EVAPORATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
The A/C evaporator (1) for the heating-A/C system is mounted in the HVAC housing, which is located behind the instrument panel. The A/C evaporator and its insulator (2) are positioned within the HVAC housing so that all air entering the housing must pass over the evaporator fins before it is distributed through the heating-A/C system ducts and outlets.
A tapping block (3) and O-ring seals are used to connect and seal the A/C evaporator tubes (4) to the underhood refrigerant lines.
The A/C evaporator can only be serviced by removing and disassembling the HVAC housing assembly.
OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the A/C evaporator through the A/C orifice tube as a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture of liquid and gas. As air flows over the fins of the 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 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 A/C evaporator has no serviceable parts except for the 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 a refrigerant line is removed from the A/C evaporator.
The A/C evaporator cannot be repaired and must be replaced if found to be leaking or damaged.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The HVAC housing assembly must be removed from vehicle and disassembled for service of the A/C evaporator.
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
1. Remove the HVAC housing and place it on a workbench (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - REMOVAL).
2. Disassemble the HVAC housing to gain access to the A/C evaporator (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - DISASSEMBLY).
NOTE: If the foam insulator around the A/C evaporator is deformed or damaged, the insulator must be replaced.
3. Carefully lift the A/C evaporator (1) and the foam insulator (2) out of the lower half of the HVAC housing (3).
NOTE: If the seal around the evaporator tube tapping block is deformed or damaged, the seal must be replaced.
4. If required, remove the seal (4) from around the evaporator tube tapping block (5).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/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/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
NOTE: If only the A/C evaporator is being replaced, add 20 milliliters (0.7 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.
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
1. If removed, install the seal (4) onto the evaporator tube tapping block (5).
NOTE: Make sure that the foam insulator is properly positioned in the HVAC housing.
2. Carefully install the A/C evaporator (1) and foam insulator (2) into the lower half of the HVAC housing (3).
3. Assemble the HVAC housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - ASSEMBLY).
4. Install the HVAC housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - INSTALLATION).
5. If the A/C evaporator is being replaced, add 20 milliliters (0.7 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/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.