instrument panel CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 Service Manual

or damaged, the instrument panel top cover must be
replaced.
²Demister Outlets- There are two side window
demisters that aid in defogging and defrosting the
front door windows. One demister outlet is located at
each outboard end of the instrument panel top pad,
near the belt line at the A-pillars. The demister out-
lets can be removed from the top pad individually for
service replacement.
²Instrument Panel Outlets- There are five
panel outlets in the instrument panel, one located
near each outboard end of the instrument panel fac-
ing the rear of the vehicle, and three located near the
top of the instrument panel center bezel. On models
with manual temperature control, all five of these
outlets are fully adjustable. On models with Auto-
matic Temperature Control (ATC), the center outlet
in the center bezel has fixed vanes because it also
houses the remote infrared temperature sensors for
the front seat positions. The outboard outlets can be
removed individually for service replacement. The
center bezel outlets are serviced as a gang of three
outlets and, on models with ATC, also includes the
infrared sensors.
²Front Door Rear Outlets- A fully adjustable
outlet located at the rear of each front door trim
panel supplies only cooled air to the intermediate
seat passengers. Air is supplied to these outlets from
the instrument panel through ducts in the doors that
use molded seals at the instrument panel to prevent
air leakage. The door ducts are integral to the front
door trim panels. These outlets also incorporate a red
reflector to improve the safety and visibility of an
opened front door to traffic approaching the vehicle
from the rear at night. These outlets can be removed
from the door trim panels for service replacement.
²Front Floor Outlets- There are two front floor
outlets, one located above each side of the floor panel
center tunnel below the instrument panel. These out-
lets are integral to the front heater-A/C unit distri-
bution housing.
²Rear Floor Outlets- Wide rear floor outlets
located under each front seat have integral, fixed
directional dividers to distribute heated air across
the floor for intermediate seat passengers. These out-
lets are integral to the floor distribution ducts routed
under the front floor carpet from an outlet nozzle on
the bottom of the front heater-A/C unit distribution
housing.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
The three outlets located near the top of the
instrument panel center bezel are serviced only as a
set of all three outlets. If the vehicle is equipped withthe optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
system, the center outlet of the three has fixed vanes
and also houses the remote front infrared tempera-
ture sensors.
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Place the center bezel face down on a suitable
work surface. Be certain to take the proper precau-
tions to protect the face of the center bezel from cos-
metic damage.
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
ATC system, disconnect the ATC remote infrared
temperature sensor jumper harness from the sensor
connector receptacle located on the bottom of the cen-
ter outlet housing (Fig. 3).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the bot-
tom of the outlet housing to the center bezel.
(6) Roll the bottom of the outlet housing upwards
towards the top of the center bezel far enough to dis-
engage the retainer features on the top of the outlet
housing from their receptacles at the top of the cen-
ter bezel.
(7) Remove the center bezel outlets and housing
from the center bezel as a unit.
REMOVAL - DEMISTER OUTLET
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the outer perimeter of the
demister outlet away from the instrument panel top
pad until the snap features on the outlet are released
(Fig. 4).
(2) Remove the demister outlet from the demister
duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
REMOVAL - FRONT DOOR REAR OUTLET
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-41
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
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(2) Remove the trim panel from the front door
inner panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, depress the four latch features (two
top and two bottom) that secure the outlet to the
inside of the trim panel rear outlet opening and push
the outlet unit out through the opening (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove the front door rear outlet through the
outside of the front door trim panel outlet opening.
REMOVAL - INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLET
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the outer perimeter of the
instrument panel outlet away from the instrument
panel top pad until the snap features on the outlet
are released (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove the instrument panel outlet from the
panel duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
Fig. 3 Center Bezel Outlets
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - INSTRUMENT PANEL SWITCH BANK
5 - CONNECTOR (ATC ONLY)
6 - JUMPER HARHESS (ATC ONLY)
Fig. 4 Demister Outlet
1 - DEMISTER OUTLET
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
3 - TRIM STICK
Fig. 5 Front Door Rear Outlet
1 - FRONT DOOR REAR OUTLET
2 - FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL
Fig. 6 Instrument Panel Outlet
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLET
3 - TRIM STICK
24 - 42 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
(1) Position the center bezel outlets and housing
onto the center bezel as a unit.
(2) Engage the retainer features on the top of the
outlet housing with their receptacles at the top of the
center bezel, then roll the bottom of the outlet hous-
ing downwards towards the center bezel.
(3) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the bottom of the outlet housing to the center bezel.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
ATC system, reconnect the ATC remote infrared tem-
perature sensor jumper harness to the sensor connec-
tor receptacle located on the bottom of the center
outlet housing.
(5) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION - DEMISTER OUTLET
(1) Position the demister outlet over the demister
duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
(2) Using hand pressure, press the demister outlet
firmly and evenly into the instrument panel top pad
opening until the snap features on the outlet are
fully engaged.
INSTALLATION - FRONT DOOR REAR OUTLET
(1) Position the front door rear outlet through the
outside of the front door trim panel outlet opening.
(2) While keeping the outlet aligned with the door
duct opening behind the trim panel, use hand pres-
sure to press the outlet firmly and evenly through
the outside of the front door trim panel outlet open-
ing until the four latch features (two top and two bot-
tom) that secure the outlet to the inside of the
opening are fully engaged.
(3) Reinstall the trim panel onto the front door
inner panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTALLATION - INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLET
(1) Position the instrument panel outlet into the
panel duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
(2) Using hand pressure, press the instrument
panel outlet firmly and evenly into the instrument
panel top pad opening until the snap features on the
outlet are fully engaged.
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor is a 12-volt, Direct Current (DC)
motor with a squirrel cage-type blower wheel that is
secured to the blower motor shaft (Fig. 7). The
blower motor and wheel are located near the passen-
ger side end of the heater-A/C unit within the two
halves of the intake air housing in the passenger
compartment below the instrument panel. The
blower motor and blower motor wheel are a factory
balanced unit and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the blower motor and blower
wheel must be replaced as a unit.
OPERATION
The blower motor will operate whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On position and the heater-A/C
control power is turned on. The blower motor can
only be turned off by turning off the power at the
heater-A/C control. The blower motor receives battery
current whenever the front blower motor relay is
energized. The front blower motor relay output cir-
cuit is protected by a fuse in the Intelligent Power
Module (IPM) located in the engine compartment
near the battery. In the Manual system, the blower
motor speed is controlled by regulating the path to
ground through the blower control switch and the
blower motor resistor. In the ATC system, the blower
motor speed is controlled by an electronic blower
power module, which uses a pulse width modulated
input from the ATC module and feedback from the
blower motor to regulate the blower motor ground
Fig. 7 Blower Motor
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - RUBBER GROMMET
3 - BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - MOUNTING TABS
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-43
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
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path it provides. The blower motor and wheel are
used to control the velocity of air moving through the
heater-A/C unit housing. The blower motor controls
the velocity of the air flowing through the heater-A/C
housing by spinning the blower wheel within the
housing at the selected speed or, in the ATC system,
at the selected or programmed speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fuse (Fuse 10 - 40 ampere) in the
Intelligent Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the heater-A/C control power is turned
on. Check for battery voltage at the fuse (Fuse 10 -
40 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, proceed to diagnosis of the front blower motor
relay. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/CONTROLS - FRONT/BLOWER MOTOR
RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the front HVAC wire harness connector
for the front blower motor resistor (Manual Temper-
ature Control) or the front blower power module
(Automatic Temperature Control) from the resistor or
module connector receptacle. Reconnect the battery
negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On
position. Be certain that the heater-A/C control
power is turned on. Check for battery voltage at the
fused front blower motor relay output circuit cavity
of the front HVAC wire harness connector for the
front blower motor resistor (MTC) or the front blower
power module (ATC). If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
repair the open fused front blower motor relay output
circuit to the IPM as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.Disconnect the front blower motor pigtail wire con-
nector from the connector receptacle of the front
blower motor resistor (MTC) or the front blower
power module (ATC). Use jumper wires to connect a
battery and ground feeds to the blower motor pigtail
wire connector. The blower motor should operate. If
OK with MTC, proceed to diagnosis of the front
blower motor resistor. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/CONTROLS - FRONT/BLOWER
MOTOR RESISTOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
If OK with ATC, use a DRBIII scan tool to diagnose
the front blower power module. Refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information. If not OK with MTC or
ATC, replace the faulty front blower motor.
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart (Fig. 8).
REMOVAL
The blower motor and blower wheel are serviced
only as a balanced unit. If either component is faulty
or damaged, the entire unit must be replaced.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING),
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING),
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
(1) Disconnect the blower motor pigtail harness
connector from the connector receptacle of either the
blower motor resistor or power module, depending
how vehicle is equipped (Fig. 9).
(2) Remove the lower right trim panel and roll
back the carpet.
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the recircu-
lation door actuator and disengage the wire harness
from the routing clips molded into the bottom of the
lower air intake housing.
(4) Remove the one screw (from the top) that
secures the lower air intake housing to the upper air
intake housing.
(5) Remove the four screws (from the bottom) that
secures the lower air intake housing to the lower half
of the evaporator housing and the upper air intake
housing.
(6) Push the rubber grommet on the blower motor
pigtail wires through the hole in the lower intake air
housing (Fig. 10).
24 - 44 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
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(4) Position the upper pivot of the recirculation
door into the opening at the top of the air inlet hous-
ing an dhold in place while the lower air inlet hous-
ing is placed in position.
(5) Install and tighten the three screws (from the
bottom) that secure the lower air intake housing to
the lower half of the evaporator housing. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(6) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the upper intake air housing to the lower intake air
housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the recirculation actuator making cer-
tain that the splines are aligned and secure the
actuator with two screws and torque the to 2 N´m (18
in. lbs.). Route the wiring into the molded inn rout-
ing clips.
(8) Position the carpet into location and install the
lower right trim panel.
(9) Connect the blower motor pigtail wire harness
electrical connector back into either the power mod-
ule or resistor receptacle.
(10) Run the Heater-A/C Calibration procedure(Re-
fer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CON-
TROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(11) Run the HVAC Control Cooldown test(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING).
DEFROSTER DUCT
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the properprecautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.
(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the defroster
duct to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Remove the defroster duct from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the defroster duct to the instrument
panel.
(2) Install the fasteners that secure the defroster
duct to the instrument panel armature.
(3) Reinstall the instrument panel in the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
DEMISTER DUCTS
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-47
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the proper
precautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.
(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the demister
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Disengage the demister ducts from the demis-
ter outlets.
(6) Remove the demister ducts from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the demister ducts to the instrument
panel.
(2) Engage the demister ducts to the demister out-
lets.
(3) Install the fasteners that secure the demister
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(4) Reinstall the instrument panel into the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
REMOVAL
(1) Roll back the carpet on the front floor from
under the instrument panel toward the rear of the
vehicle. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/CARPETS
AND FLOOR MATS - REMOVAL).
(2) Lift the center floor distribution duct upward
far enough to disengage its locator hole from the
weld stud on the front floor panel (Fig. 12).
(3) Pull the floor distribution duct assembly rear-
ward far enough to disengage the center floor distri-bution duct from the outlet on the bottom of the
heater-A/C housing unit.
(4) Disassemble the right and/or left floor distribu-
tion ducts from the center floor distribution duct as
required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble the right and/or left floor distribution
ducts onto the center floor distribution duct as
required.
(2) Slide the floor distribution duct assembly
under the instrument panel center stack far enough
to engage the center floor distribution duct with the
outlet on the bottom of the heater-A/C housing unit.
(3) Align the locator hole on the center floor distri-
bution duct with the weld stud on the front floor
panel.
(4) Using hand pressure, push the locator hole of
the center floor distribution duct down over the weld
stud on the front floor panel.
(5) Reinstall the carpet onto the front floor panel
and under the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 12 Floor Distribution Ducts
1 - CENTER FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
2 - RIGHT FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
3 - LEFT FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
4 - WELD STUD
24 - 48 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
DEMISTER DUCTS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING),
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING),
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Disconnect the liquid line and suction line from
the expansion valve. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/LIQUID
LINE - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/SUC-
TION LINE - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
core tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the four nuts that secure the heater-
A/C unit housing studs to the engine compartment
side of the dash panel (Fig. 13).
(7) Remove the instrument panel from the passen-
ger compartment. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-MENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY -
REMOVAL).
(8) Remove the floor distribution duct from the
heater-A/C unit housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - FRONT/
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the one screw that secures the heater-
A/C unit housing bracket to the passenger compart-
ment side of the dash panel (Fig. 14).
Fig. 13 Heater-A/C Unit Housing Studs
1 - HEATER-A/C UNIT HOUSING
2 - DASH PANEL
3 - NUT (4)
4 - STUD (4)
Fig. 14 Heater-A/C Unit Housing
1 - HEATER-A/C UNIT HOUSING
2 - SCREW
3 - BRACKET
4 - DASH PANEL
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-49
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(10) Pull the heater-A/C unit housing rearward far
enough for the mounting studs to clear the dash
panel and remove the unit from the passenger com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the heater-A/C unit housing against
the dash panel in the passenger compartment with
the four mounting studs located in their proper
mounting holes in the dash panel.
(2) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the heater-A/C unit housing bracket to the passenger
compartment side of the dash panel. Tighten the
screw to 3 N´m (26 in. lbs.).
(3) Install and tighten the four nuts that secure
the heater-A/C unit housing studs to the engine com-
partment side of the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to
7 N´m (62 in. lbs.).
(4) Reinstall the floor distribution duct onto the
heater-A/C unit housing. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - FRONT/
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reinstall the instrument panel into the passen-
ger compartment. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY -
INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the heater hoses to the heater core
tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the suction line and liquid line to
the expansion valve. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/SUCTION
LINE - INSTALLATION) and (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/
LIQUID LINE - INSTALLATION).
(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(9) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(10) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(11) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
PANEL DUCTS
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 ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the proper
precautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.
(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the panel
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Disengage the panel ducts from the panel out-
lets.
(6) Remove the panel ducts from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the panel ducts to the instrument
panel.
(2) Engage the panel ducts to the panel outlets.
(3) Install the fasteners that secure the panel
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(4) Reinstall the instrument panel into the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
24 - 50 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
(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) Reconnect the discharge line fitting to the com-
pressor discharge port on the top of the compressor.(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the compressor. Tighten the
nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(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) Reconnect the discharge line fitting to the con-
denser inlet port on the right side of the cooling mod-
ule.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
discharge line fitting to the condenser. Tighten the
nut to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(10) Position the radiator sight shield onto the
radiator closure panel crossmember.
(11) Install and tighten the five small screws that
secure the front fascia grille inserts to the radiator
sight shield. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(12) Install and tighten the two large screws that
secure the front fascia and the outboard ends of the
radiator sight shield to the radiator closure panel
crossmember. Tighten the screws to 6 N´m (53 in.
lbs.).
(13) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(14) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
EVAPORATOR
DESCRIPTION
The evaporator is located in the heater-A/C unit
housing, behind the instrument panel. The evapora-
tor is positioned in the heater-A/C housing so that all
air that enters the housing must pass over the fins of
the evaporator before it is distributed through the
system ducts and outlets. However, air passing over
the evaporator fins will only be conditioned when the
compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant
through the evaporator tubes. The heater-A/C unit
housing must be removed from the vehicle to access
the evaporator for service. The evaporator cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the evaporator from the expan-
sion valve as a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid/
vapor mixture. As air flows over the fins of the evap-
orator, the humidity in the air condenses on the fins,
Fig. 7 Condenser Connections
1 - CONDENSER
2 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
3 - LIQUID LINE FITTING
4 - NUT
Fig. 8 Discharge Line
1 - DISCHARGE LINE
2 - NUT
3 - DISCHARGE LINE FITTING
4 - STUD
5 - DISCHARGE PORT
24 - 68 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
DISCHARGE LINE (Continued)
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(14) Remove the two screws that secure the expan-
sion valve to the evaporator tube tapping plate.
(15) Disconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor from the sen-
sor on the top of the expansion valve.
(16) Remove the expansion valve from the evapo-
rator inlet and outlet tube fittings.
(17) Remove the seals from the evaporator inlet
and outlet tube fittings and discard.
(18) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened evap-
orator inlet and outlet tube fittings and both expan-
sion valve ports.
INSTALLATION
(1) Remove the tape or plugs from the evaporator
inlet and outlet tube fittings and both ports on the
back of the expansion valve.
(2) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the evaporator
inlet and outlet tube fittings.
(3) Position the expansion valve onto the evapora-
tor inlet and outlet tube fittings.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the expansion valve to the evaporator tube tapping
plate plate. Tighten the screws to 11 N´m (97 in.
lbs.).
(5) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle on the top of the expansion
valve.
(6) Remove the tape or plugs from the front liquid
line rear section and suction line fittings for the
expansion valve and both ports on the front of the
expansion valve.
(7) Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean
refrigerant oil and install them on the front liquid
line rear section and suction line fittings for the
expansion valve.
(8) Reconnect the liquid line and suction line fit-
tings to the expansion valve.
(9) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
suction line and liquid line fittings to the stud on the
expansion valve. Tighten the nut to 23 N´m (17 ft.
lbs.).
(10) Remove the tape or plugs from the liquid line
rear section fitting for the filter-drier and the filter-
drier outlet port.
(11) Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean
refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting.
(12) Reconnect the liquid line fitting to the filter-
drier outlet port on the top of the filter-drier.
(13) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
liquid line fitting to the filter-drier. Tighten the screw
to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).(14) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the A/C pressure transducer to the
transducer on the front liquid line rear section.
(15) Reconnect the drain tube to the wiper module
drain on the right side of the engine compartment.
(16) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the
right side of the engine compartment.
(17) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(18) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(19) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is located in the distribution hous-
ing of the heater-A/C unit, under the instrument
panel. It is a heat exchanger made of rows of tubes
and fins. One end of the core is fitted with a molded
plastic tank that includes integral heater core inlet
and outlet ports. The removable heater core tubes
are held in place these ports by a sealing plate
secured with a screw to the heater core tank. This
removable heater core tube arrangement allows the
heater core to be serviced without removing the heat-
er-A/C unit housing from the vehicle. The heater core
cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must
be replaced.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through heater hoses
to the heater core at all times. As the coolant flows
through the heater core, heat removed from the
engine is transferred to the heater core fins and
tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks up
the heat from the heater core fins. The blend air door
allows control of the heater output air temperature
by controlling how much of the air flowing through
the heater-A/C unit housing is directed through the
heater core.
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-73
EXPANSION VALVE (Continued)
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