Attention! The air conditioning system is under high pressure. Do not loosen any hoses or fittings or remove any parts until the system is discharged. The air conditioner refrigerant should only be disposed of in a special container at an auto air conditioner repair shop. When disconnecting the pipes of the air conditioning system, always use protective goggles.
Attention! On vehicles since 1994, the air conditioning system uses the non-ozone depleting R-134a refrigerant. R-134a refrigerant and its lubricating oil are not compatible with the R-12 system used on vehicles prior to 1993. Under no circumstances should R-12 refrigerant or R-12 refrigerant oil be added to the R-134a system, and vice versa. Mixing different types of refrigerants and/or oils will damage the air conditioning system.
Examination
1. In order for the air conditioner to function as efficiently as possible, the following checks should be carried out regularly.
- A) Check drive belt. If it has worn out or lost its quality, replace it (see chapter 1, section 21).
- b) Check air conditioning hoses. Look for cracks, blisters and signs of wear. Check hoses and fittings for oil bubbles or fluid seepage. If there are any signs of wear, damage or leaks, replace the hose (hoses).
- V) Check for leaves, insects and other contaminants in the fins of the evaporator. A source of compressed air can be used to clean the evaporator.
- G) Check if the system is sufficiently filled with the required refrigerant.
2. It is recommended to turn on the system for approximately 10 minutes at least once a month, especially in winter. Long-term disuse of the system can lead to hardening and subsequent wear of all oil seals.
3. Due to the complexity of the air conditioning system and the need to use special equipment to service this system, a deeper analysis of the malfunctions that occur and the necessary repairs are not included in this manual. However, this chapter contains some simple checks and procedures for replacing some parts.
4. The most common reason for poor performance of the air conditioning system is insufficient refrigerant charge. If the system is producing a weak cold air supply, one of the following checks can be performed to determine if the refrigerant level is low.
5. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
6. Set the air conditioning temperature selector to the lowest setting and blower to maximum flow. open the doors (to ensure the operation of the air conditioning system while cooling the passenger compartment).
7. With the compressor turned on (The compressor clutch will make an audible click and the center of the clutch will begin to rotate) feel the outlet tube located near the right front frame side member next to the radiator.
8. If there is a noticeable drop in temperature, then the refrigerant level seems to be all right (see chapter 6, section 4 for information about the air conditioning clutch control system). Further checking of the system should be performed by a professional repairer.
9. If frost builds up on the inlet or is colder than the surface of the filter, the refrigerant charge is low. Models prior to 1993 and earlier require a technician or service technician to charge the A/C system. If you have a 1994 model car, see below.
Refrigerant additive (only for systems with R-134a refrigerant)
Note. According to the latest EPA regulations, the R-12 refrigerant used on 1993 and earlier models is no longer being manufactured.
10. Obtain an R-134a refrigerant canister and a can opener designed to work with the R-134a fitting. This device has a short piece of tubing that can be attached between the valve of the device and the charging valve on the underside. One canister of refrigerant may not be enough to charge the system to the correct level.
Attention! Never add more than 2 canisters of refrigerant to the system.
11. Connect the tamper valve to the canister and the end of the hose to the fitting on the underside of the system, following the tamper valve manufacturer's instructions. Do not open the canister at this time.
Attention! Do not connect a hose to the top side of the system.
12. Warm up the engine and turn on the air conditioning system. Keep hose away from fan and other moving parts.
13. Following the canister opener manufacturer's instructions, add refrigerant to the underside of the system until the filter surface and evaporator inlet feel the same temperature. Allow some time for stabilization before each addition of refrigerant.
14. When the surface of the filter drier and the evaporator inlet seem to be equally warm, add the refrigerant remaining in the canister.