11-2 Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC)
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System Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
System Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
System Performance Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Unit Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-32
Vacuum Door Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-40
Vacuum Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-55
Water Control Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-26
Water Control Valve Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-26
Pressure Hose Torque Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-18
HVAC SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system consists of the main unit, auxiliary unit, ducting for air, hoses to transport re-
frigerant, coolant hoses, a water valve, A/C compressor, condenser, receiver dryer, expansion valve, safety switches and vacuum
pump. Function of the system is controlled by the vehicle operator using the control panel on the console.
Auxiliary Unit
A secondary HVAC unit is used on all 4-passenger vehicles as standard equipment. The auxiliary unit includes a secondary heater
core, evaporator, expansion valve, blower motor and controls. Both the heater and A/C work in parallel with the main unit, requir-
ing that the main system be in operation to activate the auxiliary unit. The blower in the auxiliary unit is operated using a 3-position
switch on the console and provides 2 speeds and an off position.
A/C COMPRESSOR DESCRIPTION
All 2006 vehicles use a common Denso compressor. The compressor is belt driven off the engine accessory drive and utilizes an
electric clutch to engage and disengage the compressor drive. The compressor is lubricated with required GM PAG oil. The com-
pressor is specifically designed to operate with R134a refrigerant.
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE CHECKS
Before performing any air conditioning repair, perform the following:
1.
Check the drive belt for wear, damage or loss of tension. Replace drive belt as necessary.
1.
Check the compressor for secure mounting and proper alignment. Tighten loose hardware and align as necessary.
2.
Visually inspect the compressor, hoses and other accessible parts of the system for damage or leaks. Look for patches of dirt,
dust, and oil build-up. Refrigerant leaks usually involve compressor oil loss. This is especially applicable to the clutch end of
the compressor.
3.
Verify operation of the climate control system by performing the following:
a.
With the mode (air flow) control knob set to OFF, run the engine to operating temperature (180°-240°F (82°-116°C)).
b.
Rotate the temperature control knob clockwise until it stops at the warmest setting.
c.
Rotate the mode control knob counterclockwise until it stops at the face setting.
d.
Turn the fan control knob to any setting above LO and note the direction and temperature of the air flow.
e.
Verify that heated air is coming from the instrument panel vents.
f.
Rotate the mode control knob clockwise to the next setting, floor vents, and verify that heated air comes from the appro-
priate vents.
g.
Continue checking the air flow positions, floor/defrost blend, and defrost.
NOTE: Any time the air flow control knob is placed in defrost or a defrost blend position (with an ambient temperature above
40°F), the compressor clutch engages to dehumidify the incoming air.
h.
Rotate the temperature control knob counterclockwise to its coldest extreme. Verify that cold air comes from the defrost
vents. If the outside air temperature is 40°F or warmer, the refrigeration system will be responsible for cooling the air. If it
is cooler than 40°F, the compressor will not cycle and the incoming air will simply be the outside air directed into the
passenger compartment.