General information
The air conditioning system is used to cool and reduce the humidity of the air inside the car.
The system can be used both separately in warm weather and in combination with a heater in cold weather. In the second case, dry warm air is supplied to the passenger compartment, which allows you to quickly remove condensate from the windows.
The main components of an air conditioning system include an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, a receiver/drier, an expansion valve, as well as connecting fittings, consisting of tubes and hoses, through which liquid and/or gaseous refrigerant is pumped (see accompanying illustration). A set of various controls and sensors serves to stabilize the engine idle speed and to prevent excessive pressure fluctuations in the system.
1 - expansion valve; 2 - compressor; 3 - evaporator; 4 - vapor phase lines; 5 - liquid lines; 6 - viewing window; 7 - receiver/drier; 8 capacitor
The refrigerant boils at a very low temperature (- 33°С), obliges allows you to constantly keep it under pressure.
Warning! The release of refrigerant can cause frostbite and damage to the eyes, and when mixed with air, the refrigerant forms a poisonous and flammable gas.
Simultaneously with the loss of refrigerant, there is also a loss of oil from the compressor, and therefore, the presence of traces of oil on any of the refrigeration line connectors is a sign of a refrigerant leak.
The compilers of this Guide recommend that all work related to the need to disconnect refrigeration lines be entrusted to specialists in air conditioning systems.
In the event of a general repair of a car related to the need to remove the power unit, the designers provided for the possibility of removing the compressor from the engine without disconnecting the hoses (the length of the latter gives a certain degree of freedom of movement of the node) and fixing it in the engine compartment away from the working area (on the wing mudguard).
Checking the coolant level (system charge level)
1. Start the engine and for a few minutes turn on the air conditioner for maximum cooling.
2. Observe the refrigerant flow through the viewing window on top of the receiver/dryer:
- If the system is working properly, the viewing window glass will remain transparent during the entire time the compressor is running.
- Cycling the compressor on and off may cause occasional bubbling, but continuous bubbling of the flow indicates a drop in the system charge level.
- Intensive bubbling and foaming indicate a very strong drop in the refrigerant level.
- The complete absence of bubbles or the presence of oil streaks indicate a complete discharge of the system.
Note. At high ambient temperatures, slight refrigerant bubbling may occur even with a fully charged system.
3. If the system needs to be charged, the car should be driven to a specialized workshop where it was evacuated (air release), leak test and charge.
4. To avoid damage to the compressor, do not turn on the air conditioner if there are signs of a drop in the refrigerant level in the system.
Service
Note. The air conditioning system requires little or no regular maintenance other than the procedures listed below.
1. Lubricate system components in accordance with the vehicle's routine maintenance schedule.
2. Through the sight glass on top of the receiver/dryer, periodically check the refrigerant level. If necessary, charge the system. The need to regularly recharge your air conditioning system is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
3. Periodically condition the refrigeration lines of the air conditioning system for signs of leaks and external damage. The presence of traces of oil on the fittings is a sign of refrigerant leaks. Make any necessary repairs.
4. Periodically check the evaporator drain tube and condenser coil flow area for signs of blockage. Clean if necessary.
5. Regularly check the condition and tension of the compressor drive belt.
6. At any time of the year regularly (at least once a week) run the air conditioning system for 10÷15 minutes to lubricate the internal seals.