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VA
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING (Continued)
To maintain minimum evaporator temperature and
prevent evaporator freezing, an evaporator tempera-
ture sensor is used.
Vehicles equipped with the available rear A/C sys-
tem have an individual temperature control and
blower motor speed switches. When the rear A/C sys-
tem is turned on, a solenoid valve opens the rear
refrigerant circuit and activates the blower motor for
the rear evaporator. The circulated internal air tem-
perature is measured by a temperature sensor and
the temperature value is compared within the rear
A/C control module to an adjusted value at the tem-
perature control switch. To prevent icing of the rear
evaporator, the temperature switch cuts off the flow
of refrigerant through the rear A/C circuit by de-en-
ergizing the solenoid valve.
The front and rear A/C systems are designed for
the use of non-CFC, R-134a refrigerant only. Both
the front and rear systems use an expansion valve to
meter refrigerant flow to the evaporator.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUNCTION TEST
The ATC system can perform an self-test, which
can be activated by the DRBIII scan tool to confirm
that the air conditioning system is performing satis-
factorily. This test provides a quick confirmation of
heater - air conditioning system performance to the
service technician. Refer to Body Diagnostic Proce-
dures for the appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - A/C
PERFORMANCE TEST
The air conditioning system is designed to provide
the passenger compartment with low temperature
and low specific humidity air. The evaporator, located
in the heater housing on the dash panel below the
instrument panel, is cooled to temperatures near the
freezing point. As warm damp air passes through the
cooled evaporator, the air transfers its heat to the
refrigerant in the evaporator and the moisture in the
air condenses on the evaporator fins. During periods
of high heat and humidity, an air conditioning sys-
tem will be more effective in the Recirculation Mode.
With the system in the Recirculation Mode, only air
from the passenger compartment passes through the
evaporator. As the passenger compartment air dehu-
midifies, the air conditioning system performance
levels improve.
Humidity has an important bearing on the temper-
ature of the air delivered to the interior of the vehi-
cle. It is important to understand the effect that
humidity has on the performance of the air condition-
ing system. When humidity is high, the evaporator
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3
has to perform a double duty. It must lower the air
temperature, and it must lower the temperature of
the moisture in the air that condenses on the evapo-
rator fins. Condensing the moisture in the air trans-
fers heat energy into the evaporator fins and tubing.
This reduces the amount of heat the evaporator can
absorb from the air. High humidity greatly reduces
the ability of the evaporator to lower the temperature
of the air.
However, evaporator capacity used to reduce the
amount of moisture in the air is not wasted. Remov-
ing some of the moisture out of the air entering the
vehicle adds to the comfort of the passengers.
Although, an owner may expect too much from their
air conditioning system on humid days. A perfor-
mance test is the best way to determine whether the
system is performing up to standard. This test also
provides valuable clues as to the possible cause of
trouble with the air conditioning system.
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
WARNING) and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CON-
DITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION).
NOTE: Very specific instructions and conditions
pertain to this procedure which are significantly dif-
ferent than procedures used in other vehicle appli-
cations. Follow each step in the order they are
presented. Do not skip steps or change conditions
from those stated or results will be adversely
affected and invalid.
The compressor clutch is de-energized under any of
the following conditions:
• Blocked compressor (thermal fuse in the pulley)
• Low pressure in the system
• Low evaporator temperature
• Hard acceleration (WOT)
• High coolant temperatures
(1) Place the vehicle in the shade with all widows
open.
(2) Turn the temperature control to cold.
(3) Select Fresh Air, not Recirculate and open all
air conditioning duct louvers.
(4) Start the vehicle and allow it to idle.
(5) Turn the blower switch to the maximum blower
speed setting and allow to operate for a short period
of time before proceeding.
(6) Perform an outlet temperature test as follows:
a. Turn the blower switch to the lowest blower
speed setting.
b. Insert a thermometer into a center duct for at
least five minutes.
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