AC system FORD MUSTANG 2003 Workshop Manual

Heater Core
WARNING: Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless and dangerous. If it is necessary
to operate the engine with the vehicle in a closed area such as a garage, always use an exhaust
collector to vent the exhaust gases outside the closed area. Failure to follow these instructions
may result in personal injury.
1. NOTE: Testing of returned heater cores reveals that a large percentage of heater cores are
good and did not require installation of a new heater core. If a heater core leak is suspected, the
heater core must be tested by following the Plugged Heater Core Component Test before the
Heater Core Pressure Test. Carry out a system inspection by checking the heater system
thoroughly as follows:
Inspect for evidence of coolant leakage at the heater water hose to heater core attachments. A
coolant leak in the heater water hose could follow the heater core tube to the heater core and
appear as a leak in the heater core.
CAUTION: Spring- type clamps are installed as original equipment. Installation and
overtightening of non- specification clamps can cause leakage at the heater water hose
connection and damage the heater core.
2. Check the integrity of the heater water hose clamps.
Heater Core— Plugged
WARNING: The heater core inlet hose will become too hot to handle if the system is
working correctly.
1. Check to see that the engine coolant is at the correct level.
2. Start the engine and turn on the heater.
3. When the engine coolant reaches operating temperature, feel the heater core outlet hose to see if it is hot.
If it is not hot:
zthe heater core may have an air pocket.
z the heater core may be plugged.
z the thermostat is not working correctly.
Heater Core— Pressure Test
Use the radiator/heater core pressure tester to carry out the pressure test. 1. NOTE: Due to space limitations, a bench test may be necessary for pressure testing.
Drain the coolant from the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 03A
or
Section 303 - 03B .
2. Disconnect the heater water hoses from the heater core. For additional information, refer to Klj . 37 ba
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A/C Evaporator/Condenser Core—
On-Vehicle Leak Test
1. Discharge and recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging in this section.
2. NOTE: DO NOT leak test an A/C evaporator core with the suction accumulator/drier (19C836)
attached to the core tubes.
Disconnect the suspect A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core from the A/C system. For
additional information, refer to Section 412 - 03 .
3. Clean the spring lock couplings. For additional information, refer to Spring Lock Coupling in this
section.
4. Connect the appropriate test fittings from the A/C Test Fitting Set to the evaporator or condenser tube connections.
5. NOTE: The automatic shut- off valves on some gauge set hoses do not open when connected to
the test fittings. If available, use hoses without shut- off valves. If hoses with shut-off valves are
used, make sure the valve opens when attached to the test fittings or install an adapter which
will activate the valve. The test is not valid if the shut- off valve does not open.
Connect the red and blue hoses from the manifold gauge set to the test fittings on the A/C
evaporator core or A/C condenser core. Connect the yellow hose to a known good vacuum
pump.
6. Open both gauge set valves and start the vacuum pump. Allow the vacuum pump to operate for a minimum of 45 minutes after the gauge set low pressure gauge indicates 101 kPa (30 in- Hg).
The 45- minute evacuation is necessary to remove any refrigerant from oil left in the A/C
evaporator core or A/C condenser core. If the refrigerant is not completely removed from the oil,
outgassing will degrade the vacuum and appear as a refrigerant leak.
7. If the low pressure gauge reading will not drop to 101 kPa (30 in- Hg) when the valves on the
gauge and manifold set are open and the vacuum pump is operating, close the gauge set
valves and observe the low pressure gauge. If the pressure rises rapidly to zero, a large leak is
indicated. Recheck the test fitting connections and gauge set connections before installing a
new A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core.
8. After evacuating for 45 minutes, close the gauge set valves and stop the vacuum pump. Observe the low pressure gauge; it should remain at the 101 kPa (30 in- Hg) mark.
z If the low pressure gauge reading rises 34 or more kPa (10 or more in- Hg) of vacuum
from the 101 kPa (30 in- Hg) position in 10 minutes, a leak is indicated.
z If a very small leak is suspected, wait 30 minutes and observe the vacuum gauge.
z If a small amount of vacuum is lost, operate the vacuum pump with gauge valves open
for an additional 30 minutes to remove any remaining refrigerant from the oil in the A/C Klj . 39 ba
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evaporator core or A/C condenser core. Then recheck for loss of vacuum.
z If a very small leak is suspected, allow the system to sit overnight with vacuum applied
and check for vacuum loss.
9. If the A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core does leak, as verified by the above procedure, install a new A/C evaporator core or A/C condenser core. For additional information, refer to
Section 412 - 03 .
A/C Compressor— External Leak Test
1. Install the A/C pressure test adapter on the rear head of the A/C compressor using the existing manifold retaining bolt.
2. Connect the high and low pressure lines of a manifold gauge set or a refrigerant recovery/recycling station such as the R- 134a A/C Service Center to the corresponding fittings
on the A/C pressure test adapter.
3. Attach the center hose of the manifold gauge set to a refrigerant container standing in an upright position.
4. Hand- rotate the compressor shaft 10 complete revolutions to distribute the oil inside the A/C
compressor.
5. Open the low pressure gauge valve, the high pressure gauge valve and the valve on the refrigerant container to allow the refrigerant vapor to flow into the A/C compressor.
6. Using the Refrigerant Leak Detector, check for leaks at the compressor shaft seal and the compressor center seal.
7. If a shaft seal leak is found, install a new shaft seal. For additional information, refer to Section 412 - 03 . If an external leak is found at the center joint of the A/C compressor, install a new A/C
compressor.
8. When the leak test is complete, recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging in this section. Klj . 40 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Air Conditioning (A/C) System Check —
Retail Procedure
NOTE: This Retail Procedure is not eligible for claiming on Ford paid repairs (warranty and ESP).
NOTE: The engine should be run at idle for 10 minutes with the air conditioning on and set to MAX A/C
before carrying out this retail procedure.
NOTE: Read and follow all of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes at the beginning of this section before
continuing.
1. Visual inspection
Open the hood and visually inspect the heating and air conditioning systems for the following:
zCoolant reservoir for correct coolant level
z Heater hoses for deterioration or loose connections
z Radiator and condenser for debris or damaged fins restricting airflow, loose mounting or
connections
z Accessory drive belt(s) and cooling fan(s) for wear or physical damage
z Refrigerant lines and connections for physical damage or loose connections
z Compressor for physical damage or loose connections
z Suction accumulator/drier for physical damage or loose connections
z Wiring and connectors for excessive wear, loose or damaged connections, or incorrect
routing
2. A/C refrigerant analysis
zCarry out air conditioning refrigerant analysis. For additional information, refer to
Refrigerant Identification Testing in this section.
z If the refrigerant fails the analysis, discontinue diagnosis and make recommendations for
repairs.
z If the refrigerant passes the analysis, carry out the air conditioning system check.
3. Air conditioning system check
zConnect manifold gauge set or charging station with gauges to refrigerant system.
z With the vehicle in park, parking brake set, thermometer installed in center panel vent,
and air conditioning system on and set to MAX A/C, start the engine.
z Record air refrigerant system pressures while running the engine at 1,500 rpm and allow
engine to return to idle.
z Operate the blower motor in all control positions and check for correct blower speed
changes.
z With the blower motor on HI, operate air discharge mode selector in all positions and
check for correct airflow in each position.
z Operate the temperature blend selector in all positions and check for correct change in
discharge temperature. Check the air discharge temperature with the selector in the
coolest position and the air conditioning on and set to MAX A/C to determine if the air
discharge temperature is acceptable for the current ambient air temperature.
z Carry out the EATC self- test (if applicable).
If the refrigerant system pressures were low, carry out the refrigerant system leak test.
SECTION 412-
00: Climate Control System - General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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4.
Refrigerant system leak test
zUse either an ultraviolet (UV) or an electronic leak detector to check for leaks at all
refrigerant lines, connections, and components.
After all tests have been completed, report all findings and recommended repairs to your
service advisor before carrying out further diagnostic procedures. Klj . 2 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Spring Lock Coupling
Disconnect
1. Remove the A/C tube lock coupling clip (19E746), if equipped.
2. Fit the special tool to the spring lock coupling.
3. Push the tool into the cage opening to release the female fitting from the A/C tube lock coupling spring (19E576).
SECTION 412-
00: Climate Control System - General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Remover, Refrigerant Coupling
Set
412-
039 (T84L-19623- B) Klj . 1 ba
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Cleaning
1. Fabricate a cleaning tool from a 1/8 inch diameter brazing rod.
2. Cut an abrasive pad from maroon colored 3M Scotch Brite® with the dimensions corresponding to the coupling size.
3. Assemble the pad to the tool.
4. Coat the abrasive pad with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R- 134a Systems) or equivalent.
5. Roll the pad on the tool and install it in a variable speed drill motor.
6. CAUTION: Maintain low speed drill rotation when inserting or removing the cleaning Coupling Size Pad Size
3/8 inch 25 x 50 mm (1 x 2 inch)
1/2 inch 25 x 50 mm (1 x 2 inch)
5/8 inch 25 x 76 mm (1 x 3 inch)
3/4 inch 25 x 102 mm (1 x 4 inch) Klj . 3 ba
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tool to prevent axial scratches which may cause future leaks.
Polish for one minute at moderate speed (less than 1,500 rpm) or until the surface is clean and
free of scratches or foreign material.
7. Clean the fitting with a lint- free cloth.
8. Inspect the surface for grooves or scratches. If grooves and scratches are still present, install a new component.
9. Clean the O- ring seal grooves with a 300 mm (12 inch) length of natural fiber string.
z Loop the string around the grooves and pull the string back and forth.
10. Remove any foreign material from the grooves with a lint- free cloth.
Connect 1. Install the A/C tube lock coupling spring.
2. Lubricate the inside of the coupling with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R- 134a Systems) or
equivalent. Klj . 4 ba
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3.
CAUTION: Use only the new O- ring seals. The use of any O-ring seals other than
those specified in the Ford Master Parts Catalog may result in intermittent leakage
during vehicle operation.
Install the O- ring seals.
z Lubricate the O- ring seals with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R- 134a Systems) or
equivalent.
4. Connect the spring lock coupling fittings with a twisting motion until the A/C tube lock coupling spring snaps over the flared end of the female fitting.
5. Install the A/C tube lock coupling clip. Klj . 5 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Heater Hose Coupling
Disconnect
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a new bushing, spacer or O- rings in the heater hose
coupling; damage to the heater hose coupling can result. If the heater hose coupling is the
cause of a coolant leak, the affected heater hose must be replaced as an assembly.
1. WARNING: The engine must be off, fully cool and the cooling system fully
depressurized before attempting to disconnect any heater water hoses. Failure to comply
with this warning can result in serious injury or burns from hot liquid escaping out of the
engine cooling system.
Depressurize the engine cooling system.
2. Push the heater hose toward the tube to fully expose the locking tabs.
3. NOTE: When compressing the white coupling retainer with the special tool, the special tool
must be perpendicular to and on the highest point of the coupling.
NOTE: If the heater hose coupling is accessible, the retainer tabs can be compressed by hand
to disconnect the heater hose.
Push the special tool over the coupling retainer windows to compress the retainer locking tabs.
SECTION 412-
00: Climate Control System - General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Remover, Heater Hose Inlet
Tube
412-
042 (T85T-18539- AH) Disconnect Tool, Heater Hose
412-
127
Material Item Specification
MERPOL®
—
ESE-
M99B144- B Klj . 1 ba
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