Prowler V6-3.5L VIN G (1999)
Hose/Line HVAC: Description and Operation
A/C REFRIGERANT LINES
The lines are used to carry the refrigerant between the various system components.
The air conditioning lines used on this vehicle are made from reinforced rubber with a nylon liner on the inner walls. The ends of the A/C lines are
made with light weight aluminium fittings or quick connects.
The A/C lines use special connectors called quick connects. There are four quick connects in the system. Two are located at the condenser and the
other two are located at the expansion valve. Each quick connector has a clip installed on it.
CAUTION: Never attempt to remove a clip or disconnect a quick connect without reclaiming all refrigerant from the air conditioning system.
The system must be empty.
All quick connects use two O-rings to seal the connection. The O-rings are made from a special type of rubber that is not affected by R-134a
refrigerant. O-ring replacement is required whenever lines are removed and installed. Use only O-rings specified for this vehicle. Failure to use the
correct type of O-ring will cause the connection to leak within a short period of time.
When it is necessary to open the refrigeration system, have everything needed to service the system ready. The system should not be left open any
longer than necessary. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened. This will prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture into the
system. All new lines and components should be capped or sealed until they are ready to be used.
WARNING: Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Use only
approved service equipment meeting SAE requirements to discharge R-134a system. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work
area before resuming service.
R-134a Service equipment or vehicle a/c system should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air/R-134a
have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are potentially dangerous and may result in fire or explosion causing
injury or property damage.
HANDLING TUBING AND FITTINGS
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the capacity of the entire system. High pressures are
produced in the system when it is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that all connections are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture
can enter the system when it is opened for repair or replacement of lines or components. The refrigerant oil will absorb moisture readily out of the
air. This moisture will convert into acids within a closed system.
CAUTIONS:
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The system must be completely empty before opening any fitting or connection in the refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution even
after the system has been emptied. If any pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened, retighten fitting and evacuate the system again.
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A good rule for the flexible hose lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least 10 times the diameter of the hose. Sharper bends will reduce the
flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be routed so they are at least 3 inches (80 mm) from the exhaust manifold. Inspect all
flexible hose lines to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.
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The use of correct wrenches when making connections is very important. Improper wrenches or improper use of wrenches can damage the
fittings.
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The internal parts of the A/C system will remain stable as long as moisture-free refrigerant and refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of
dirt, moisture or air can upset the chemical stability. This may cause operational troubles or even serious damage if present in more than very
small quantities.
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When opening a refrigeration system, have everything you will need to repair the system ready. This will minimize the amount of time the
system must be opened. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened. This will help prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture.
All new lines and components should be capped or sealed until they are ready to be used.
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All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing manifold, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should be kept clean and dry.
