Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Inspection Flow
- CONFIRM SYMPTOM BY PERFORMING OPERATIONAL CHECK - TEMPERATURE DECREASE
- Rotate the blower control dial to the low speed.
- Turn temperature control dial counterclockwise to maximum cold.
- Check for cold air at discharge air outlets.
Can the symptom be duplicated?
YES: GO TO 3.
NO: GO TO 2.
- CHECK FOR ANY SYMPTOMS
Perform a complete operational check for any symptoms. Refer to "FRONT AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM: WORK PROCEDURE ".
Does another symptom exist?
YES: Refer to "SYMPTOM TABLE ".
NO: System OK.
- CHECK FOR SERVICE BULLETINS
Check for any service bulletins.
Are there any pertinent service bulletins?
YES: Perform service bulletin actions.
NO: GO TO 4.
- CHECK FOR DTCS
- Turn ignition switch ON.
- Select "Self Diagnostic Result" mode of "HVAC" using CONSULT.
- Check DTC.
Is any DTC detected?
YES: "DTC INSPECTION PRIORITY CHART ".
NO: GO TO 5.
- CHECK DRIVE BELTS
Check compressor belt tension. Refer to "CHECKING DRIVE BELTS ".
Is the inspection result normal?
YES: GO TO 6.
NO: Adjust or replace compressor belt. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
- CHECK A/C SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
Check A/C system for leaks with fluorescent leak detector. Refer to "CHECKING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS USING THE FLUORESCENT DYE LEAK DETECTOR ".
NOTE: Some oil at the compressor high pressure relief valve is normalIs the inspection result normal?
YES: GO TO 7.
NO: Replace as necessary. If oil residue is at compressor high pressure relief valve, clean and retest at high pressure.
- CHECK LOW AND HIGH SIDE PRESSURE
Check A/C high and low side pressure. Refer to "INSPECTION ".
Is the inspection result normal?
YES: Check air flow across condenser; check for vehicle equipment installation. If OK, Inspection End.
NO: GO TO 8.
- CHECK RECOVERY/RECYCLING EQUIPMENT BEFORE USAGE
Check recovery/recycling equipment before connecting to vehicle. Verify there is no pressure in the recovery/recycling equipment by checking the gauges. If pressure exists, recover refrigerant from equipment lines.
:GO TO 9.
- CHECK REFRIGERANT PURITY
- Connect recovery/recycling equipment to vehicle.
- Confirm refrigerant purity in supply tank using recovery/recycling and refrigerant identifier.
Is the inspection result normal?
YES: GO TO 10.
NO: Check contaminated refrigerant. Refer to "WORKING WITH HFC-134A (R-134A) ".
- RECHARGE SYSTEM AND CHECK REFRIGERANT PRESSURE
- Recharge system.
- Check A/C high and low side pressure. Refer to
"INSPECTION
".
Is the inspection result normal?
YES: GO TO 11.
NO: Diagnose symptom. Refer to "SYMPTOM TABLE ".
- CHECK DISCHARGE AIR TEMPERATURE
Check discharge air temperature. Refer to "INSPECTION ".
Is the inspection result normal?
YES: Inspection End.
NO: GO TO 12
- CHECK AIR MIX DOOR OPERATION - TEMPERATURE INCREASE
- Rotate temperature control dial clockwise until maximum hot.
- Check for hot air at appropriate discharge air outlets.
Is the test result normal?
YES: GO TO 13.
NO: Check air mix door for mechanical failure. Refer to "AIR MIX DOOR MOTOR: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - FRONT AIR MIX DOOR MOTOR (DRIVER) " or "AIR MIX DOOR MOTOR: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION - FRONT AIR MIX DOOR MOTOR (PASSENGER) ".
- CHECK AIR DUCTS
Check ducts for air leaks.
Is the inspection result normal?
YES: System OK.
NO: Repair air leaks. Refer to "EXPLODED VIEW ".
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.