B-pillar refrigerant line

The B-pillar refrigerant lines are used only on models with the optional rear overhead A/C unit.

Both the B-pillar suction line and the B-pillar liquid line are available for separate service replacement.

Each line may be removed independently from the vehicle for service.

Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing will reduce the capacity of the entire air conditioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the flow of refrigerant in the system. High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the air conditioning compressor is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free.

WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN THE GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION NEAR THE FRONT OF THIS GROUP BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.

REMOVAL

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

(2) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. See Refrigerant Recovery in the Service Procedures section of this group.

(3) Raise and support the vehicle.

(4) From under the vehicle, disconnect the underbody liquid line refrigerant line coupler at the B-pillar liquid line and the underbody suction line refrigerant line coupler at the B-pillar suction line.

See Refrigerant Line Coupler in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.

(5) Lower the vehicle.

(6) Remove the headliner from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Refer to Group 23 - Body for the procedures. The B-pillar upper and lower trim must be removed.

(7) From the passenger compartment, remove the fasteners that secure the block fittings at the top of the B-pillar refrigerant lines to the rear overhead A/C unit (nut from stud - liquid line) (nut and bolt - suction line), and disengage the fittings (Fig. 13).

Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.

Fig. 13 Rear Overhead A/C Unit Refrigerant Line Remove/Install

1 - B-PILLAR SUCTION LINE

2 - B-PILLAR LIQUID LINE

3 - OVERHEAD AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

4 - NUT

5 - STUD

6 - BOLT

7 - NUT

(8) Remove the two screws that secure the B-pillar refrigerant line clamps to the B-pillar (Fig. 14).

(9) Remove the two screws that secure the B-pillar refrigerant line clamp and seal unit to the floor panel at the base of the B-pillar.

(10) Tilt the top of the B-pillar refrigerant line unit towards the front of the vehicle far enough so that the lower end of the unit can be lifted out through the hole in the floor panel.

Fig. 14 B-Pillar Refrigerant Lines Remove/Install

1 - OVERHEAD AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

2 - B-PILLAR

3 - B-PILLAR REFRIGERANT LINE

4 - SCREW

5 - CLAMP AND SEAL

(11) Remove the B-pillar refrigerant line unit from the passenger compartment.

NOTE: If either the liquid line or the suction line is removed from the B-pillar refrigerant line clamp and seal, the clamp and seal will be damaged. Replace the clamp and seal with a new unit.

INSTALLATION

(1) Position the B-pillar refrigerant line unit in the passenger compartment with the lower end of the lines inserted through the hole in the floor panel at the base of the B-pillar, and the top end of the lines oriented towards the front of the vehicle.

(2) Tilt the top of the B-pillar refrigerant line unit up into position near the rear overhead A/C unit.

(3) Remove the tape or plugs from block fittings at the top of the B-pillar refrigerant line unit, and from the fittings on the rear overhead A/C unit. Install the B-pillar refrigerant line block fittings over the one stud on the rear overhead A/C unit. Install the bolt holding the suction line, and secure the connections with the mounting nuts. Tighten the mounting nuts to 11.3 N*m (100 in. lbs.).

(4) Position the B-pillar refrigerant line clamp and seal over the hole in the floor panel and secure it with two screws. Tighten the mounting screws to 2.2 N*m (20 in. lbs.).

(5) Position the B-pillar refrigerant line over the mounting holes in the inner B-pillar and secure with a screw. Tighten the mounting screw to 2.2 N*m (20 in. lbs.).

(6) Reinstall the headliner in the passenger compartment.

Refer to Group 23 - Body for the procedures.

Reinstall the lower B-pillar trim panel, upper trim panel, and seat belt bolt adjuster.

(7) Raise and support the vehicle.

(8) From under the vehicle, remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant line fittings at the underbody and B-pillar liquid lines, and from the underbody and B-pillar suction lines. Connect the underbody refrigerant lines to the B-pillar refrigerant lines. See Refrigerant Line Coupler in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

(9) Connect the battery negative cable.

(10) Evacuate the refrigerant system. See Refrigerant System Evacuate in the Service Procedures section of this group.

(11) Charge the refrigerant system. See Refrigerant System Charge in the Service Procedures section of this group.