Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 3041

If two substances of different temperature are placed near each other, the heat in the warmer
substance will transfer to the colder substance.
Latent Heat of Vaporization
When a liquid boils (converts to a gas), it absorbs heat without raising the temperature of the resulting
gas. When the gas condenses (reverts back to a liquid), it gives off heat without lowering the
temperature of the resulting liquid.
Relative Humidity
The amount of moisture (water vapor content) that the air can hold is directly related to the air
temperature. The more heat there is in the air, the more moisture the air can hold. The lower the
moisture content in the air, the more comfortable you feel. Removing moisture from the air lowers its
relative humidity and improves personal comfort.
Effects of Pressure on Boiling or Condensation
As the pressure is increased on a liquid, the temperature at which the liquid boils (converts to a gas)
also increases. Conversely, when the pressure on a liquid is reduced, its boiling point is also reduced.
When in the gas state, an increase in pressure causes an increase in temperature, while a decrease in
pressure will decrease the temperature of the gas.
Compressor Anti-Slugging Strategy
Liquid refrigerant may accumulate in the A/C compressor under certain conditions. To alleviate
damage to the A/C compressor, compressor anti-slugging strategy (CASS) is utilized.
CASS is initiated only under specific conditions:
the ignition is off for more than 8 hours
the ambient temperature is above -4ºC (25ºF)
battery voltage is above 8.5 volts during engine cranking
When these conditions are present, the powertrain control module (PCM) will activate the A/C control
relay prior to cranking of the engine. The A/C control relay engages the A/C compressor for
approximately 4-15 A/C compressor revolutions or a maximum of 2 seconds (depending upon vehicle
application), allowing the liquid refrigerant to be pushed from the A/C compressor. CASS is initiated by
the PCM regardless of the function selector switch position or the EATC system settings.
The Refrigerant Cycle
During stabilized conditions (air conditioning system shut down), the refrigerant is in a vaporized state
and pressures are equal throughout the system. When the A/C compressor (19703) is in operation, it
increases pressure on the refrigerant vapor, raising its temperature. The high-pressure and high-
temperature vapor is then released into the top of the A/C condenser core (19712).
The A/C condenser core, being close to ambient temperature, causes the refrigerant vapor to
condense into a liquid when heat is removed from the refrigerant by ambient air passing over the fins
and tubing. The now liquid refrigerant, still at high pressure, exits from the bottom of the A/C
condenser core and enters the inlet side of the A/C evaporator core orifice (19D990).
The A/C evaporator core orifice is the restriction in the refrigerant system that creates the high
pressure buildup upstream of the A/C evaporator core (19860) and separates the high and low
pressure sides of the A/C system. As the liquid refrigerant leaves this restriction, its pressure and
boiling point are reduced.
The liquid refrigerant is now at its lowest pressure and temperature. As it passes through the A/C