LINE-A/C DISCHARGE

DESCRIPTION
REMOVAL
INSTALLATION

DESCRIPTION

NOTE: A/C discharge line for gasoline engine shown in illustration. A/C discharge line for diesel engine similar.

The A/C discharge line (1) is the refrigerant line that carries refrigerant from the A/C compressor to the A/C condenser and includes the high side service port (2) and a fitting (3) for the A/C pressure transducer (4).

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 discharge line has no serviceable parts except for the metal gaskets (5) and rubber O-ring seals (6) and the high side service port valve core. 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 and gaskets must be replaced whenever the A/C discharge line is removed.

The A/C discharge line cannot be repaired and must be replaced if found to be leaking or damaged.

REMOVAL

WARNING: Review safety precautions and warnings in this group before performing this procedure (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.

NOTE: It is not necessary to completely remove the front fascia for A/C discharge line service.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the splash shield from the right side frame rail (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/SPLASH SHIELD-RIGHT SIDE RAIL - REMOVAL).
5. Remove the nut (1) that secures the A/C discharge line (2) to the A/C compressor (3).
6. Disconnect the A/C discharge line from the A/C compressor and remove and discard the O-ring seal and gasket.
7. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened discharge line fitting and the compressor port.
8. Lower the vehicle.

9. Remove the upper radiator closure panel and carefully pull the top of the fascia forward to gain access to the A/C discharge line (3) (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/CLOSURE PANEL-UPPER RADIATOR - REMOVAL).
10. Reach down through the opening between the radiator and the front fascia and disconnect the wire harness connector (1) from the A/C pressure transducer (2).
11. Remove the nut (5) that secures the A/C discharge line to the right side of the A/C condenser (4).
12. Disconnect the A/C discharge line from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal and gasket.
13. Install plugs in, or tape over the discharge line fitting and the condenser port.
14. If necessary, remove the A/C pressure transducer from the A/C discharge line.

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).

1. If removed, install the A/C pressure transducer (2) onto the A/C discharge line (3). Tighten the A/C pressure transducer securely.
2. Position the A/C discharge line into the engine compartment.
3. Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge line fitting and the condenser port.
4. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it and a new gasket onto the discharge 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. Reach down through the opening between the radiator and the front fascia and connect the A/C discharge line to the A/C condenser (4).
6. Install the nut (5) that secures the A/C discharge line to the A/C condenser. Tighten the nut to 5 N·m (44 in. lbs.).
7. Connect the wire harness connector (1) to the A/C pressure transducer.
8. Install the upper radiator closure panel (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/CLOSURE PANEL-UPPER RADIATOR - INSTALLATION).

9. Raise and support the vehicle.
10. Remove the tape or plugs from the discharge line fitting and the compressor port.
11. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it and a new gasket onto the discharge 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.
12. Connect the A/C discharge line (2) to the A/C compressor (3).
13. Install the nut (1) that secures the A/C discharge line to the A/C compressor. Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the splash shield onto the right side frame rail (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/SPLASH SHIELD-RIGHT SIDE RAIL - INSTALLATION).
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION: Do NOT run the engine with a vacuum pump in operation or with a vacuum present within the A/C system. Failure to follow this caution will result in serious A/C compressor damage.

17. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
18. Adjust the refrigerant oil level (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
19. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).