Climate Control System: Removal & Installation Acura RSX I facelift

A/C Refrigerant Oil Replacement

Recommended PAG oil: KEIHIN SP-10

1. P/N 38897-P13-A01 AH: 120 mL (4 fl.oz)
2. P/N38899-P13-A01: 40 Ml (1 1/3 fl.oz)

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

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.

A/C condenser: 25 mL (5/6 fl.oz)

Evaporator: 45 mL (1 1/2 fl.oz)

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

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

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

A/C compressor: For A/C compressor replacement, subtract the volume of oil drained from the removed A/C compressor from 130 mL (4 1/3 fl.oz), and drain the calculated volume of oil from the new A/C compressor: 130 mL (4 1/3 fl.oz) - Volume of removed A/C compressor = Volume to drain from new A/C compressor.

Note. Even if no oil is drained from the removed A/C compressor, don't drain more than 50 mL (1 2/3 fl.oz) from the new A/C compressor.

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Dust and Pollen Filter Replacement

The dust and pollen filters should be replaced every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first. Replace the filters more often if the air flow is less than usual.

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1. Open the glove box. Remove the glove box stop on each side, then let the glove box hang down (see «GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-218810-S33458836542006021000000) ).
2. Remove the filter lid (A) from the blower unit, then pull out the first dust and pollen filter (B). Slide the second filter to the left, and pull it out.
3. Remove the filter (A) from the housing (B), and replace the filter.
4. Install the filters in the reverse order of removal.

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1. Remove the passenger's dashboard lower cover (see «PASSENGER'S DASHBOARD LOWER COVER REMOVAL/INS»(ref-218810-S23640993492006021000000) ), the right kick panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - DOOR AREAS»(ref-218808-S25084646002006021000000) ), and the glove box (see «GLOVE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-218810-S33458836542006021000000) ).
2. Cut the plastic cross brace in the glove box opening with diagonal cutters in the area shown. Remove and discard the plastic cross brace.
3. Remove the relays (A), then remove the bolts and the glove box frame (B).
4. Remove the ECM/PCM. '02-04 models (see «ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT»(ref-218785-S00586955502006021000000) ) '05-06 models (see «ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT»(ref-218785-S00586955502006021000000) )
5. Disconnect the connectors (A) from the blower motor, the power transistor, and the recirculation control motor, then remove the wire harness clips (B).
6. Remove the mounting bolts, the mounting nut, and the blower unit.
7. 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

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1. The recirculation control motor (A), the power transistor (B), the blower motor (C), and the dust and pollen filters (D) can be replaced without removing the blower unit.
2. Before reassembly, make sure that the recirculation control linkage and doors move smoothly without binding.
3. After reassembly, make sure the recirculation control motor runs smoothly (see «RECIRCULATION CONTROL MOTOR TEST»(ref-218822-S39686719502006021000000) ).

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1. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-218822-S17391545852006021000000) ).
2. Remove the bolt, then disconnect the suction line (A) and the receiver line (B) from the evaporator core.
3. Remove the blower unit (see «BLOWER UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-218822-S09084632572006021000000) ).
4. Remove the self-tapping screws and the expansion valve cover.
5. Carefully pull out the evaporator core without bending the pipes.
6. Install the core in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If you're installing a new evaporator core, add refrigerant oil (KEIHIN SP-10) (see «A/C SERVICE TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS»(ref-218822-S12695795842006021000000) ). 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-218822-S09435630342006021000000) ).

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 performing repairs or service.

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1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
2. Turn the mode control dial to the floor vent position. This will prevent the mode control doors from being damaged when the dashboard is removed.
3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
4. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
5. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
6. Disconnect the suction and receiver lines from the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-218822-S31966793342006021000000) ).
7. 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.
8. When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator (see «COOLANT CHECK»(ref-218781-S40044508412006021000000) ).
9. Slide the hose clamps (A) back, then disconnect the inlet heater hose (B) and the outlet heater hose (C) from the heater core. 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.
10. Remove the mounting bolt and the heater valve as shown.
11. Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel lines and the brake lines, etc.
12. Remove the dashboard (see «DASHBOARD/STEERING HANGER BEAM REMOVAL/INSTAL»(ref-218810-S23538489522006021000000) ).
13. Remove the blower unit (see «BLOWER UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-218822-S09084632572006021000000) ).
14. Disconnect the drain hose (A), then remove the wire harness (B), the mounting bolts and the heater unit (C).
15. Remove the self-tapping screws and the expansion valve cover (A). Carefully pull out the evaporator core (B) so you don't bend the inlet and outlet pipes. Remove the grommet (C), then remove the self-tapping screws and the flange cover (D). Remove the self-tapping screws and the pipe cover (E), then carefully pull out the heater core (F) so you don't bend the inlet and outlet pipes.
16. Install the heater core and the evaporator core in the reverse order of removal.
17. 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-218781-S40044508412006021000000) ). Be sure to connect the drain hose securely. Adjust the heater valve cable (see «HEATER VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT»(ref-218822-S01996132292006021000000) ). Make sure that there is no coolant leakage. Make sure that there is no air leakage. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(ref-218787-S18900728242006021000000) ). Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see «RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT»(ref-218844-S06938448832006021000000) ). Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets. Refer to evaporator core replacement (see step 6 .).

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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 dial on Max Cool with the ignition switch ON (II).
4. Attach the heater valve cable (B) to the air mix control linkage (C) as shown in step 2 . Hold the end of the heater valve cable housing against the stop (D), then snap the heater valve cable housing into the cable clamp (A).
5. From under the hood, turn the heater valve arm (C) to the fully closed position as shown, 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 (A).

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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. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
3. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
4. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-218822-S17391545852006021000000) ).
5. Remove the alternator (see «ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-218770-S16049972972006021000000) ).
6. Remove the bolts, then disconnect the suction line (A) and the discharge line (B) from the A/C compressor. Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
7. Remove the mounting bolts and the A/C compressor.
8. Install the A/C compressor in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: 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 SERVICE TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS»(ref-218822-S12695795842006021000000) ). 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 (KEIHIN SP-10) for HFC-134a KEIHIN 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. Charge the system (see «SYSTEM CHARGING»(ref-218822-S09435630342006021000000) ). Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(ref-218787-S18900728242006021000000) ). Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see «RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT»(ref-218844-S06938448832006021000000) ). Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.

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1. Check the armature plate for discoloration, peeling, or other damage. If there is damage, replace the clutch set (see «A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL»(ref-218822-S42619089012006021000000) ).
2. Check the rotor pulley bearing play and drag by rotating the rotor pulley by hand. Replace the clutch set with a new one if it is noisy or has excessive play/drag (see «A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL»(ref-218822-S42619089012006021000000) ).
3. Measure the clearance between the rotor pulley (A) and the armature plate (B) all the way around. If the clearance is not within specified limits, remove the armature plate (see step 2 .) and add or remove shims as needed to increase or decrease clearance. Clearance: 0.35-0.65 mm (0.016-0.026 in.) NOTE: The shims are available in four thicknesses: 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm.
4. Release the field coil connector from the holder, then disconnect it. Check the thermal protector for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the thermal protector (see «A/C COMPRESSOR THERMAL PROTECTOR REPLACEMENT»(ref-218822-S14357319992006021000000) ). NOTE: The thermal protector will have no continuity above 252 to 270 °F (122 to 132 °C). When the temperature drops below 241 to 219 °F (116 to 104 °C), the thermal protector will have continuity.
5. Check resistance of the field coil. If resistance is not within specifications, replace the field coil (see step 3 .). Field Coil Resistance: 3.05-3.35 ohm at 68 °F (20 °C)