A/C Refrigerant System Operation
R-134A REFRIGERANT SYSTEMThe R-134a A/C system is used in this application.
- The R-134a system uses a non-chlorofluorocarbon (non-CFC) based refrigerant R-134a.
- R-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerant.
- R-134a requires use of YN-12b refrigerant oil.
- Do not use R-12 service tools and equipment when servicing an R-134a system.
- Never mix R-12 and R-134a refrigerants or oils; they are not compatible.
A/C-HEATER SYSTEM, MANUAL
The manual A/C-heater system has the following features:
- split-case design, integral A/C blower.
- controls the temperature and, during A/C operation, reduces the relative humidity of air inside the vehicle.
- control knobs adjust the desired temperature and system functions.
- The system delivers heated or cooled air to maintain the vehicle interior temperature and comfort level.
- A/C blower motor speeds can be adjusted for desired air flow.
- Manual temperature control can be maintained in all control settings except when system is turned OFF.
- In hot weather, the system will cool the vehicle to a comfortable level.
- Cooling or heating can then be adjusted to maintain desired temperature.
- The function selector knob can be turned on after the engine is warm. The system will heat vehicle to desired temperature.
- Outside air is drawn from the cowl air inlet just below the windshield during all system operations except for MAX A/C cooling (when recirculated air is used).
HEATING SYSTEM
In the manual A/C-heater system:
- heat can be added to system air flow in any of the function selector knob positions except OFF.
- air distribution through the system is determined by the A/C damper door switch position.
- quantity of air flowing through the system is determined by the position of the heater blower motor switch.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
In the manual A/C-heater system:
- Outside air is drawn from the cowl in all function selector knob positions except OFF and MAX A/C.
- Cooling and dehumidification of ventilation air occurs in all function selector knob positions except OFF, PANEL, PANEL/FLOOR and FLOOR.
CLIMATE CONTROL ASSEMBLY
The climate control assembly has three control knobs:
- The air flow control or function selector knob is a vacuum selector valve combined with an internal electrical switch.
- The temperature control knob, which controls the position of the A/C electronic door actuator motor is mounted on the A/C evaporator housing.
- The blower motor control knob is an electrical switch that provides four speeds of heater blower motor operation.
Air Flow Control
Air flow control is accomplished in the following manner:
- Primary control is through the function selector knob, mounted on the A/C damper door switch, which is part of the heater control.
- The function selector knob has the following positions: OFF, MAX A/C, A/C, PANEL, PANEL/FLOOR, FLOOR, FLOOR/DEFROST and DEFROST.
- The A/C damper door switch combines a vacuum selector valve with an internal electrical switch.
- The vacuum selector valve directs source vacuum to various vacuum control motors.
- Two internal single-pole electrical switches are also controlled by A/C damper door switch. The combination of these electrical switches controls the electrical supply to the A/C compressor clutch and heater blower motor switch.
- The position of the function selector knob determines the manner in which the system will operate.
- Each position of the function selector knob is detented for positive engagement.
Temperature Control
The temperature control operates in the following manner:
- Temperature control of the manual A/C-heater system is determined by the position of the temperature control knob (between COOL and WARM).
- This control knob is connected to a potentiometer mounted in the A/C control. This potentiometer is electrically connected to the A/C electronic door actuator motor that operates the A/C air temperature control door.
- The A/C electronic door actuator motor contains a reversible electronic motor, another potentiometer and a printed circuit board. The wiper of the potentiometer is connected to the actuator output shaft and moves with the output shaft to indicate the position of the A/C air temperature control door.
- Battery voltage is applied to the ends of each potentiometer. The voltage available at each wiper indicates the position of the potentiometer. The printed circuit board drives the actuator in whichever direction is necessary to make acuator wiper voltage agree with control wiper voltage.
System uses a "reheat" method to provide conditioned air to the passenger compartment.
- All airflow from the blower motor passes through the A/C evaporator housing.
- Temperature is then regulated by reheating a portion of the air and blending it with the remaining cool air to the desired temperature.
- Temperature blending is varied by the A/C air temperature control door, which regulates the amount of air that flows through and/or around the heater core, where it is then mixed and distributed.
Blower Motor Control
Blower motor operation is controlled by the heater blower motor switch.
- The heater blower motor switch provides four manually-selected blower speeds and may be operated in any position to select the desired amount of airflow.
- The heater blower motor switch and the heater blower motor switch resistor are positioned in the ground circuit of the blower motor.