Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual page 2266

RS
EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR (Continued)
Fig. 18 Evaporator Temperature Sensor
1 - RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER
2 - EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
3 - EXPANSION VALVE
4 - DASH PANEL
5 - RETAINER
The evaporator temperature sensor cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it
must be replaced.
OPERATION
The evaporator temperature sensor monitors the
temperature of the evaporator through its connection
to the top of the expansion valve. The sensor will
change its internal resistance in response to the tem-
peratures it monitors. The heater-A/C control module
is connected to the sensor through a sensor ground
circuit and a sensor signal circuit. As the evaporator
temperature increases, the resistance of the sensor
decreases and the voltage monitored by the module
decreases. The module uses this monitored voltage
reading to an indication of the evaporator tempera-
ture. The heater-A/C control module is programmed
to respond to this input by sending electronic mes-
sages to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus, and the PCM then cycles the air condition-
ing compressor clutch as necessary to optimize air
conditioning system performance and to protect the
system from evaporator freezing. The external loca-
tion of the sensor and the use of a screw allows the
sensor to be removed or installed from the expansion
valve without disturbing the refrigerant in the sys-
tem. The evaporator temperature sensor is diagnosed
using a DRBIII scan tool. Refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information.
CONTROLS - FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the air cleaner housing from the right
side of the engine compartment.
(3) Remove the windshield wiper assembly from
the vehicle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS/WIPER MODULE - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the temperature sensor attaching
screw from the expansion valve.
(5) Pull the evaporator temperature sensor away
from the expansion valve far enough to access the
red release ring on the wiring connector. Push the
red ring toward the connector to release lock and
remove the HVAC wire harness connector from the
temperature sensor.
(6) Remove the evaporator temperature sensor
from the engine compartment. Please note that any
grease removed with the old temperature sensor
must be replaced, failure to do so could result in poor
a/c performance.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the evaporator temperature sensor
into the right rear corner of the engine compartment.
Please make sure any grease removed with the old
sensor has been replaced before the new sensor is
installed, failure to do so could lead to poor a/c per-
formance.
(2) Reconnect the HVAC wire harness connector
for the evaporator temperature sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle.
(3) Position the evaporator temperature sensor
onto the top of the expansion valve with the sensor
probe inserted into the well in the expansion valve.
(4) Install the temperature sensor retaining screw
and tighten.
(5) Install the window wiper assembly to the vehi-
cle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER MODULE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall the air cleaner housing into the right
side of the engine compartment.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(8) Run the HVAC Cool Down test to verify system
is operating properly(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR
CONDITIONING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
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