climate control ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE 2010 User Guide

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
May 2007 Workshop Manual 12-3-3
The A/C unit houses the evaporator, heater matrix and air
flow flaps.
The unit also incorporates two servo motor operated air
distribution flaps.
1. Regulates airflow to the cabin vents.
2. Regulates airflow to the defrost / demist air ducting.
When the cabin air flap is open, air is ducted to the cabin via
face and foot level air vents.
Condensate (water) which forms on the evaporator fins is
drained out of the unit case through a drain hose, located at
underneath / rear of the evaporator.
Refrigerant System

Warning
Do not perform a pressure test or leak test for R-134a service equipment and or vehicle A/C using
compressed air. Some mixtures of air and R-134a have
been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures.
These mixtures, if ignited, ma y cause injury or property
damage. Additional health and safety information may
be obtained from refrigerant manufacturers.
Warning
Do not allow refrigerant to leak near a fire or any kind of heat. A poisonous gas may be generated if
refrigerant gas contacts fire or heat such as from
cigarettes and heaters. When carrying out any
operation that can cause refr igerant leakage, extinguish
or remove the above mentioned heat sources and
maintain adequate ventilation.
Warning
Handling liquid refrigerant is dangerous. A drop of
refrigerant on the skin can result in localized frostbite. When handling refrigerant, wear gloves and safety
goggles. If refrigerant sp lashes into the eyes,
immediately wash them with clean water and consult a doctor.
Warning
Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant or lubricant vapor.
Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Also, due
to environmental concerns , Aston Martin recommend
the use of a recovery/recycling/recharging unit when
draining R-134a from the A/C system. If accidental A/C
system discharge occurs, vent ilate the work area before
resuming service.

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
12-3-4 Workshop Manual May 2007
Storing Refrigerant
Handling Insufficient Refrigerant Level
Handling Compressor Oil
Refrigeration Cycle
Operation
1. The Compressor (1) dr aws low pressure, low
temperature, refrigerant vapour from the evaporator (5)
and compresses it, raising th e refrigerant pressure and
temperature.
2. This high pressure, hot, refrigerant vapour enters the condenser (2), where it is cooled by the flow of ambient
air and changes state into a cooler, high pressure liquid.
3. From the condenser, the liqu id passes into the receiver
drier (3) which has three functions:
• Removes moisture from the refrigerant using a desiccant
• Filters the refrigerant to remove system contaminants
• Stores the refrigerant to cope with varying system refrigerant demands
4. The filtered liquid refrigerant, still at high pressure, then enters the expansion valve (4). Here it passes through a
controlled orifice and emerges as an atomised liquid
spray. This has the effect of reducing the refrigerant
pressure and temperature. The cold refrigerant spray
now flows into the evaporator (5).
5. As refrigerant passes through the evaporator core, it cools the incoming airflow. Heat is absorbed by the
refrigerant, during this process and it once again changes
state, from an atomised cool liquid into a vapour. The
refrigerant vapour then returns to the compressor for the
cycle to be repeated.
An automatic safety valve is incorporated in the compressor,
which will open if the system pressure rises above 41 bar.
The valve will reseat when the pressure drops below 27,6
bar. When the safety valve is open, the compressor will 'free
Warning
The refrigerant container is highly pressurized. If it is subjected to high heat, it could explode, scattering metal fragments and liquid refrigerant that can
seriously injure personnel. Store refrigerant at
temperatures below 40
oC (104 oF).
Caution
If an insufficient refrigerant level is detected while
troubleshooting, do not char ge (add) the refrigerant.
Because an accurate amount of refrigerant cannot be
determined from the pressure indicated on the
recovery / recycling / rechar ging unit, never charge the
refrigerant.
Caution
If there is too much or to o little refrigerant from the
refilling, there may be secondary problems such as
damage to the refrigerant cycl e parts, or a decrease of
cooling performance. Therefore, if it is determined that the refrigerant level is insufficient, completely remove refrigerant from the refriger ant cycle and refill with
refrigerant to the specified amount.
Caution
Use only ND8 compressor oil for this vehicle. Using a PAG oil other than DENSO OIL8 compressor oil will damage the A/C compressor.
Caution
Do not spill the ND8 compressor oil on the vehicle. A drop of compressor oil on the vehicle surface can
damage the paint work. If oil gets on the vehicle, wipe it off immediately.
Caution
ND8 compressor oil has a high moisture absorption
efficiency. If moisture mixe s with the compressor oil,
the refrigerant system could be damaged. Ensure caps
are installed immediately afte r using the compressor oil
or removing refrigerant system parts to prevent moisture absorption.

 
 


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Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
May 2007 Workshop Manual 12-3-5
wheel' and the excess pressure will be dissipated through the
expansion valve. When the pressure drops below 27.6 bar,
the safety valve will close again and the compressor will be
operative.
The terms ‘high’ and ‘low’ pressure (or side) refer to the
pressure differential between the compressor and expansion
valve ports. This differential is critical to system fault
diagnosis and efficiency checks.
The high side starts at the compressor and includes the
trinary switch, condenser, receiver drier and expansion
valve.
The low side starts at the expansion valve outlet and includes
the evaporator and all connectio ns back to the compressor.
The trinary switch (6) monitors system pressure between the
compressor and condenser. If the pressure rises above 30
bar or falls below 2 bar the compressor clutch is
de-energised to prevent damage to system components.
Specifications
Refrigerant and Lubricant
Capacities
Torque Figures
Refrigerant R-134a
Compressor Lubricant ND8
Refrigerant charge Weight 750g (26.5oz.)
Compressor Lubricant Sealed volume (approx.
quantity) 150 cc (pre-charged)
Nm.
AC unit Mounitng 20-25
Compressor Mounting 23-27
A/C pipes to condenser 8-10







Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
12-3-6 Workshop Manual May 2007
Diagnostics
Electrical Connectors
A/C Module (C0792)



A/C Module (C0791)
PinSpecification
1 Air flow mode actuator (output)
2 Temperature actuator (output)
3Blank
4Blank
5Blank
6 A/C On (A/C pressure sensor)
7Blank
8 Recirculation actuator (output)
9Blank
10 Blank
11 Temperature level (RHD)
12 Blower speed regulator (Output)
13 Air flow mode actuator (output)
14 Temperature actuator (output)
15 Blank
16 Output
17 HAVAC ECU (input)
18 Blank
19 Blower relay (engine bay fusebox)
20 Recirculation actuator (output)
21 Blank
22 blank
23 Temperature level (LHD)
24 Blower speed regulator input)




Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
May 2007 Workshop Manual 12-3-7
DTC Inspection
Using WDS
1. Connect the WDS to the body diagnostic socket (Refer to ’A ppendix & Glossary ’, page 20-1-2).
2. Select ‘Air-Con’ from the menu.
3. Read the fault codes from the WDS screen.
Single Fault Codes
Code Description Possible Cause
02 Solar radiation sensor system inspection
Present fault. 1. Solar radiation sensor fault.
2. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the solar radiation sensor.
Code Description Possible Cause
06 Cabin temperature sensor system
inspection. 1. Cabin temperature sensor fault
2. Open or short circuit in wiring
harness between A/C module and
cabin temperature sensor
Code Description Possible Cause
07 Cabin temperature sensor system
inspection. 1. Cabin temperature sensor fault
2. Open or short circuit in wiring harness between A/C module and
cabin temperature sensor
Code Description Possible Cause
10 Evaporator temperature sensor system
inspection 1. Evaporator temperature sensor fault
2. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the evaporator temperature sensor
Code Description Possible Cause
12 Ambient temperature sensor system
inspection 1. Ambient temperature sensor fault
2. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the ambient temperature sensor
Code Description Possible Cause
14 ECT sensor system inspection 1. ECT fault
2. A/C module fault
3. PCM fault
4. Open or short circuit in the wiring harnesses between the A/C
module, the ECT sensor, and the PCM
Code Description Possible Cause
18 Air mix actuator (potentiometer) system
inspection 1. Air mix actuator fault
2. Open circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C module and
the air mix actuator
3. Short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C module (C0792-12) and the air mix actuator (terminal 5)
21 Airflow mode actuator (potentiometer)
system inspection 1. Airflow mode actuator fault
2. Open circuit in wiring harness between A/C module and airflow
mode actuator
3. Short circuit in wiring harnes s between A/C module (C0792-4)
and airflow mode actuator (terminal 5)
Code Description Possible Cause
11 Evaporator temperature sensor system
inspection. 1. Evaporator temperature sensor fault
2. Open or short circuit in wiring harness between A/C module and
evaporator temperature sensor

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
12-3-8 Workshop Manual May 2007
Multiple Fault Codes
Code Description Possible Cause
13 Ambient temperature sensor system
inspection. 1. Ambient temperature sensor fault
2. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the ambient temperature sensor
Code Description Possible Cause
15 ECT sensor system inspection.
Past fault. 1. ECT fault
2. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the ECT sensor
Code Description Possible Cause
19 Air mix actuator (potentiometer) system
inspection.
Past fault. 1. Air mix actuator fault
2. Open circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C module and
the air mix actuator
3. Short circuit in th e wiring harness between the A/C module
(C0792-12) and air mix actuator (C2130-5)
22 Airflow mode actuator (potentiometer)
system inspection.
Past fault. 1. Airflow mode actuator fault
2. Open circuit in wiring harnes
s between A/C module and airflow
mode actuator
3. Short circuit in th e wiring harness between the A/C module
(C0792-4) and the air mix actuator (C2130-5)
Code Description Possible Cause
58 Air mix actuator (motor lock) system
inspection
Past fault. 1. Air mix actuator fault
2. A/C unit (air mix link and air mix crank) fault
3. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the air mix actuator
Code Description Possible Cause
59 Airflow mode actuator (motor lock) system
inspection.
Past fault. 1. Airflow mode actuator fault
2. A/C unit (airflow mode link and airflow mode crank) fault
3. Open or short circuit in the wiring harness between the A/C
module and the airflow mode actuator
Code Description Possible Cause
06 / 10 /
12 / 18 /
21 A/C module (+5 V power supply or sensor
ground) system inspection.
1. Open circuit in wiring harnesses between A/C module and
each temperature sensor, air mix actuator, or airflow mode
actuator
Code Description Possible Cause
02 / 18 /
21 A/C module (5 V power supply) system
inspection. 1. Open or short circuit in the wiring harnesses between the A/C
module and solar radiation sensor, air mix actuator, or airflow
mode actuator
Code Description Possible Cause
07 / 11 /
13 / 19 /
22 A/C module (5 V power supply or sensor
ground) system inspection.
1. Open circuit in the wiring harnesses between the A/C module
and each temperature sensor, air mix actuator, or airflow mode
actuator
Code Description Possible Cause
19 / 22 A/C module (5 V power supply) system
inspection. • Open or short circuit in wiri
ng harnesses between the A/C
module and the solar radiation sensor, air mix actuator, or
airflow mode actuator

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
May 2007 Workshop Manual 12-3-9
Maintenance
Assessment of the A/C system operating efficiency and fault
classification may be achieved by using the facilities on a
Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions implicitly and observe
all safety considerations.
Connections
Only use hoses with connectors which are dedicated to
HFC 134a charge ports.
Recovery
Read manufacture’s instructions and warnings before
completing any recovery / evacuating and charging
operations.
Warning
Under no circumstances should connections be made with the A/C system in operation or valves open. Should valves be open and a vacuum pump or
refrigerant container attached, an explosion could
occur as a result of high pressure refrigerant being forced back into the vacuum pump or container.
Warning
Handling liquid refrigerant is dangerous. A drop of
refrigerant on the skin can result in localized frostbite. When handling refrigerant, wear gloves and safety
goggles. If refrigerant sp lashes into the eyes,
immediately wash them with clean water and consult a doctor.
Caution
Do not attempt to adapt this unit for R-12 as an A/C
system failure will result. Recovery / Recycle /
Recharging equipment has sp ecial connections to avoid
cross contamination wi th R-12 systems.
The A/C unit’s overfill li mitation mechanism has been
calibrated specifically for use with the 50 lb. (23 Kg)
refillable refrigerant tank.
Run the A/C system for a few minutes before starting the
recovery procedure as this wil l enable more refrigerant to
be recovered. Turn the A/C system off before starting the
procedure.
Ensure the A/C system has pre ssure in it before beginning
the recovery process; if there is no system pressure there is
no refrigerant to recover.
Ensure that the oil drain valve is closed.
Caution
The Recovery / Recycling / Re charging unit relies on a
weighing mechanism to weight the quantity of oil
removed. Ensure that the Recovery / Recycle /
Recharging unit is not disturbed during the recovery procedure.

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
12-3-10 Workshop Manual May 2007
1. Connect an R-134a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging
unit to the vehicle A/C system.
2. Follow the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit manufacturer’s instructions to evacuate the A/C system.
Evacuation
The removal of unwanted air and moisture, is critical to the
correct operation of the A/C system. Moisture in the system
can be highly destructive and may cause internal blockages
due to freezing; water suspended in the lubricating oil will
damage the compressor. Once the A/C system has been
dismantled, or the refrigerant charge recovered, all traces of
moisture must be removed before charging.
Read manufacture’s instruct ions and warnings before
completing any Recovery / Recycling / Recharging
operation.
1. Connect an R-134a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit to the vehicle A/C system.
2. Follow the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit manufacturer’s instructions to evacuate the A/C system.
Charging
Read manufacture’s instruct ions and warnings before
completing any Recovery / Recycling / Recharging
operation.
1. Connect an R-134a Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit to the vehicle A/C system.
2. Follow the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit manufacturer’s instructions to charge the A/C system.
Compressor oil may be drawn ou
t during this process, take
note of the quantity recovered so that it may be replaced.
It is recommended that initiall y only the high-side valve be
opened at the start of the pr ocedure. After a short time a
small depression should be seen on the low-side, at which
point the low-side valve may be opened and the evacuation
process completed. If a vacuum is not registered on the
low-side, it may indicate that the expansion valve is
permanently closed or that th e system is blocked. This
simple check may save time and effort when the system is
recharged.
Caution
Do not exceed the specificat ion when charging the A/C
system with refrigerant. Doing so will decrease the
efficiency of the A/C unit or damage the refrigeration cycle parts.
Caution
Always start the charging of refrigerant from the high-
pressure side. If charging st arts from the low-pressure
side, vanes of the A/C compressor will not be released and abnormal noise may result.

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
May 2007 Workshop Manual 12-3-11
A/C System Testing
Pressure Check
1. Connect the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit.
2. Start the engine. Allow to warm up then run at a constant 1,500 rpm.
3. Set the following A/C controls:
• Air Circulation to ‘Recirculate’
• Temperature to ‘Max’ Cold
• Air Flow to ‘Vent’
4. Close all the vehicle doors and windows.
5. Measure the ambient temperature and high / low pressure side reading of Recovery / Recycling /
Recharging unit gauges.
6. Verify that the intersection of the pressure reading of the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit gauges and the
ambient temperature is in the shaded zone.
If there is any fault, inspect the refrigerant system according
to the troubleshooting chart.
Performance Test
1. Check the refrigerant pressure.
2. Place a dry-bulb thermometer in the driver-side center ventilator outlet.
3. Start the engine. Allow to warm up then run at a constant 1,500 rpm.
4. Set the A/C unit fan speed to ‘Max Hi’.
5. Turn the A/C system on.
6. Set the following A/C controls: • Air Circulation to ‘Recirculate’
• Temperature to ‘Max’ Cold
• Air Flow to ‘Vent’ 7. Close all the doors and windows.
8. Wait until the A/C output temperature stabilizes.
9. After the blower air is stabilized, read the dry-bulb
thermometer.
10. Verify the ambient temperature.
11. Verify the temperature is in the shaded zone.
If there is any fault, inspect the refrigerant system according
to the troubleshooting chart.
Vacuum Check
1. Stop the vacuum pump, note the high and low pressure side readings of the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging
unit gauges and wait for 5 min.
2. Check the high and low pressure side readings of the Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit gauges.
1 If the readings have changed, inspect for leaks and go to Evacuation (Refer to ’E vacuation’, page 12-3-10).
2 If the readings have not changed, go to Charging (Refer to ’Charging’, page 12-3-10).
It is recommended th
at a free standing air mover is placed
in front of the conden ser / cooling system.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
°C {°F}
10
{50} 15
{59} 20
{68} 25
{77} 30
{86} 35
{95} 40
{104}
LOW-PRESSURE SIDE
HIGH-PRESSURE SIDE
PRESSURE READING OF MANIHOLD GAUGE
MPa {kgf/cm
2, psi}
2.0
{20, 284}
1.5
{15, 213}
1.0
{10, 142}
0.2
{2.0, 28}0.1
{1.0, 14}
0.15
{1.5, 22}
0.05
{0.5, 7.3} 0.5
{5.1, 73}
Stabilized condition.
The A/C compressor repeatedly turns on and off at regular intervals.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
°C (°F)
CENTER VENTILATILATOR TEMPERATURE
°C (°F)
12 {54}
10 {50}
8 {46}
6 {43}4 {39} 2 {36}
10
{50} 15
{59} 20
{68} 25
{77} 30
{86} 35
{95} 40
{104}

Air Conditioning (A/C) System (12.03)
Climate Control (12.00)
12-3-12 Workshop Manual May 2007
Leaks
Faults associated with low refrigerant charge weight and low pressure may be caused by leakage. Leaks traced to
mechanical connections may be caused by torque relaxation or joint face contamination. Evidence of oil around such
areas is an indicator of leakage.
Leak Detection
Fluorescent Tracer Dye - A fluorescent tracer dye is incorporated into th e refrigeration system and can be checked for
non-apparent leaks by scanning with a high intensity ultraviolet lamp. The location of leaks can be pinpointed by the bright
yellow glow of the tracer dye.
Automatic Refrigerant Leak Detector - (various manufacturers) Hand-held, portable, battery operated leak detector.
Place in and around A/C system to detect refrigerant leaks.
System Pressure Fault Classification
This table should be used in conjunction with the graphical representations of 'High side' pressure / ambient temperature
and 'Low side' pressure / evaporator temperature. Caution
Observe ALL safety precautions associ ated with ultraviolet equipment.
If erratic or unusual gauge movements occur, check the equipment against known Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit
gauges.
Low side
gauge readingHigh side
gauge reading
Fault
Cause
Normal Normal Discharge air initially c ool then warms up Moisture in system
Normal to low Normal As above As above
Low Low Discharge air slightly cool Refrigerant charge low
Low Low Discharge air warm Refrigerant charge very low
Low Low Discharge air slightly cool or frost build up at expansion valve Expansion valve stuck closed
Low Low Discharge air slightly cool, sweating or frost after point of restriction Restriction in High side of system
High Low Compressor noisy Defective compressor reed valve
High High Discharge air warm and high side pipes hot Refrigerant charge high or inefficient
condenser cooling due to air flow blockage or
engine cooling fans not working
High High Discharge air warm
Sweating or frost at evaporator Expansion valve stuck open