Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Buick LaCrosse II

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Refrigerant System Specifications

Refrigerant System Specifications

Special Tools

1. GE-39400-A Halogen Leak Detector
2. GE-41447 R-134A A/C Tracer Dye-Box of 24
3. GE-42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp
4. GE-43872 Fluorescent Dye Cleaner
5. GE-46297 A/C Dye Injector Kit
6. GE-46297-12 Replacement Dye Cartridges

For equivalent regional tools. Refer to Special Tools .

Refrigerant Leak Testing

Note. General Motors vehicles are now manufactured with fluorescent dye installed directly into the air conditioning (A/C) system.

The fluorescent dye mixes and flows with the polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil throughout the refrigerant system.

Verifying some passive leaks may require using the GE-39400-A Halogen Leak Detector, even though the A/C system contains fluorescent dye.

The only time that adding additional fluorescent dye is required is after flushing the A/C system.

Fluorescent Leak Detector

Fluorescent dye will assist in locating any leaks in the A/C system.

1. Condensation on the evaporator core or the refrigerant lines may wash the PAG oil and fluorescent dye away from the actual leak. Condensation may also carry dye through the HVAC module drain.
2. Leaks in the A/C system will be indicated in a light green or yellow color when using the leak detection lamp. Use the leak detection lamp in the following areas: All fittings or connections that use seal washers or O-rings All of the A/C components The A/C compressor shaft seal The A/C hoses and pressure switches The HVAC module drain tube, if the evaporator core is suspected of leaking The service port sealing caps The sealing cap is the primary seal for the service ports.
3. Follow the instructions supplied with the GE-42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp.
4. To prevent false diagnosis in the future, thoroughly clean the residual dye from any area where leaks were found. Use a rag and the approved GE-43872 Fluorescent Dye Cleaner.

Fluorescent Dye Injection

1. Not all of the fluorescent dyes are compatible with PAG oil. Some types of dye decrease the oil viscosity or may chemically react with the oil.
2. R-134A leak detection dye requires time to work. Depending upon the leak rate, a leak may not become visible for between 15 minutes and 7 days.
3. To prevent false diagnosis, thoroughly clean any residual dye from the service port with a rag and the approved fluorescent dye cleaner GE-43872 Fluorescent Dye Cleaner.

Halogen Leak Detector

Ensure that the vehicle has at least 0.45 kg (1 lb) of refrigerant in the A/C refrigeration system in order to perform a leak test. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging for recharging the A/C system.

Note. Halogen leak detectors are sensitive to the following items: Windshield washing solutions Many solvents and cleaners Some adhesives used in the vehicle

Clean and dry all surfaces in order to prevent a false warning. Liquids will damage the detector.

Note. Follow a continuous path in order to ensure that you will not miss any possible leaks. Test all areas of the system for leaks.

Follow the instructions supplied with the GE-39400-A Halogen Leak Detector.

Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test

This test measures the operating efficiency of the A/C system under the following conditions

1. The current ambient air temperature
2. The current relative humidity
3. The high side pressure of the A/C system
4. The low side pressure of the A/C system
5. The temperature of the air being discharged into the passenger compartment

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. 1 This step determines if the A/C system has at least the minimum refrigerant charge required to operate the system without damage.
2. 2 This step measures the performance of the A/C system.
3. 3 This step is to allow for vehicle variations as well as high ambient temperatures.

Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test

A/C Performance Table

A/C Diagnostics Chart

A/C Diagnostics Chart

Heating Performance Diagnostic

Heating Performance Diagnostic

Defrosting Insufficient

Defrosting Insufficient

Noise Diagnosis - Blower Motor

Noise Diagnosis - Blower Motor

Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis

Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis

Noise Diagnosis - Air Conditioning (A/C) System

Noise Diagnosis - Air Conditioning (A/C) System

Noise Diagnosis - HVAC Module

Noise Diagnosis - HVAC Module

Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging

The A/C service station is a complete air conditioning service center for refrigerant. The service station recovers, recycles, evacuates and recharges A/C refrigerant quickly, accurately and automatically. The unit has a display screen that contains the function controls and displays prompts that will lead the technician through the recover, recycle, evacuate and recharge operations. A/C refrigerant is recovered into and charged out of an internal storage vessel.

The A/C service station has a built in A/C refrigerant identifier that will test for contamination, prior to recovery and will notify the technician if there are foreign gases present in the A/C system. If foreign gases are present, the station will not recover the refrigerant from the A/C system.

For information on the actual equipment, please refer to the manual of the equipment in question.

Always recharge the A/C System with the proper amount of refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant System Specifications for the correct amount.

A/C Refrigerant System Oil Charge Replenishing

If oil was removed from the A/C system during the recovery process or due to component replacement, the oil must be replenished. Oil can be injected into a charged system. For the proper quantities of oil to add to the A/C refrigerant system, refer to Refrigerant System Specifications .

Flushing

Note. This procedure is not used in Europe.

Special Tools

1. GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center
2. GE-41447 Leak Detection Dye
3. GE-42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp
4. GE-45268 Flush Adapter Kit

For equivalent regional tools. Refer to Special Tools .

Note. Flushing with the GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center is not intended to remove metal from the A/C system.

Flushing is intended to remove the following

1. Contaminated polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil
2. Desiccant, following a desiccant bag failure
3. Overcharge of PAG oil
4. Refrigerant contamination

Scheme 1

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-recovery-and-recharging) .
2. Remove the thermal expansion valve (TXV). Refer to «Air Conditioning Evaporator Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
3. Install the stud for the GE-45268 Flush Adapter Kit onto the J 45268-115.
4. Install the J 45268-115 in place of the TXV.
5. Install the TXV mounting bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 7 N.m (62 lb in).
6. Connect the evaporator line to the J 45268-115.
7. Install the TXV block fitting nut. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 17 N.m (12.5 lb ft).
8. Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to «Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (V6)»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) , «Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (LUK)»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
9. Install J 45268-10 to the A/C compressor hose assembly.
10. Install the nut and bolt from the J 45268 Flush Adapter Kit to the J 45268-10 and compressor hose assembly. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 17 N.m (12.5 lb ft).
11. Forward flow refrigerant flushing is recommended for contaminated refrigerant or PAG oil. Perform the following procedure: NOTE: The filter inside GE 45268-1 is serviceable. Remove and discard the check valve from the filter. Service the filter with ACDelco P/N GF 470, before each flush. Install the port plugs GE 45268-9 onto the GE 45268-10. Install the fitting GE 45268-7 onto the GE 45268-10. Install the fitting GE 45268-8 onto the GE 45268-10. Connect GE 45268-1 flush filter to the suction port of GE 45268-7 flush adapter. Connect the blue hose from the GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center to the GE 45268-1 flush filter adapter. Connect the red hose from the GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center to the GE 45268-8 flush adapter.
12. Reverse flow refrigerant flush is recommended for desiccant bag failure. Replace the A/C condenser when the A/C flush is complete and perform the following procedure: NOTE: The filter inside GE 45268-1 is serviceable. Remove and discard the check valve from the filter. Service the filter with ACDelco P/N GF 470, before each flush. Install the port plugs GE 45268-9 onto the GE 45268-10. Install the fitting GE 45268-7 onto the GE 45268-10. Install the fitting GE 45268-8 onto the GE 45268-10. Connect GE 45268-1 flush filter to the discharge port of GE 45268-7 flush adapter. Connect the blue hose from GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center to the GE 45268-1 flush filter adapter. Connect the red hose from GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center to the GE 45268-8 flush adapter.
13. Flush the A/C system. Follow the instructions supplied with the GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center.
14. Disconnect the red hose on the GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center from the GE 45268-10.
15. Disconnect the blue hose on the GE-8800 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center from the GE 45268-1.
16. Remove GE 45268-1 from the GE 45268-10.
17. Remove the GE 45268-10 from the A/C compressor hose assembly.
18. If you will reinstall the removed A/C compressor, perform the following procedure: Remove the A/C compressor drain plug. Drain the PAG oil from the A/C compressor. Rotate the compressor input shaft to assist in draining the PAG oil from the compressor. Install the A/C compressor drain plug. Tighten Tighten the drain plug to 16 N.m (12 lb ft). Add the total system capacity of PAG oil to the A/C compressor. Refer to «Refrigerant System Specifications»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-system-specifications) .
19. If you will replace the A/C compressor after flushing the system, perform the following procedure: Determine if the new service compressor is shipped with PAG oil. Refer to the «Refrigerant System Specifications»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-system-specifications) . If the service compressor is shipped with PAG oil, DO NOT drain the new PAG oil from the compressor. Deduct the amount of PAG oil shipped with the service compressor from the amount of PAG oil listed in the capacities table. Refer to «Refrigerant System Specifications»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-system-specifications) . Add the calculated amount to the compressor, as needed.
20. Add one bottle of GE-41447 Leak Detection Dye directly to the A/C Compressor.
21. Install the A/C compressor. Refer to «Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (V6)»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) , «Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (LUK)»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
22. Remove GE 45268-115.
23. Inspect the TXV for debris. Clean or replace as needed.
24. Install the TXV. Refer to «Air Conditioning Evaporator Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
25. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-recovery-and-recharging) .
26. Leak test the fittings using GE-42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp.

Draining Procedure

1. Drain the refrigerant oil from the crankcase and rear head ports into a clean, graduated container.
2. Rotate the compressor shaft to assist in draining the compressor.
3. Measure and record the amount of oil drained from the removed compressor. This measurement will be used during installation of the replacement compressor.
4. Inspect oil drained from removed compressor. Refer to «Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__air-conditioning-compressor-oil-diagnosis) .
5. Properly discard the used refrigerant oil.
6. Clean the graduated cylinder.
7. Remove the drain bolt and drain the refrigerant oil from the crankcase and rear head ports into a clean, graduated container.
8. Rotate the compressor shaft to assist in draining the compressor.

Balancing Procedure

1. Refer to the amount of refrigerant oil recorded during the compressor removal.
2. If the amount of oil recorded from the removed compressor is less than or equal to the service charge of oil in the new compressor, add back the full amount of the new PAG oil back into the new compressor through the compressor suction port.
3. If the amount of oil recorded from the removed compressor is greater than the service charge of oil in the new compressor, add back the full new PAG oil back into the new compressor and supplement with new PAG to the new compressor through the compressor suction port.
4. Rotate the clutch driver three times to lubricate the internal compressor components.
5. If necessary, refer to «Refrigerant System Specifications»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-system-specifications) .

Scheme 2

Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (V6)

Scheme 3

Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (LUK)

Scheme 4

Compressor Pressure Relief Valve Replacement (V6)

Scheme 5

Compressor Pressure Relief Valve Replacement (LUK)

Scheme 6

Air Conditioning Compressor Bracket Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Disassemble the A/C refrigerant components. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure.
2. Cap or tape the A/C refrigerant components.
3. Remove the sealing washer (1) from the A/C refrigerant component.
4. Inspect the seal washer for signs of damage to help determine the root cause of the failure.
5. Inspect the A/C refrigerant components for damage or burrs. Repair if necessary.
6. DISCARD the sealing washer.

Installation Procedure

1. Inspect the new sealing washer for any signs of cracks, cuts, or damage. Do not use a damaged sealing washer.
2. Remove the cap or tape from the A/C refrigerant components.
3. Using a lint-free clean, dry cloth, clean the sealing surfaces of the A/C refrigerant components.
4. Carefully install the NEW sealing washer (1) onto the A/C refrigerant component. The sealing washer (1) must completely bottom against the surface of the fitting.
5. Assemble the remaining A/C refrigerant components. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure.

1. Disassemble the A/C refrigerant components. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure
2. Cap or tape the A/C refrigerant components.
3. Remove the O-ring seal (1) from the A/C refrigerant component.
4. Inspect the O-ring seal for signs of damage to help determine the root cause of the failure.
5. Inspect the A/C refrigerant components for damage or burrs. Repair if necessary.
6. DISCARD the O-ring seal.

1. Inspect the new O-ring seal for any sign of cracks, cuts, or damage.
2. Remove the cap or tape from the A/C refrigerant components.
3. Using a lint-free clean, dry cloth, carefully clean the sealing surfaces of the A/C refrigerant components.
4. Lightly coat the new O-ring seal with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.
5. Carefully slide the NEW O-ring seal (1) onto the A/C refrigerant component.
6. The O-ring seal (1) must be fully seated.
7. Assemble the A/C components. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure.

Scheme 7

Air Conditioning Compressor and Condenser Hose Replacement

Scheme 8

Air Conditioning Evaporator Hose Assembly Replacement

Scheme 9

Receiver and Dehydrator Replacement

Scheme 10

Air Conditioning Evaporator Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement

Scheme 11

Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement

Scheme 12

Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement

Scheme 13

Heater and Air Conditioning Evaporator and Blower Module Replacement

Scheme 14

Air Conditioning Evaporator Replacement

Scheme 15

Heater Inlet Hose Replacement (V6)

Scheme 16

Heater Inlet Hose Replacement (LUK)

Scheme 17

Auxiliary Heater Outlet Hose Replacement

Scheme 18

Heater Outlet Hose Replacement (V6)

Scheme 19

Heater Outlet Hose Replacement (LUK)

Scheme 20

Heater Outlet Hose Clip Bracket Replacement

Scheme 21

Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement (Front)

Scheme 22

Air Inlet Assembly Replacement

Scheme 23

Blower Motor Replacement

Scheme 24

Instrument Panel Outer Air Outlet Grille Replacement

Scheme 25

Instrument Panel Outer Air Outlet Replacement - Left Side

Scheme 26

Instrument Panel Center Air Outlet Replacement

Scheme 27

Instrument Panel Center Air Outlet Grille Replacement

Scheme 28

Instrument Panel Outer Air Outlet Replacement - Right Side

Scheme 29

Body Air Outlet Deflector Replacement

Scheme 30

Front Floor Console Front Air Duct Replacement (CJ2)

Scheme 31

Front Floor Console Rear Air Duct Replacement (CJ2)

Scheme 32

Front Floor Console Rear Air Outlet Replacement

Scheme 33

Instrument Panel Center Air Outlet Duct Replacement

Scheme 34

Windshield Defroster Nozzle Duct Replacement

Scheme 35

Floor Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side

Scheme 36

Floor Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Right Side

Scheme 37

Floor Rear Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Left Side (CJ2)

Scheme 38

Floor Rear Air Outlet Duct Replacement - Right Side

Scheme 39

Heater Core Replacement

Scheme 40

Auxiliary Heater Core Replacement

Illustration Tool Number/Description BO 38185 J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers GE 39400-A J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector GE 41447 J 41447 Europe - Use local equivalent R-134a A/C Tracer Dye - Box of 24 GE 42220 J 42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp GE-8800 J 43600 Europe - Use local equivalent ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center GE 43872 J 43872 Fluorescent Dye Cleaner GE 45037 A J 45037 A A/C Oil Injector GE 45268 J 45268 Not used in Europe A/C Flushing Adapter Kit GE 46246 J 46246 Charge Port Valve Core Remover/Installer GE 46297 J 46297 Europe - Use local equivalent A/C Dye Injector Kit GE 46297-12 J 46297-12 Europe - Use local equivalent Replacement Dye Cartridges 7001081-32MB Scan Tool Used for diagnosis of vehicle electrical system

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See also:
• Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
• Moving Parts and Hot Surfaces Warning
• Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
• Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature
• HVAC System Malfunction
• Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis
• Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis
• Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis
• Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis
• Oil Leak Diagnosis
• Oil Leak Diagnosis
• Drive Belt Replacement
• Drive Belt Replacement
• Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement
• Vibration Analysis - Engine
• Instrument Panel Tie Bar Replacement
• Fastener Caution
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Front Compartment Splash Shield Replacement
• Secondary Air Injection Pump Replacement
• Starter Generator Replacement
• Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
• Front Bumper Fascia Replacement
• Headlamp Replacement
• Radiator Support Bracket Replacement
• Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)
• Cooling System Draining and Filling (GE 47716)
• Heater Coolant Pump Hose Replacement
• Accessory AC and DC Power Control Module Replacement
• Front Floor Panel Carpet Replacement
• Special Tools
• Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging
• A/C Diagnostics Chart
• Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test
• Refrigerant System Specifications
• Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis