Lincoln Nautilus: Climate Control System - General Information / Condenser Core Leak Check. General Procedures
Inspection
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Recover the refrigerant.
Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and
Charging (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General
Procedures).
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Disconnect the condenser from the A/C system. Refer to the appropriate
removal and installation section in Group 412 for the procedure.
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Use the correct adapters with the A/C Service Unit to test the
condenser. The adapters are part of the A/C flushing kits. For the
correct adapters and A/C Service Unit,
Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
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NOTE:
The automatic shut-off valves on some hoses do not
open when connected to the fittings. If available, use hoses without
shut-off valves. If hoses with shut-off valves are used, make sure the
valve opens when attached to the adapter fittings. The test is not valid
if the shut-off valve does not open.
Connect the hoses from the A/C Service Unit to the adapter fittings on the condenser.
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Open both valves and start the vacuum. Allow the A/C
Service Unit to vacuum for a minimum of 45 minutes after the low
pressure gauge indicates 101 kPa (30 in-Hg). The 45-minute evacuation is
necessary to remove any refrigerant from oil left in the condenser. If
the refrigerant is not completely removed from the oil, outgassing will
degrade the vacuum and appear as a refrigerant leak.
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If the low pressure gauge reading will not drop to 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) when the valves are open and the A/C
Service Unit is operating, close the valves and observe the low
pressure reading. If the pressure rises rapidly to zero, a large leak is
indicated. Recheck the adapter fitting connections before installing a
new condenser.
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After evacuating for 45 minutes, close the valves and
stop the service unit. Observe the low pressure gauge; it should remain
at the 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) mark.
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If the low pressure gauge reading rises 34 or more
kPa (10 or more in-Hg) of vacuum from the 101 kPa (30 in-Hg) position in
10 minutes, a leak is indicated.
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If a very small leak is suspected, wait 30 minutes and observe the vacuum gauge.
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If a small amount of vacuum is lost, operate the
service unit with the valves open for an additional 30 minutes to remove
any remaining refrigerant from the oil in the condenser. Then recheck
for loss of vacuum.
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If a very small leak is suspected, allow the system
to sit overnight with vacuum applied and check for vacuum loss.
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If the condenser leaks, as verified by the above
procedure, install a new condenser. Refer to the appropriate removal
and installation Condenser procedure in Group 412.
Climate Control Tools and Equipment
Use the correct adapters with the Rotunda approved A/C Tools.
NOTE:
The climate control tools and equipment listed are regionally required
for Ford North America A/C service repairs...
Inspection
NOTE:
Depending on refrigerant used:
Use a Rotunda-approved Electronic Leak Detector for R134a refrigerant SAE Certified to J2791...
Other information:
Removal
Remove the rear spoiler.
Refer to: Rear Spoiler (501-08 Exterior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
Remove the high mounted stoplamp.
Disconnect the high mounted stoplamp electrical connector.
Remove the retainers...
Overview
The DATC system maintains the selected vehicle interior temperature
by heating and/or cooling the air depending on the HVAC control panel
selection.
The driver may override the automatic mode of operation.
The temperature control setting is the desired cabin air temperature...