Air Conditioning System

General Description

Air Conditioning:

The air conditioning (A/C) system is a clutch cycling, thermostatic expansion valve type. The system components are:

A/C compressor

A/C clutch

A/C condenser core

A/C evaporator core

Thermostatic expansion valve

Receiver drier

Connecting refrigerant lines

The refrigeration system operation is controlled by the:

Thermostatic expansion valve.

Evaporator discharge temperature sensor.

A/C compressor relief valve.

A/C pressure transducer.

Powertrain control module (PCM)

DATC module

The refrigerant system incorporates a variable capacity A/C compressor. The A/C compressor clutch engagement is controlled by the PCM.

The DATC module monitors the evaporator discharge temperature sensor and communicates with the PCM to control clutch cycling. The DATC also monitors the ambient air temperature and disables A/C operation when the ambient air temperature is below 0° C (30° F).

The A/C pressure transducer is located in the compressor discharge line and communicates with the PCM. If high or low refrigerant pressures are experienced the PCM will interrupt A/C compressor operation.

The pressure relief valve is installed in the compressor manifold and tube assembly and protects the system from excessively high refrigerant pressure.

The thermostatic expansion valve, which is mounted to the evaporator core inlet and outlet tubes, contains an adjustable orifice which provides the restriction that separates the high and low pressure liquid phases in the refrigerant system.