Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Cadillac DTS I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Refrigerant System Capacities

Diagnostic Starting Point - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Begin the system diagnosis with Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle . The Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle will provide the following information

1. The identification of the control modules which are not communicating
2. The identification of any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their status

The use of the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle will identify the correct procedures to begin vehicle diagnosis. These must be performed before system DTC or symptom diagnosis.

Leak Testing

Tools Required

1. J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
2. J 41447 R-134A A/C Tracer Dye-Box of 24. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
3. J 42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
4. J 43872 Fluorescent Dye Cleaner. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
5. J 46297 A/C Dye Injector Kit. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
6. J 46297-12 Replacement Dye Cartridges. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .

Refrigerant Leak Testing

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

Verifying some passive leaks may require using the J 39400-A , even though the A/C system contains fluorescent dye. See Special Tools .

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 J 42220 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
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 J 43872 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .

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 J 43872 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .

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.

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

Follow the instructions supplied with the J 39400-A . See Special Tools .

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.

Scheme 1

A/C Performance Table

Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone A

Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone B

Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone C

Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone D

Heating Performance Diagnostic

Defrosting Insufficient

Noise Diagnosis - Blower Motor

Noise Diagnosis - Air Conditioning (A/C) System

Noise Diagnosis - HVAC Module

Odor Diagnosis

Eliminating Air Conditioning Odor

Odors may be emitted from the air conditioning system primarily at start up in hot, humid climates. The following conditions may cause the odor

1. Debris is present in the HVAC module.
2. Microbial growth on the evaporator core

When the blower motor fan is turned on, the microbial growth may release an unpleasant musty odor into the passenger compartment. To remove odors of this type, the microbial growth must be eliminated. Perform the following procedure

Deodorize the evaporator core using Deodorizing Aerosol Kit.

Perform the following steps in order to deodorize the A/C system

1. Ensure that the plenum which draws outside air into the HVAC module is clear of debris.
2. Disable the A/C compressor clutch operation by disconnecting the clutch coil electrical connector.
3. Dry the evaporator core by performing the following steps: Start the engine. Select the warmest temperature setting. Select the recirculation mode. Run the blower motor on high for 10 minutes.
4. Locate an area in the air conditioning duct between the blower motor and the evaporator core downstream of the blower motor.
5. Drill a 3.175 mm (0.125 in) hole where the hole will not interfere with or damage the following components: The blower motor The evaporator core Any other operating part the of system
6. Wear safety goggles and latex gloves in order to perform the following actions: Select the maximum blower speed. Insert the deodorizer extension tube into the hole to the mark on the extension tube. Use short spray bursts and vary the direction of spray for a 2-3 minute period of time.
7. Shut the engine OFF. Allow the vehicle to sit for 3-5 minutes.
8. Seal the 3.175 mm (0.125 in) hole with body sealer or RTV gasket compound.
9. Start the engine.
10. Operate the blower motor on high for 15-20 minutes to dry.
11. Reconnect the A/C compressor clutch coil electrical connector.
12. Verify proper clutch operation.

To prevent the odor from returning, reprogram the electronic control module. Refer to Control Module References .

Refrigerant Recovery & Recharging

Tools Required

1. J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
2. J 45037 A/C Oil Injector. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .

Note. R-134a is the only approved refrigerant for use in this vehicle. The use of any other refrigerant may result in poor system performance or component failure.

Note. To avoid system damage use only R-134a dedicated tools when servicing the A/C system.

Note. Use only Polyalkylene Glycol Synthetic Refrigerant Oil (PAG) for internal circulation through the R-134a A/C system and only 525 viscosity mineral oil on fitting threads and O-rings. If lubricants other than those specified are used, compressor failure and/or fitting seizure may result.

Note. R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant must never be mixed, even in the smallest of amounts, as they are incompatible with each other. If the refrigerants are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur. Refer to the manufacturer instructions included with the service equipment before servicing.

The J 43600 is a complete air conditioning service center for R-134a. See Special Tools . The ACR 2000 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. R-134a is recovered into and charged out of an internal storage vessel. The ACR 2000 automatically replenishes this vessel from an external source tank in order to maintain a constant 5.45-6.82 kg (12-15 lbs) of A/C refrigerant.

The ACR 2000 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 ACR 2000 will not recover the refrigerant from the A/C system.

The ACR 2000 also features automatic air purge, single pass recycling and an automatic oil drain.

Refer to the J 43600 ACR 2000 manual for operation and setup instruction. See Special Tools . Always recharge the A/C System with the proper amount of R-134a. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities 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 using J 45037 . See Special Tools . For the proper quantities of oil to add to the A/C refrigerant system, refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .

Flushing

Tools Required

1. J 41447 Leak Detection Dye. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
2. J 42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
3. J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
4. J 45268 Flush Adapter Kit. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .

Flushing is intended to remove the following contaminants

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

Flushing Procedure

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-recovery-recharging) .
2. Remove the TXV. Refer to «Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
3. Install the J 45268-113.
4. Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to «Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
5. Install the J 45268-4 to the suction hose.
6. Install the J 45268-5 to the discharge hose.
7. Forward flow refrigerant flushing is recommended for contaminated refrigerant or PAG oil. Perform the following procedure: IMPORTANT: The filter inside J 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. Connect J 45268-1 flush filter to the J 45268-4 flush adapter. Connect the blue hose from J 43600 to J 45268-1 flush filter adapter. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) . Connect the red hose from J 43600 to J 45268-5. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
8. Reverse flow refrigerant flushing is recommended for desiccant bag failure only. Perform the following procedure and replace the accumulator when the flush is complete: IMPORTANT: The filter inside J 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. Connect J 45268-1 flush filter to the J 45268-5 flush adapter. Connect the blue hose from J 43600 to J 45268-1 flush filter adapter. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) . Connect the red hose from J 43600 to the J 45268-4. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
9. Flush the A/C system. Follow the instructions supplied with the J 43600 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
10. Remove the J 45268-5 from the discharge hose.
11. Remove the J 45268-4 from the suction hose.
12. If the removed A/C compressor will be reinstalled, perform the following procedure: Drain the PAG oil from the A/C compressor. Rotate the compressor input shaft to assist in draining the PAG oil from the compressor. Add the total system capacity of PAG oil to the A/C compressor. Refer to «Refrigerant System Capacities»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-system-capacities) .
13. If the A/C compressor will be replaced after flushing the system, refer to «Compressor Oil Balancing»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
14. Add one bottle of J 41447 directly to the A/C compressor. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
15. Install the A/C compressor. Refer to «Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
16. Inspect the TXV for debris. Clean or replace as needed.
17. Install the TXV. Refer to «Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
18. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-recovery-recharging) .
19. Leak test the fittings using J 42220 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .

Draining Procedure

1. Drain the oil from both the suction and discharge ports of the removed compressor into a clean, graduated container. Rotate the compressor shaft to assist in draining the compressor.
2. Measure and record the amount of oil drained from the removed compressor. This measurement will be used during installation of the replacement compressor.
3. Properly discard the used refrigerant oil.

Balancing Procedure

1. The replacement compressor is shipped with 74 ml (2.5 oz) of refrigerant oil.
2. Compare the amount of refrigerant oil recorded during compressor removal to the amount of refrigerant oil shipped in the replacement compressor. If the amount of refrigerant oil drained and recorded from the removed compressor is: Less than 74 ml (2.5 oz) Leave the 74 ml (2.5 oz) in the replacement compressor. More than 74 ml (2.5 oz) Add to the compressor the difference between the 74 ml (2.5 oz) and the amount drained.

Scheme 2

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the seal washer from the A/C refrigerant component.
2. Inspect the seal washer for signs of damage to help determine the root cause of the failure.
3. Inspect the A/C refrigerant components for damage or burrs. Repair if necessary.
4. Discard the sealing washer.

Installation Procedure

1. Inspect the new seal washer for any signs of cracks, cuts, or damage. Do not use a damaged seal 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 seal washer onto the A/C refrigerant component. The washer 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. Remove the O-ring seals from the A/C refrigerant component.
3. Inspect the O-ring seals for signs of damage.
4. Inspect the A/C refrigerant components for damage or burrs. Repair if necessary.
5. Cap or tape the A/C refrigerant components.
6. Discard the O-ring seals.

1. Inspect the new O-ring seals for any sign or cracks, cuts, or damage. Replace if necessary.
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 seals with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.
5. Carefully slide the new O-ring seals onto the A/C refrigerant component.
6. The O-ring seals must be fully seated.
7. Assemble the A/C components. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure.

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Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector. See Special Tools .

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-recovery-recharging) .
2. Remove the front compartment sight shield. Refer to «Front Compartment Sight Shields Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
3. Remove the upper tie bar. Refer to «Front End Upper Tie Bar Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
4. Remove the hood latch support. Refer to «Hood Latch Support Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
5. Remove the discharge hose nut from the condenser.
6. Remove the discharge hose from the condenser.
7. Remove the suction hose nut from the condenser.
8. Remove the suction hose from the condenser.
9. Remove and discard the sealing washers. Refer to «Sealing Washer Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
10. Remove the condenser lines to radiator mounting bolt.
11. Remove the engine oil cooler lines (1, 2) from the radiator, if equipped.
12. Remove the condenser mounting bolts.
13. Remove the condenser from the radiator retainer.
14. Remove the condenser from the vehicle.

1. Install the condenser into the radiator retainer.
2. Install the condenser mounting bolts. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
3. Install the condenser line to radiator mounting bolt. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
4. Install the engine oil cooler lines (1, 2) to the radiator, if equipped.
5. Push the engine oil cooler lines into the radiator quick connect fitting, until a click is heard.
6. Tug gently on the cooler pipe to ensure proper retention.
7. Slide the plastic cap (1) over the quick connect joint.
8. Install new sealing washers. Refer to «Sealing Washer Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning) .
9. Install the suction hose to the condenser.
10. Install the suction hose nut to the condenser. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 16 N.m (12 lb ft).
11. Install the liquid line to the condenser.
12. Install the liquid line nut to the condenser. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
13. Install the hood latch bracket. Refer to «Hood Latch Support Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
14. Install the upper tie bar. Refer to «Front End Upper Tie Bar Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
15. Recharge the A/C system. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__refrigerant-recovery-recharging) .
16. Leak test the fittings using the J 39400-A . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning__special-tools) .
17. Install the front compartment sight shield. Refer to «Front Compartment Sight Shields Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .

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Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector J 41447 R-134A A/C Tracer Dye - Box of 24 J 42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp J 43600 ACR2000 Air Conditioning Service Center J 43872 Fluorescent Dye Cleaner J 45037 A/C Oil Injector J 45268 A/C Flushing Adapter Kit J 46297 A/C Dye Injector Kit J 46297-12 Replacement Dye Cartridges

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See also:
• Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
• Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
• Moving Parts and Hot Surfaces Caution
• Air Temperature Malfunction
• Cooling System Description and Operation
• Flushing
• Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature
• Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis
• Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis
• Drive Belt Replacement
• Vibration Analysis - Engine
• Loss of Coolant
• Oil Leak Diagnosis
• Fluid Leak Diagnosis
• Power Steering Fluid Leaks
• Control Module References
• Fastener Notice
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Front Air Deflector Replacement
• Windshield Washer Solvent Container Replacement
• Front End Upper Tie Bar Replacement
• Cooling System Draining and Filling (Vac-N-Fill)
• Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)
• Brake Pedal Assembly Replacement
• Instrument Panel Center Support Bracket Replacement
• Air Cleaner Outlet Duct Replacement
• Inflatable Restraint Instrument Panel Module Replacement
• Seat Replacement
• Front Floor Panel Carpet Replacement
• Special Tools
• Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging
• Leak Testing
• Air Conditioning (A/C) Diagnostics - Pressure Zone A
• Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test
• Condenser Replacement
• Flushing
• Refrigerant System Capacities
• Diagnostic Starting Point - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
• Heating Performance Diagnostic
• Fastener Tightening Specifications