Climate Control: Removal & Installation Acura RDX I facelift

Receiver/Dryer Desiccant Replacement

Note. Install the receiver/dryer as quickly as possible to prevent the system from absorbing moisture from the air.

Scheme 63

1. Remove the A/C condenser (see «A/C CONDENSER REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S20170430942012111600000) ).
2. Remove the bolts from the A/C condenser, then remove the receiver/dryer (A), the bracket (B), and the O-rings (C).
3. Install the receiver/dryer in the reverse order of removal. Replace the O-rings with new ones, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil (SP-10) before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a)to avoid leakage.

A/C Compressor Replacement

Note. Do not install the A/C compressor into a system unless you are completely sure that the system is free of contamination. Installing the A/C compressor into a contaminated system can result in premature A/C compressor failure.

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1. If the A/C compressor is marginally operable, run the engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioning work for a few minutes, then shut the engine off.
2. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-513846-S08104512972012111600000) ).
3. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION»(ref-513852-S10376292412012111600000) ).
4. Remove the alternator (see «ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-513847-S02113732592012111600000) ).
5. Remove the bolt and the nut, then disconnect the suction hose (A), discharge hose (B) and connector (C) from the A/C compressor. After the hoses are disconnected, remove the O-rings (D) and plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
6. Remove the mounting bolts and the A/C compressor (A). Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the A/C compressor.
7. Install the compressor in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Inspect the A/C lines for any signs of contamination. If you're installing a new A/C compressor, you must calculate the amount of refrigerant oil to be removed from it (see «A/C REFRIGERANT OIL REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S34779896102012111600000) ). A new A/C compressor comes with a full charge of oil. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage. Use refrigerant oil (SP-10) for HFC-134a SANDEN spiral type A/C compressor only. To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refrigerant oils. Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately. Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when installing the A/C compressor and the A/C condenser fan shroud. Charge the system (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(ref-513846-S17060152242012111600000) ).
8. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION»(ref-513852-S10376292412012111600000) ).

A/C Compressor Relief Valve Replacement

Note. If the A/C compressor relief valve released refrigerant to the atmosphere, determine and correct the cause of the excessive system pressure, then replace the relief valve.

Scheme 66

1. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-513846-S08104512972012111600000) ).
2. Remove the relief valve (A), and the O-ring (B). Plug the opening to keep foreign matter from entering the system and the A/C compressor oil from running out.
3. Clean the mating surfaces.
4. Replace the O-ring with a new one at the relief valve, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing it.
5. Remove the plug you installed in step 2 , then install and tighten the relief valve.
6. Charge the system (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(ref-513846-S17060152242012111600000) ).

A/C Refrigerant Oil Replacement

Special Tools Required

Oil Injector Tool Robinair ROB16256, commercially available

*This tool is available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Recommended PAG oil: SP-10

P/N 38897-P13-A01 AH: 120 mL (4 fl-oz)

It is important to have the correct amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C system to ensure proper lubrication of the A/C compressor.

Too little oil damages the A/C compressor; too much oil reduces the cooling capacity of the system, and can produce high vent temperatures.

1. To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refrigerant oils.
2. Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
3. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if it gets on the paint, wash it off immediately.

Add the recommended refrigerant oil in the amount listed if you replace any of the following parts.

A/C condenser..........40 mL (1 1/3 fl-oz)

Evaporator................40 mL (1 1/3 fl-oz)

Line or hose..............10 mL (1/3 fl-oz)

Receiver/Dryer desiccant...................10 mL (1/3 fl-oz)

Leakage repair..........25 mL (5/6 fl-oz)

A/C compressor........Since the oil separator is equipped inside the A/C compressor for this vehicle, oil drainage is unnecessary at the time of A/C compressor replacement.

Scheme 67

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Scheme 69

1. Open the glove box. Remove the damper from the glove box, then let the glove box hang down (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Remove the dust and pollen filter assembly from the blower unit.
3. Remove the filter (A) from the housing (B), and replace the filter.
4. Install the filter in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that there is no air leaking out of the blower unit.

Scheme 70

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Scheme 74

1. Remove the glove box (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Remove the climate control unit (see «CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S14735229062012111600000) ).
3. Remove the harness clip (A), the self-tapping screws, and the passenger's heater duct (B).
4. Remove the harness clip (A) and the bolts. Cut the plastic cross brace (B) in the glove box opening with diagonal cutters in the area shown. Retain these parts to be reinstalled later.
5. Disconnect the connector (A) from the recirculation control motor.
6. Disconnect the connector (A) from the blower motor, then remove the wire harness clip (B) and the ground terminal bolt (C).
7. Remove the self-tapping screws, the bolts, the mounting nut, and the blower unit (A).
8. Install the unit in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that there is no air leakage.

Blower Unit Component Replacement

Note these items when overhauling the blower unit

Scheme 75

1. The recirculation control motor (A), the blower motor (B), and the dust and pollen filter (C) can be replaced without removing the blower unit.
2. Before reassembly, make sure that the recirculation control linkage and door move smoothly without binding.
3. After reassembly, make sure the recirculation control motor runs smoothly (see «RECIRCULATION CONTROL MOTOR TEST»(ref-513846-S30886719072012111600000) ).

Scheme 76

1. Remove the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S36938503802012111600000) ).
2. Remove the bolts (A), the O-rings (B), and the expansion valve (C).
3. Install the valve in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage. Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately. Make sure that there is no air leakage. Charge the system (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(ref-513846-S17060152242012111600000) ).

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Scheme 83

1. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-513846-S08104512972012111600000) ).
2. Remove the bolt (A).
3. Remove the nut, then disconnect the A/C lines (A), and remove the O-rings (B) from the evaporator core.
4. Remove the stud bolt (A).
5. Remove the blower unit (see «BLOWER UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S20233918472012111600000) ).
6. Disconnect the connectors (A) from the evaporator temperature sensor and the power transistor, then remove the connector clip (B). Remove the self-tapping screws, the expansion valve cover (C), and the seal (D).
7. Carefully pull out the evaporator core (A) without bending the lines, then remove the plate (B).
8. Remove the clip (A) and the evaporator temperature sensor (B). NOTE: The evaporator temperature sensor is installed in the fin at the 7th fin from the left side by the factory preset.
9. When the evaporator temperature sensor is reinstalled, set the evaporator temperature sensor in the eight fin from the left side (one fin over from the previous position).
10. Install the core in the reverse order of removal and note these items: If you're installing a new evaporator core, add the appropriate amount of refrigerant oil (SP-10) (see «A/C COMPRESSOR RELIEF VALVE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S28163431912012111600000) ). Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage. Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately. Make sure that there is no air leakage. Charge the system (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(ref-513846-S17060152242012111600000) ).

Scheme 84

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Scheme 86

1. From under the hood, open the cable clamp (A), then disconnect the heater valve cable (B) from the heater valve arm (C).
2. From under the dash, disconnect the heater valve cable housing from the cable clamp (A), and disconnect the heater valve cable (B) from the air mix control linkage (C).
3. Set the temperature control button to Max Cool (Lo) with the ignition switch to ON (II).
4. Attach the heater valve cable to the air mix control linkage as shown in step 2 . Hold the end of the heater valve cable housing against the stop, then snap the heater valve cable housing into the cable clamp. NOTE: Make sure the ring-end of the cable is pushed all the way to the base of the pin on air mix control linkage.
5. From under the hood, turn the heater valve arm (A) to the fully closed position as shown in illustration, and hold it. Attach the heater valve cable (B) to the heater valve arm, and gently pull on the heater valve cable housing to take up any slack, then install the heater valve cable housing into the cable clamp (C).

Heater Unit/Core Replacement

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before doing repairs or service.

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1. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION»(ref-513852-S10376292412012111600000) ).
2. Disconnect the A/C line from the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S36938503802012111600000) ).
3. Remove the air cleaner housing assembly (see «AIR CLEANER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513845-S42552347872012111600000) ).
4. From under the hood, open the cable clamp (A), then disconnect: the heater valve cable (B) from the heater valve arm \\C). Turn the heater valve arm to the fully opened position as shown in illustration.
5. When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator (see «COOLANT CHECK»(ref-513839-S17022790932012111600000) ).
6. From under the hood, slide the hose clamps (A) back. Disconnect the inlet heater hose (B) and the outlet heater hose (C) from the heater unit. Note the layout of the hoses. Engine coolant will run out when the hoses are disconnected; drain it into a clean drip pan. Be sure not to let coolant spill on the electrical parts or the painted surfaces. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.
7. Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel lines or the brake lines.
8. Remove the dashboard (see «DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT»(ref-513880-S28555636912012111600000) ).
9. Disconnect the connector (A) from the blower motor. Remove the wire harness clip (B) and the ground terminal bolt (C)
10. Disconnect the connector (A) from the recirculation control motor.
11. Disconnect these connectors (A) from the climate control unit, the mode control motor, the passenger's air mix control motor, the evaporator temperature sensor, and the power transistor. Remove the wire harness clip (B).
12. Disconnect these connectors (A) from the driver's air mix control motor and the A/C wire harness. Remove the connector clip (B), the wire harness clips (C), and the wire harness (D).
13. Remove the mounting bolts, the mounting nuts, and the blower-heater unit (A).
14. Remove the self-tapping screws, the heater core cover (A), the grommet (B), and carefully pull out the heater core (C).
15. Install the heater core and the evaporator core in the reverse order of removal.
16. Install the heater unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Do not interchange the inlet and outlet heater hoses, and install the hose clamps securely. Refill the cooling system with engine coolant (see «COOLANT CHECK»(ref-513839-S17022790932012111600000) ). Make sure that there is no coolant leakage. Make sure that there is no air leakage. Charge the system, (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(ref-513846-S17060152242012111600000) )
17. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION»(ref-513852-S10376292412012111600000) ).
18. After installation, operate the various functions to see whether it works properly.
19. Run the self-diagnostic function to confirm that there are no problems in the system (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HDS»(ref-513846-S34523065772012111600000) ).

Scheme 96

1. Remove the accelerator pedal module (see «APP SENSOR SIGNAL INSPECTION»(ref-513870-S31326802252012111600000) ).
2. Disconnect the 7P connector (A) from the driver's air mix control motor (B). Remove the self-tapping screws and the driver's air mix control motor from the heater unit.
3. With the motor removed, make sure the door linkage moves smoothly and does not bind.
4. Install the motor in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the pin on the motor is properly engaged with the linkage. After installation, make sure the motor runs smoothly.

Scheme 97

1. Remove the glove box (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Remove the climate control unit (see «CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S14735229062012111600000) ).
3. Disconnect the connector (A) from the passenger's air mix control motor (B), then remove the self-tapping screws and the passenger's air mix control motor from the heater unit.
4. With the motor removed, make sure the door linkage moves smoothly and does not bind.
5. Install the motor in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the pin on the motor is properly engaged with the linkage. After installation, make sure the motor runs smoothly.

Scheme 98

Scheme 99

1. Remove the glove box (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Remove the climate control unit (see «CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S14735229062012111600000) ).
3. Remove the harness clip (A), the self-tapping screws, and the passenger's heater duct (B).
4. Disconnect the 7P connector (A) from the mode control motor (B). Remove the self-tapping screws and the mode control motor from the heater unit.
5. Install the motor in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the pin on the motor is properly engaged with the linkage. After installation, make sure the motor runs smoothly.

Scheme 100

Scheme 101

1. Remove the glove box (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Remove the climate control unit (see «CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S14735229062012111600000) ).
3. Remove the harness clip (A), the self-tapping screws, and the passenger's heater duct (B).
4. Disconnect the 7P connector (A) from the recirculation control motor (B). Remove the self-tapping screws and the recirculation control motor from the blower unit.
5. Install the motor in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the pin on the motor is properly engaged with the linkage. After installation, make sure the motor runs smoothly.

Scheme 102

1. Remove the driver's dashboard undercover (see «CENTER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S11215136062012111600000) ).
2. Remove the in-car temperature sensor (A) from the instrument panel (B).
3. Install the sensor in the reverse order of removal. Be sure to connect the air hose securely.

Scheme 103

1. Lift the tab (A) to release the lock, then remove the outside air temperature sensor (B) from the front bumper beam. Disconnect the 2P connector (C) from the outside air temperature sensor.
2. Install the sensor in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 104

1. Pull out the sunlight sensor (A) from the dashboard, then disconnect the connector (B). Be careful not to damage the sensor and the dashboard.
2. Install the sensor in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 105

1. Remove the passenger's dashboard undercover (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Remove the glove box (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
3. Disconnect the 4P connector (A) from the power transistor (B), then remove the screws.
4. Pull out the power transistor from the expansion valve cover.
5. Install the power transistor in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 106

1. Remove the passenger's dashboard undercover (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S40890589052012111600000) ).
2. Disconnect the connectors (A) from the climate control unit.
3. Remove the self-tapping screws and the climate control unit (B).
4. Install the control unit in the reverse order of removal. After installation, operate the various functions to see whether it works properly.
5. Run the self-diagnostic function to confirm that there are no problems in the system (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HDS»(ref-513846-S34523065772012111600000) ).

Scheme 107

1. Remove the center panel (see «CENTER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513880-S11215136062012111600000) ).
2. Remove the self-tapping screws and the climate control switches (A).
3. Install the switches in the reverse order of removal. After installation, operate the various functions to see whether it works properly.
4. Run the self-diagnostic function to confirm that there are no problems in the system (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITH THE HDS»(ref-513846-S24301328072012111600000) ).

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1. Remove the climate control switch (see «CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S14735229062012111600000) ).
2. Remove the screws and the cover (A) from the driver's climate control switch (B).
3. Remove the bulb(s) with a flat-tip screwdriver.
4. Install the bulb(s) in the reverse order of removal. After installation, operate the various functions to see whether it works properly.