EVAPORATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
The rear A/C evaporator (1) is located within the rear HVAC housing, behind the right interior quarter trim panel. The rear A/C evaporator is positioned in the rear HVAC housing so that all air entering the housing must pass over the evaporator fins before it is distributed through the rear heating-A/C system ducts and outlets. However, air passing over the rear evaporator fins will only be conditioned when the A/C compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant through the A/C evaporator.
The A/C expansion valve is connected and sealed to the A/C evaporator tubes (2) by use of rubber O-rings (3) and a tapping plate (4).
The rear A/C evaporator can only be serviced by removing and disassembling the rear HVAC housing.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the rear A/C evaporator from the rear A/C expansion valve as a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture of liquid and gas. As air flows over the fins of the rear A/C evaporator, the humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and vaporize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas when it leaves the rear A/C evaporator.
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
The rear A/C evaporator cannot be repaired and must be replaced if found leaking or damaged.
REMOVAL
1. Remove the rear HVAC housing and place it on a workbench (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - REAR/HOUSING-HVAC - REMOVAL).
2. Disassemble the rear HVAC housing as necessary to access the A/C evaporator (1) (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - REAR/HOUSING-HVAC - DISASSEMBLY).
3. Carefully lift the A/C evaporator out of the inboard half of the HVAC housing (3) and remove and discard the O-ring seals (2).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.
NOTE: When replacing multiple A/C system components, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
NOTE: If only the rear A/C evaporator is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
1. Position the rear A/C evaporator (1) into the inboard half of the rear HVAC housing (3).
2. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals (2) with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the evaporator tube fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
3. Assemble the rear HVAC housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - REAR/HOUSING-HVAC - ASSEMBLY).
4. Install the rear HVAC housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION - REAR/HOUSING-HVAC - INSTALLATION).
5. If the rear A/C evaporator is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. When replacing multiple A/C system components, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.