Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: Other Saab 9-7X I

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»(ref-268096-S29609511412007101800000) .
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»(ref-268096-S29609511412007101800000) .

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»(ref-268096-S29609511412007101800000) .

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 .

Defrosting Insufficient

Defrosting Insufficient

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.

Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging

Tools Required

1. J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center. See «Special Tools»(ref-268096-S29609511412007101800000) .
2. J 45037 A/C Oil Injector. See «Special Tools»(ref-268096-S29609511412007101800000) .

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 .

Balancing Procedure

1. The replacement compressor is shipped with 240 ml (8.0 oz) of refrigerant oil.
2. Before installing the compressor, the refrigerant oil will have to be partially drained: Refer to the amount of refrigerant oil recorded during the compressor removal. Subtract the amount recorded from the total system capacity. Refer to «Refrigerant System Capacities»(ref-268096-S08144962772007101800000) . The difference between the total system capacity and the recorded amount is the calculated amount to be drained from the replacement compressor.
3. Drain the calculated amount of refrigerant oil from the replacement compressor.

Tools Required

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

Scheme 106

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
2. Remove the washer solvent container. Refer to «Washer Solvent Container Replacement»(ref-268104-S07078591782007101800000) .
3. Remove the cooling fan and shroud. Refer to «Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement»(ref-268147-S12673307262007101800000) .
4. Release the tension on the air conditioning drive belt.
5. Reposition the air conditioning drive belt from the compressor pulley.
6. Remove the compressor hose assembly. Refer to «Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement (LH6)»(ref-268096-S15574468532007101800000) or «Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement (LL8)»(ref-268096-S24271056052007101800000) .
7. Remove the heater hoses. Refer to «Heater Inlet Hose Replacement (LL8)»(ref-268096-S30877658262007101800000) or «Heater Inlet Hose Replacement (LH6)»(ref-268096-S26675446392007101800000) and «Heater Hose Replacement - Outlet (LH6)»(ref-268096-S28417121532007101800000) or «Heater Hose Replacement - Outlet (LL8)»(ref-268096-S06323324822007101800000) .
8. Remove the upper A/C compressor mounting bracket bolts.
9. Remove the lower coolant hose. Refer to «Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LH6)»(ref-268147-S38942730032007101800000) or «Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LL8)»(ref-268147-S29361189922007101800000) .
10. Raise the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-268088-S13434065972007101800000) .
11. Disconnect the electrical connection from the compressor.
12. Turn the right tire to gain access to the remaining compressor mounting bolts.
13. Remove the lower A/C compressor mounting bracket bolts (3).
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Reposition the compressor and mounting bracket to access the remaining compressor to bracket bolts.
16. Remove the upper A/C compressor mounting bolts (4).
17. Remove the A/C compressor.
18. Remove the A/C compressor bracket.
19. If replacing the A/C compressor, refer to «Compressor Oil Balancing»(ref-268096-S18976932182007101800000) .

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

Scheme 107

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
2. Remove the generator. Refer to «Generator Replacement (4.2L Engine)»(ref-268108-S11577458102007101800000) or «Generator Replacement (5.3L Engine)»(ref-268108-S14779794212007101800000) .
3. Remove the idler pulley. Refer to «Drive Belt Idler Pulley Replacement»(ref-268132-S26759823992007101800000) .
4. Disconnect the compressor electrical connectors. IMPORTANT: Some system pressure may still exist in the A/C compressor crankcase after you evacuate the system.
5. Remove the compressor hose assembly bolt from the compressor.
6. Remove the compressor hose assembly block from the compressor.
7. Remove the compressor mounting bolts from the compressor (1).
8. Remove the compressor.
9. Drain and measure the compressor oil. Refer to «Compressor Oil Balancing»(ref-268096-S18976932182007101800000) .

Scheme 108

1. Add the proper amount of oil to the replacement compressor. Refer to «Compressor Oil Balancing»(ref-268096-S18976932182007101800000) .
2. Install the compressor.
3. Install the compressor mounting bolts to the compressor (1). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft). NOTE: Refer to «Fastener Notice»(ref-268087-S07010920292007101800000) .
4. Install the compressor hose assembly block to the compressor.
5. Install the compressor hose assembly bolt to the compressor (1). Tighten: Tighten the bolt to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
6. Connect the compressor electrical connectors.
7. Install the idler pulley. Refer to «Drive Belt Idler Pulley Replacement»(ref-268132-S26759823992007101800000) .
8. Install the generator. Refer to «Generator Replacement (4.2L Engine)»(ref-268108-S11577458102007101800000) or «Generator Replacement (5.3L Engine)»(ref-268108-S14779794212007101800000) .
9. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
10. Leak test the fittings of the components using the J 39400-A . See «Special Tools»(ref-268096-S29609511412007101800000) .

Scheme 109

1. Remove the seal washer from the A/C refrigerant component. IMPORTANT: Cap or tape the open A/C refrigerant components immediately to prevent system contamination.
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. IMPORTANT: DO NOT reuse sealing washer.
4. Discard the sealing washer.

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

Scheme 110

Scheme 111

Scheme 112

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
2. Remove the washer bottle. Refer to «Washer Solvent Container Replacement»(ref-268104-S07078591782007101800000) .
3. Remove the retaining nut (1) from the compressor hose (4) at the accumulator (2).
4. Remove the retaining nut from the compressor hose at the auxiliary HVAC piping connection (3).
5. Remove the compressor hose from the accumulator (2).
6. Remove the compressor hose from the auxiliary HVAC piping.
7. Disconnect the pressure sensor electrical connector.
8. Remove the compressor hose mounting nut (2) from the A/C compressor.
9. Remove the heater hose bracket nut at the engine.
10. Remove the bracket from the stud.
11. Turn the compressor hose assembly to clear the heat shield.
12. Lift and remove the compressor hose assembly from the compressor.
13. Remove the compressor hose assembly from the condenser.
14. Remove the compressor hose assembly.
15. Remove the compressor hose from the A/C compressor.
16. Remove the compressor hose from the condenser.
17. Disconnect the electrical connector from the A/C low pressure switch.
18. Remove the nut from the compressor hose at the accumulator.
19. Remove the compressor hose from the accumulator.
20. Remove the compressor hose from the vehicle.
21. Discard all of the used sealing washers. Cap the system openings.

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

Scheme 113

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
2. Remove the compressor hose assembly nut (3).
3. Remove the compressor hose assembly from the compressor (4).
4. Remove the sealing washers.
5. Remove the compressor suction hose nut from the accumulator.
6. Remove the compressor suction hose from the accumulator.
7. Remove the O-ring seal.
8. Remove the bolt from the lift bracket.
9. Remove the nut from the engine stud.
10. Remove the compressor discharge hose (2) from the condenser (4).
11. Remove the nut from compressor hose connection in driver wheel opening.
12. Remove the O-ring seals.
13. Cap or plug all of the open connections.

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

Scheme 114

1. Disconnect the A/C low pressure switch electrical connector.
2. Remove the A/C low pressure switch (2) from the accumulator (1).
3. Remove and discard the O-ring seal from the A/C low pressure switch port on the accumulator.

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

Scheme 115

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
2. Remove the compressor discharge hose nut (1) from the condenser.
3. Remove the compressor discharge hose (2) from the condenser.
4. Remove the hood latch. Refer to «Hood Replacement»(ref-268102-S04771574792007101800000) .
5. Remove the head lamp housing panel. Refer to «Headlamp Housing Panel Replacement»(ref-268090-S02626798062007101800000) .
6. Remove the radiator diagonal brace. Refer to «Radiator Support Diagonal Brace Replacement»(ref-268102-S15556797092007101800000) .
7. Remove the bolts from the upper radiator support.
8. Remove the upper radiator support.
9. Remove the evaporator tube nut (5) from the condenser.
10. Remove the evaporator tube (4) from the condenser.
11. Remove the studs from the condenser inlet and outlets.
12. Remove the condenser LH upper bracket bolt and bracket.
13. Remove the condenser to radiator bolts.
14. Remove the condenser from the radiator.

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

Scheme 116

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to «Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging»(ref-268096-S34829348672007101800000) .
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the A/C pressure switch.
3. Remove the A/C low pressure switch.
4. Remove the nut (3) retaining the accumulator (4) to evaporator (1).
5. Remove the compressor suction hose assembly from the accumulator.
6. Remove and discard the O-ring seals.
7. Remove the accumulator clamp nut.
8. Remove the accumulator from the vehicle.