16) Recharge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
A / C DISCHARGE LINE
REMOVAL
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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY).
(3) Remove the grille (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser on the left side of the con-
denser.
(5) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
condenser inlet port.
(6) Remove the seal from the discharge line fitting
and discard.
(7) Install plug in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.
(8) Remove the bolt that secures the discharge line
fitting to the top of the compressor (Fig. 7).
(9) Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the
compressor discharge port.
(10) Remove the seal from the discharge line fit-
ting and discard.(11) Install plug in, or tape over the opened dis-
charge line fitting and the compressor discharge port.
(12) Disconnect the discharge line from the retain-
ing clip and remove the discharge line from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
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.
(1) Position the discharge line into the engine com-
partment.
(2) Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor
discharge port and the discharge line fitting.
(3) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(4) Connect the discharge line fitting to the com-
pressor discharge port on the top of the compressor.
(5) Install the bolt that secures the discharge line
fitting to the compressor. Tighten the bolt to 23 N´m
(17 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 7 A/C Compressor - Refrigerant Lines
1 - A/C COMPRESSOR
2 - O-RING SEAL
3 - A/C SUCTION LINE
4 - BOLT
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - BOLT
7 - A/C DISCHARGE LINE
8 - O-RING SEAL
VAPLUMBING 24 - 71

(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the condenser
inlet port and the discharge line fitting.
(7) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fit-
ting.
(8) Connect the discharge line fitting to the con-
denser inlet port.
(9) Install the nut that secures the discharge line
fitting to the condenser. Tighten the nut to 33 N´m
(24 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the grille (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(11) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE)
(12) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE)
(13) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
A/CEVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The A/C evaporator for the heating-A/C system is
located within the HVAC housing, behind the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 8). The A/C evaporator is positioned
within the HVAC housing so that all air entering the
housing must pass over the evaporator fins before it
is distributed through the heating-A/C system ducts
and outlets. However, air passing over the evaporator
fins will only be conditioned when the A/C compres-
sor is engaged and circulating refrigerant through
the A/C evaporator.
The A/C evaporator tubes are connected and sealed
to the A/C expansion valve by use of rubber O-rings
and a tapping block.
The A/C evaporator is serviced by removing and
disassembling the HVAC housing.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the evaporator from the expan-
sion valve as a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid.
As air flows over the fins of the evaporator, the
humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and the
heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat
absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and vapor-
ize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas
before it leaves the evaporator.
The evaporator cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
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.
Fig. 8 Front A/C Evaporator
1 - A/C EVAPORATOR
2 - EVAPORATOR TUBES
3 - TAPPING BLOCK
24 - 72 PLUMBINGVA

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.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).
(2) Disassemble the HVAC housing to access the
A/C evaporator (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING -
DISASSEMBLY).
(3) Lift the A/C evaporator out of the lower half of
the HVAC housing (Fig. 9).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the A/C evaporator is being replaced, add
60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the
refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of thetype recommended for the A/C compressor in the
vehicle.
(1) Install the A/C evaporator into the lower half of
the HVAC housing.
(2) Assemble the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY).
(3) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
A / C EXPANSION VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The A/C expansion valve controls the amount of
refrigerant entering the A/C evaporator and is of a
thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) design (Fig. 10).
The A/C expansion valve consists of an aluminum
H-valve type body with an integral thermal sensor.
The A/C expansion valve is located at the dash
panel between the A/C refrigerant lines and the A/C
evaporator.
OPERATION
High-pressure, high temperature liquid refrigerant
from the liquid line passes through the expansion
valve orifice, converting it into a low-pressure, low-
temperature mixture of liquid and gas before it
enters the A/C evaporator. A thermal sensor in the
A/C expansion valve monitors the temperature of the
refrigerant leaving the A/C evaporator and adjusts
the orifice size at the evaporator inlet to allow the
proper amount of refrigerant into the A/C evaporator
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)
Fig. 10 Front A/C Expansion Valve
1 - A/C EXPANSION VALVE
2 - THERMAL SENSOR
VAPLUMBING 24 - 73