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 Nm (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 Nm (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).