LINE-A/C LIQUID
DESCRIPTION
The A/C liquid line (1) is the refrigerant line that carries refrigerant from the A/C condenser to the A/C evaporator. The A/C liquid line contains the high side service port (2) and is secured to the A/C expansion valve by a tapping block (3) and to the A/C condenser by a metal fitting (6).
The A/C liquid line is sealed to the A/C condenser and the A/C expansion valve by use of rubber O-ring seals (4) and a metal gasket (7). The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant.
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 liquid line has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals, gaskets, high-side service port valve and cap. 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 liquid line is removed.
The A/C liquid 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 - 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: The A/C liquid line can be serviced separately from the A/C suction line.
NOTE: 3.8L engine shown in illustrations. 2.8L engine similar.
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. Remove the nut (2) that secures the A/C liquid line (3) and A/C suction line (5) to the A/C expansion valve (1).
4. Disconnect the A/C liquid and suction lines from the A/C expansion valve and remove and discard the O-ring seals.
5. If required remove the retaining bracket (4) that secures the A/C liquid line to the A/C suction line and separate the liquid line from the suction line.
6. On 2.8L equipped models, disconnect the air intake hose from the throttle body and position the hose out of the way.
7. Remove the nut (2) that secures the A/C liquid line (1) to the tapping block of the A/C condenser (3) located in the left front of the engine compartment.
8. Disconnect the A/C liquid line from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal and gasket.
9. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suction and liquid line fittings and the condenser and expansion valve 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/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: 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: 3.8L engine shown in illustrations. 2.8L engine similar.
1. Position the A/C liquid line (1) into the engine compartment.
2. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened suction and liquid line fittings and the condenser and expansion valve ports.
3. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and a new gasket onto the suction and liquid line fittings. Use only the specified O-ring seals 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.
4. Connect the A/C liquid line to the A/C condenser (3) and install the retaining nut (2). Tighten the nut to 23 N·m (17 ft. lbs.).
5. If removed, install the A/C liquid line (3) into the tapping block of the A/C suction line (5).
6. On 2.8L equipped models, connect the air intake hose to the throttle body.
7. Connect the A/C liquid line and A/C suction line to the A/C expansion valve (1) and install the retaining nut (2). Tighten the nut to 8 N·m (70 in. lbs.).
8. If removed, install the bracket (4) that secures the A/C liquid line to the A/C suction line.
9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
10. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
11. Adjust the refrigerant oil level (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
12. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).