ABS LAND ROVER DEFENDER 1996 Owner's Guide

82AIR CONDITIONING
2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Operation
Evaporator unit and expansion valve
High pressure liquid refrigerant is delivered to the
expansion valve which is the controlling device for the
air conditioning system. A severe pressure drop
occurs across the valve and as the refrigerant flows
through the evaporator it picks up heat from the
ambient air, boils and vaporizes. As this change of
state occurs, a large amount of latent heat is
absorbed. The evaporator is therefore cooled and as
a result heat is extracted from the air flowing across
the evaporator. The refrigerant leaves the evaporator,
on its way to the compressor, as a low pressure gas.
An evaporator sensor measures the air temperature at
the evaporator and engages or disengages the
compressor clutch to prevent icing of the air ways.
Compressor
The compressor, a pump specially designed to raise
the pressure of the refrigerant, is mounted on the front
of the engine and is driven by an independent drive
belt from the crankshaft pulley. The compressor draws
vaporized refrigerant from the evaporator. It is
compressed with a resulting rise in temperature and
passed on to the condenser as a hot, high pressure
vapour.
Condenser
The condenser is mounted directly in front of the
radiator and consists of a refrigerant coil mounted in a
series of thin cooling fins to provide the maximum
heat transfer. Air flow across the condenser is induced
by vehicle movement and assisted by two electric fans
attached to the frame of the condenser. The
refrigerant high pressure vapour enters the condenser
inlet on the RH side. As the vapour passes through
the condenser coils the air flow, assisted by the two
fans, carries the latent heat away from the condenser.
This induces a change of state resulting in the
refrigerant condensing into a high pressure warm
liquid. From the condenser, the refrigerant continues
to the receiver/ drier.
Receiver/drier
This component acts as a reservoir and is used to
hold extra refrigerant until it is needed by the
evaporator. The drier within the receiver unit contains
a filter and dessicant (drying material) which absorb
moisture and prevent dessicant dust from being
carried with the refrigerant into the system.AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATER CONTROLS -
LH DRIVE
1. Temperature control
Move the lever upwards (RED) to increase air
temperature, or downwards (BLUE) to reduce air
temperature.
2. Air conditioning switch
Press the switch (indicator lamp illuminates) to
activate the air conditioning. Press again to switch off.
3. Air recirculation control
Move the lever fully upwards to activate air
recirculation. Move the lever fully downwards to
cancel recirculation.
NOTE: Prolonged recirculation may cause
the windows to mist up.
4. Air distribution control
Lever fully up - air to windscreen vents (also provides
some air to the footwell).
Lever midway - air to fascia vents (also provides some
air to the footwell).
Lever fully down - air to footwell vents (also provides
some air to the windscreen).

82AIR CONDITIONING
2
ADJUSTMENT SERVICING PRECAUTIONS
Care must be taken when handling refrigeration
system components. Units must not be lifted by their
hoses, pipes or capillary lines. Hoses and lines must
not be subjected to any twist or stress. Ensure that
hoses are positioned in their correct run before fully
tightening the couplings, and ensure that all clips and
supports are used. Torque wrenches of the correct
type must be used when tightening refrigerant
connections to the stated value. An additional spanner
must be used to hold the union to prevent twisting of
the pipe.
Before connecting any hose or pipe ensure that
refrigerant oil is applied to the seat of the new '0' ring
but not to the threads.
Check the oil trap for the amount of oil lost.
All protective plugs on components must be left in
place until immediately prior to connection.
The receiver/drier contains desiccant which absorbs
moisture. It must be positively sealed at all times.
CAUTION: Whenever the refrigerant
system is opened, the receiver/drier must
be renewed immediately before evacuating
and recharging the system.
Use alcohol and a clean cloth to clean dirty
connections.
Ensure that all new parts fitted are marked for use
withR134a.
Refrigerant oil
Use the approved refrigerant lubricating oil - Nippon
Denso ND-OIL 8.
CAUTION: Do not use any other type of
refrigerant oil.
Refrigerant oil easily absorbs water and must not be
stored for long periods. Do not pour unused oil back
into the container.
When renewing system components, add the
following quantities of refrigerant oil:
Condenser 40ml..........................................................
Evaporator 80ml..........................................................
Pipe or hose 20ml........................................................
Receiver/drier 20ml......................................................Total quantity of refrigerant oil in system = 140ml
A new compressor is sealed and pressurised with
Nitrogen gas, slowly release the sealing cap, gas
pressure should be heard to release as the seal is
broken.
NOTE: A new compressor should always
have its sealing caps in place and these
must not be removed until immediately
prior to fitting
A new compressor is supplied with an oil fill of 140ml.
A calculated quantity of oil must be drained from a
new compressor before fitting.
To calculate the quantity of oil to be drained:
1.Remove sealing plugs from the OLD
compressor.
2.Invert compressor and gravity drain oil into
measuring cylinder. Rotating the compressor
clutch plate will assist complete draining.
3.Note the quantity of oil drained (Yml).
4.Calculate the quantity (Qml) of oil to be drained
from the NEW compressor using the following
formula:
Xml - (Yml + 20ml) = Qml
Rapid refrigerant discharge
When the air conditioning system is involved in
accident damage and the circuit is punctured, the
refrigerant is discharged rapidly. The rapid discharge
of refrigerant will also result in the loss of most of the
oil from the system. The compressor must be
removed and all the remaining oil in the compressor
drained and refilled as follows:
1.Gravity drain all the oil, assist by rotating the
clutch plate (not the pulley).
2.Refill the compressor with 90ml of new
refrigerant oil.
3.Plug the inlet and outlet ports.
Servicing Equipment
The following equipment is required for full servicing
of the air conditioning system.
Recovery, recycling and charging station
Leak detector
Thermometer +20°C to -60°C
Safety goggles and gloves

82AIR CONDITIONING
6
ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM TEST
1.Place the vehicle in a ventilated, shaded area
free from excessive draught, with the doors and
windows open.
2.Check that the surface of the condenser is not
restricted with dirt, leaves, flies, etc. Do not
neglect to check the surface between the
condenser and the radiator. Clean as necessary.
3.Switch on the ignition and the air conditioner air
flow control. Check that the blower is operating
efficiently at low, medium and high speeds.
Switch off the blower and the ignition.
4.Check that the evaporator condensate drain
tubes are open and clear.
5.Check the tension of the compressor driving belt,
and adjust if necessary.
6.Inspect all connections for the presence of
refrigerant oil. If oil is evident, check for leaks,
and repair as necessary.
NOTE: The compressor oil is soluble in
Refrigerant R134a and is deposited when
the refrigerant evaporates from a leak.
7.Start the engine.
8.Set the temperature controls to cold and switch
the air conditioner blower control on and off
several times, checking that the magnetic clutch
on the compressor engages and releases each
time.
9.With the temperature control at maximum
cooling and the blower control at high speed,
warm up the engine and fast idle at 1000
rev/min.
10.Repeat at 1800 rev/min.
11.Gradually increase the engine speed to the high
range and check the sight glass at intervals.
12.Check for frosting on the service valves.
13.Check the high pressure hoses and connections
by hand for varying temperature. Low
temperature indicates a restriction or blockage at
that point.
14.Switch off the air conditioning blower and stop
the engine.
15.If the air conditioning equipment is still not
satisfactory, carry out a pressure test as
previously described in this section.PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING REFRIGERANT
LINES
WARNING: Wear eye and hand protection
when disconnecting components
containing refrigerant. Plug all exposed
connections immediately.
1.When disconnecting any hose or pipe
connection the system must be discharged of all
pressure. Proceed cautiously, regardless of
gauge readings. Open connections slowly,
keeping hands and face well clear, so that no
injury occurs if there is liquid in the line. If
pressure is noticed, allow it to bleed off slowly.
2.Lines, flexible end connections and components
must be capped immediately they are opened to
prevent the entrance of moisture and dirt.
3.Any dirt or grease on fittings must be wiped off
with a clean alcohol dampened cloth. Do not use
chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene. If
dirt, grease or moisture cannot be removed from
inside the hoses, they must be replaced with
new hoses.
4.All replacement components and flexible end
connections must be sealed, and only opened
immediately prior to making the connection.
5.Ensure the components are at room temperature
before uncapping, to prevent condensation of
moisture from the air that enters.
6.Components must not remain uncapped for
longer than 15 minutes. In the event of delay, the
caps must be fitted.
7.Receiver/driers must never be left uncapped as
they contain Silica Gel crystals which will absorb
moisture from the atmosphere. A receiver/ drier
left uncapped must not be used, fit a new unit.
8.The compressor shaft must not be rotated until
the system is entirely assembled and contains a
charge of refrigerant.
9.A new compressor contains an initial charge of
refrigerant oil. The compressor also contains a
holding charge of gas when received which
should be retained by leaving the seals in place
until the pipes are re-connected.
10.The receiver/drier should be the last component
connected to the system to ensure optimum
dehydration and maximum moisture protection of
the system.

ELECTRICAL
1
REPAIR ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
The following guidelines are intended to ensure the
safety of the operator whilst preventing damage to
electrical and electronic components fitted to the
vehicle.
Polarity
Never reverse connect the vehicle battery and always
observe the correct polarity when connecting test
equipment.
High voltage circuits
WARNING: Before commencing work on
an ignition system, all high tension
terminals, adaptors and diagnostic
equipment for testing should be inspected to
ensure that they are adequately insulated and
shielded to prevent accidental personal contacts
and minimize the risk of shock. Wearers of
surgically implanted pacemaker devices should
not be in close proximity to ignition circuits or
diagnostic equipment.
Whenever disconnecting live high tension circuits
always use insulated pliers and never allow the open
end of a high tension lead to come into contact with
other components particularly electronic control units.
Exercise caution when measuring the voltage on the
coil terminals while the engine is running, since, high
voltage spikes can occur on these terminals.
Connectors and harness
Always ensure that these items are dry and oil free
before disconnecting and connecting test equipment.
Never force connectors apart either by using tools or
by pulling on the wiring harness. Always ensure
locking tabs are disengaged before removal and note
orientation to enable correct reconnection. Ensure that
any protective covers and substances are replaced if
disturbed. Having confirmed a component to be faulty
switch-off the ignition and disconnect the battery.
Remove the component and support the disconnected
harness. When replacing the component keep oily
hands away from electrical connection areas and
push connectors home until any locking tabs fully
engage.Battery disconnecting
Before disconnecting the battery, switch off all
electrical equipment.
Battery charging
Recharge the battery out of the vehicle and keep the
top well ventilated. While being charged or
discharged, and for approximately 15 minutes
afterwards, batteries emit hydrogen gas which is
flammable. Always ensure any battery charging area
is well ventilated and that every precaution is taken to
avoid naked flames and sparks.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Switch-off ignition prior to making any connection or
disconnection in the system as electrical surge
caused by disconnecting 'live' connections can
damage electronic components.
Ensure hands and work surfaces are clean and free of
grease, swarf, etc. as grease collects dirt which can
cause tracking or high-resistance contacts.
When handling printed circuit boards, treat them as
you would a disc - hold by the edges only.
Prior to commencing a test, and periodically during a
test, touch a good earth, for instance, a cigar lighter
socket, to discharge body static as some electronic
components are vulnerable to static electricity.