Nissan Pathfinder (2009 year). Manual - part 446

HA-22

< FUNCTION DIAGNOSIS >

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

The ECM de-energizes the A/C relay to disengage the magnetic compressor clutch when pressure on the high
pressure side detected by refrigerant pressure sensor is over about 2,746 kPa (28 kg/cm

2

, 398 psi), or below

about 120 kPa (1.22 kg/cm

2

, 17.4 psi).

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

The refrigerant system is also protected by a pressure relief valve, located in the rear head of the compressor.
When the pressure of refrigerant in the system increases to an abnormal level [more than 2,990 kPa (30.5 kg/
cm

2

, 433.6 psi)], the release port on the pressure relief valve automatically opens and releases refrigerant into

the atmosphere.

2009 Pathfinder

OIL

HA-23

< FUNCTION DIAGNOSIS >

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OIL

Maintenance of Oil Quantity in Compressor

INFOID:0000000003935705

The oil in the compressor circulates through the system with the refrigerant. Add oil to compressor when
replacing any component or after a large refrigerant leakage has occurred. It is important to maintain the spec-
ified amount.
If oil quantity is not maintained properly, the following malfunctions may result:
• Lack of oil: May lead to a seized compressor
• Excessive oil: Inadequate cooling (thermal exchange interference)

OIL

Oil name: NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING

CAUTION:

If excessive oil leakage is noted, do not perform the oil return operation.
Start the engine and set the following conditions:

Test Conditions

• Engine speed: idling to 1,200 rpm
• A/C switch: ON
• Blower fan speed: HIGH
• Temperature control: optional [set so intake air temperature is 25

°

 to 30

°

 C (77

°

 to 86

°

F)]

• Intake position: RECIRCULATION mode
• Perform oil return operation for about ten minutes
Adjust the oil quantity according to the following table.

Oil Adjusting Procedure for Components Replacement Except Compressor

After replacing any of the following major components, add the correct amount of oil to the system.

Amount of Oil to be Added

*1:

If refrigerant leak is small, no addition of oil is needed.

Oil Adjustment Procedure for Compressor Replacement

Part replaced

Oil to be added to system

Remarks

Amount of oil

m

 (US fl oz, Imp fl oz)

Front evaporator

75 (2.5, 2.6)

—

Rear evaporator

75 (2.5, 2.6)

—

Condenser

75 (2.5, 2.6)

—

Liquid tank

5 (0.2, 0.2)

Add if compressor is not replaced.

In case of refrigerant leak

30 (1.0, 1.1)

Large leak

—

Small leak *1

2009 Pathfinder

HA-24

< FUNCTION DIAGNOSIS >

OIL

1.

Before connecting recovery/recycling equipment to vehicle, check recovery/recycling equipment gauges.
No refrigerant pressure should be displayed. If NG, recover refrigerant from equipment lines.

2.

Connect recovery/recycling equipment to vehicle. Confirm refrigerant purity in supply tank using recovery/
recycling equipment and refrigerant identifier. If NG, refer to 

HA-4, "Contaminated Refrigerant"

.

3.

Confirm refrigerant purity in vehicle A/C system using recovery/recycling equipment and refrigerant identi-
fier. If NG, refer to 

HA-4, "Contaminated Refrigerant"

.

4.

Discharge refrigerant into the refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Measure oil discharged into the
recovery/recycling equipment.

5.

Drain the oil from the “old” (removed) compressor into a graduated container and recover the amount of
oil drained.

6.

Drain the oil from the “new” compressor into a separate, clean container.

7.

Measure an amount of new oil installed equal to amount drained from “old” compressor. Add this oil to
“new” compressor through the suction port opening.

8.

Measure an amount of new oil equal to the amount recovered during discharging. Add this oil to “new”
compressor through the suction port opening.

9.

If the liquid tank also needs to be replaced, add an additional 5 m  (0.2 US fl oz, 0.2 Imp fl oz) of oil at this
time.
Do not add this 5 m  (0.2 US fl oz, 0.2 Imp fl oz) of oil if only replacing the compressor.

1.

New compressor

2.

Old compressor

3.

Recovery/recycling equipment

4.

Measuring cup X

5.

Measuring cup Y

6.

New oil

A.

Drain oil from the new compressor 
into clean container

B.

Record amount of oil recovered

C.

Add an additional 5 m

 (0.2 US fl oz, 

0.2 Imp fl oz) of new oil when replacing 
liquid tank

D.

Install new oil equal to recorded 
amounts in measuring cups X plus Y 

WJIA1716E

2009 Pathfinder

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

HA-25

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

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ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

HFC-134a (R-134a) Service Procedure

INFOID:0000000003935706

SETTING OF SERVICE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Discharging Refrigerant

WARNING:

Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and oil vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat.
Remove HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant from the A/C system using certified service equipment meeting
requirements of SAE J2210 HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment or SAE J2201 HFC-134a (R-134a)
recovery equipment. If an accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resum-
ing service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and oil man-
ufacturers.

Evacuating System and Charging Refrigerant

1.

Shut-off valve

2.

A/C service valve

3.

Recovery/recycling equipment

WJIA1160E

WJIA1161E

2009 Pathfinder

HA-26

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

1.

Shut-off valve

2.

A/C service valve

3.

Recovery/recycling equipment

4.

Refrigerant container (HFC-134a)

5.

Refrigerant weight scale (J-39699)

6.

Vacuum pump (J-39649)

7.

Manifold gauge set with hoses and 
couplers (J-39183-C)

*1

 

HA-27, "Maintenance of Oil Quantity 

in Compressor"

.

*3

HA-29, "Checking of Refrigerant 
Leaks"

.

*5

HA-4, "Contaminated Refrigerant"

.

*2

HA-29, "Checking of Refrigerant 
Leaks"

.

*4

HAC-21, "CONSULT-III Function 
(HVAC)"

.

WJIA1923E

2009 Pathfinder

OIL

HA-27

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

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OIL

Maintenance of Oil Quantity in Compressor

INFOID:0000000003935707

The oil in the compressor circulates through the system with the refrigerant. Add oil to compressor when
replacing any component or after a large refrigerant leakage has occurred. It is important to maintain the spec-
ified amount.
If oil quantity is not maintained properly, the following malfunctions may result:
• Lack of oil: May lead to a seized compressor
• Excessive oil: Inadequate cooling (thermal exchange interference)

OIL

Oil name: NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING

CAUTION:

If excessive oil leakage is noted, do not perform the oil return operation.
Start the engine and set the following conditions:

Test Conditions

• Engine speed: idling to 1,200 rpm
• A/C switch: ON
• Blower fan speed: HIGH
• Temperature control: optional [set so intake air temperature is 25

°

 to 30

°

 C (77

°

 to 86

°

F)]

• Intake position: RECIRCULATION mode
• Perform oil return operation for about ten minutes
Adjust the oil quantity according to the following table.

Oil Adjusting Procedure for Components Replacement Except Compressor

After replacing any of the following major components, add the correct amount of oil to the system.

Amount of Oil to be Added

*1:

If refrigerant leak is small, no addition of oil is needed.

Oil Adjustment Procedure for Compressor Replacement

Part replaced

Oil to be added to system

Remarks

Amount of oil

m

 (US fl oz, Imp fl oz)

Front evaporator

75 (2.5, 2.6)

—

Rear evaporator

75 (2.5, 2.6)

—

Condenser

75 (2.5, 2.6)

—

Liquid tank

5 (0.2, 0.2)

Add if compressor is not replaced.

In case of refrigerant leak

30 (1.0, 1.1)

Large leak

—

Small leak *1

2009 Pathfinder

HA-28

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

OIL

1.

Before connecting recovery/recycling equipment to vehicle, check recovery/recycling equipment gauges.
No refrigerant pressure should be displayed. If NG, recover refrigerant from equipment lines.

2.

Connect recovery/recycling equipment to vehicle. Confirm refrigerant purity in supply tank using recovery/
recycling equipment and refrigerant identifier. If NG, refer to 

HA-4, "Contaminated Refrigerant"

.

3.

Confirm refrigerant purity in vehicle A/C system using recovery/recycling equipment and refrigerant identi-
fier. If NG, refer to 

HA-4, "Contaminated Refrigerant"

.

4.

Discharge refrigerant into the refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Measure oil discharged into the
recovery/recycling equipment.

5.

Drain the oil from the “old” (removed) compressor into a graduated container and recover the amount of
oil drained.

6.

Drain the oil from the “new” compressor into a separate, clean container.

7.

Measure an amount of new oil installed equal to amount drained from “old” compressor. Add this oil to
“new” compressor through the suction port opening.

8.

Measure an amount of new oil equal to the amount recovered during discharging. Add this oil to “new”
compressor through the suction port opening.

9.

If the liquid tank also needs to be replaced, add an additional 5 m  (0.2 US fl oz, 0.2 Imp fl oz) of oil at this
time.
Do not add this 5 m  (0.2 US fl oz, 0.2 Imp fl oz) of oil if only replacing the compressor.

1.

New compressor

2.

Old compressor

3.

Recovery/recycling equipment

4.

Measuring cup X

5.

Measuring cup Y

6.

New oil

A.

Drain oil from the new compressor 
into clean container

B.

Record amount of oil recovered

C.

Add an additional 5 m

 (0.2 US fl oz, 

0.2 Imp fl oz) of new oil when replacing 
liquid tank

D.

Install new oil equal to recorded 
amounts in measuring cups X plus Y 

WJIA1716E

2009 Pathfinder

FLUORESCENT LEAK DETECTOR

HA-29

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

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FLUORESCENT LEAK DETECTOR

Checking of Refrigerant Leaks

INFOID:0000000003935708

PRELIMINARY CHECK

Perform a visual inspection of all refrigeration parts, fittings, hoses and components for signs of A/C oil leak-
age, damage, and corrosion. Any A/C oil leakage may indicate an area of refrigerant leakage. Allow extra
inspection time in these areas when using either an electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995) or fluores-
cent dye leak detector (J-42220).
If any dye is observed using a fluorescent dye leak detector (J-42220), confirm the leak using a electronic
refrigerant leak detector (J-41995). It is possible that the dye is from a prior leak that was repaired and not
properly cleaned.
When searching for leaks, do not stop when one leak is found but continue to check for additional leaks at all
system components and connections.
When searching for refrigerant leaks using an electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995), move the probe
along the suspected leak area at 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 in) per second and no further than 6 mm (1/4 in) from the
component.

CAUTION:

Moving the electronic refrigerant leak detector probe slower and closer to the suspected leak area will
improve the chances of finding a leak.

Checking System for Leaks Using the Fluorescent Dye Leak Detector

INFOID:0000000003935709

1.

Check the A/C system for leaks using the fluorescent dye leak detector and safety goggles (J-42220) in a
low sunlight area (area without windows preferable). Illuminate all components, fittings and lines. The dye
will appear as a bright green/yellow area at the point of leakage. Fluorescent dye observed at the evapo-
rator drain opening indicates an evaporator core assembly leak (tubes, core or expansion valve).

2.

If the suspected area is difficult to see, use an adjustable mirror or wipe the area with a clean shop rag or
cloth, then inspect the shop rag or cloth with the fluorescent dye leak detector (J-42220) for dye residue.

3.

After the leak is repaired, remove any residual dye using refrigerant dye cleaner (J-43872) to prevent
future misdiagnosis.

4.

Perform a system performance check and then verify the leak repair using a electronic refrigerant leak
detector (J-41995).
NOTE:
• Other gases in the work area or substances on the A/C components, for example, anti-freeze, wind-

shield washer fluid, solvents and oils, may falsely trigger the leak detector. Make sure the surfaces to be
checked are clean.

• Clean with a dry cloth or blow off with shop air.
• Do not allow the sensor tip of the electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995) to contact with any sub-

stance. This can also cause false readings and may damage the detector.

Dye Injection

INFOID:0000000003935710

NOTE:
This procedure is only necessary when recharging the system or when the compressor has seized and must
be replaced.

1.

Check the A/C system static (at rest) pressure. Pressure must be at least 345 kPa (3.52 kg/cm

2

 , 50 psi).

2.

Pour one bottle 7.4 cc (1/4 ounce) of the HFC-134a (R-134a) fluorescent leak detection dye (J-41447) into
the HFC-134a (R-134a) dye injector (J-41459).

CAUTION:

If repairing the A/C system or replacing a component, pour the HFC-134a (R-134a) fluorescent leak
detection dye (J-41447) directly into the open system connection and proceed with the service
procedures.

3.

Connect the refrigerant dye injector (J-41459) to the low-pressure service valve.

4.

Start the engine and switch the A/C system ON.

5.

When the A/C system is operating (compressor running), inject one bottle 7.4 cc (1/4 ounce) of HFC-134a
(R-134a) fluorescent leak detection dye (J-41447) through the low-pressure service valve using HFC-
134a (R-134a) dye injector (J-41459). Refer to the manufacturer's operating instructions.

2009 Pathfinder