LINE-A/C SUCTION
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: 4.7L engine shown. Other engines similar.
The A/C suction line (2) is the refrigerant line that carries refrigerant from the A/C evaporator to the A/C compressor (3). The A/C suction line is retained onto the A/C expansion valve (1) by a tapping plate (4), which also secures the A/C liquid line (8) (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/LINE-A/C SUCTION - DESCRIPTION). Models equipped with the rear heating-A/C system include an extension tube (5) that connects the suction line to the underbody suction line (7) by use of a tapping block (6).
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 A/C suction line has no serviceable parts except for the rubber O-ring seals. The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant. The O-ring seals must be replaced whenever the suction line is removed and installed.
If the A/C suction line cannot be repaired and must be replaced if found to be leaking or damaged.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING) and (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: 4.7L engine shown. Other engines similar.
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the nut (5) that secures the tapping block of the suction line extension tube (4) to the underbody suction line (6).
5. Disconnect the suction line extension tube from the underbody suction line and remove and discard the O-ring seal.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Disconnect the A/C suction line (2) from the front A/C expansion valve (1) and the A/C compressor (3) and remove the suction line from the engine compartment refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/LINE-A/C SUCTION - REMOVAL)
8. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and expansion valve and compressor ports.
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: 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.
NOTE: 4.7L engine shown. Other engines similar.
1. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and expansion valve and compressor ports.
2. Position the A/C suction line (2) into the engine compartment and install it to the front A/C expansion valve (1) and the A/C compressor (3) (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/LINE-A/C SUCTION - INSTALLATION).
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it onto the underbody suction line fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is 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.
5. Connect the suction line extension tube (4) to the underbody suction line (6) and install the nut (5). Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 ft. lbs.).
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
8. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
9. Adjust the refrigerant oil level (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
10. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).