Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Subaru Air Conditioning Systems
ver the years, Subaru air conditioning systems have taken many different
O
shapes and sizes, from full manual, cable and vacuum-controlled systems like
those found on Loyale models, to the fully automatic electronically controlled
systems employed by the SVX and some Legacy models. Because of this great
diversity in Subaru air conditioning systems, it would be impossible to tell you
everything there is to know about every single Subaru air conditioning system in
t
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Air Flow System The purpose of the air flow system is to provide air to the heating, ventilation, defroster, and air conditioning systems. Control of the air flow is accomplished by four types of systems which are Subaru model specific: ˚ Manual cable - Justy ¸ Manual cable/vacuum -Loyale Manual cable/electric - Legacy, Impreza, and XT ˝ Automatic electric - SVX The mode selector controls the rout- ing of air to the defroster, heater core, air conditioning evaporator, and the outlet ducts. Th
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
Subaru Air Conditioning Systems Fast Idle Control Device (A/C Idle Air Control) On manual transaxle equipped Justy vehicles, the FICD is incorporated in the idle-up system. Proper adjustment and operation is outlined in Service Bulletins 02-70-89 and 02-72-89. On ECVT equipped carbureted vehicles an air/fuel bypass control system performs the FICD function. The ECVT air bypass control system consists of an air bypass valve, an adjusting screw, and an air bypass solenoid. The system is designed
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Troubleshooting and Servicing Six Step Troubleshooting The following six step method of troubleshooting will save time and effort in the diagnosis and analysis of air conditioning problems. It provides a logical approach to solving the problem, not just treating the symptoms. The steps are as follows: ˚ Verify the problem (Operational check) Check that the problem does exist. Are components inoperable or malfunctioning? ¸ Determine related symptoms (Operational check) Identify other symptoms th
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Subaru Air Conditioning Systems To connect the manifold gauge set to the system: ˚ Fully close both of the manifold valves. ¸ Remove the compressor service valve caps. Connect the high and low pressure hoses to the service valves. Note: Some refrigerant gas will be discharged as the hoses are connected to the service valves. This is normal, however, you should attempt to connect the hoses as quickly as possible to prevent excess refrigerant loss and air from entering the system. Note: Start
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
General Preparations Always conduct a visual inspection of the air conditioning system to identify any damage, excessive wear, refrigerant leaks (oil residue), improper belt adjust- ment, improper pulley alignment, and plugged condenser cooling fins. Note: Never use water to clean the condenser or radiator fins. Using compressed air is the approved method. Observe the refrigerant flow through the receiver/dryer sight glass (if equipped), use the correct gauges to check all systems, verify all s
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Subaru Air Conditioning Systems Charging Charging the system is required after servicing, repair or replacement of system components, or to locate a leak when there is no refrigerant in the system. Follow the steps listed below to charge the system: • Leak detection of a pressurized system is required to locate an otherwise unidentifiable leak in a discharged system or when the system was dicharged/evacuated for repairs. • The proper procedure is to: - Connect the manifold gauges or ACR-4 to t
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Subaru Air Conditioning Systems Fill the compressor with the proper amount of the correct type refrigerant oil. Use of the incorrect type of compressor oil may result in damage to the com- pressor. Refer to Subaru Service Bulletin number 10-37-84, dated 12-12-84, for compressor oil specifications for Matsushita (Panasonic), Hitachi, Lone Star and other compressor types. Always manually rotate the compressor several turns to confirm proper operation after filling with refrigerant oil. Note: The v
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
Subaru Air Conditioning Systems Performance Test Results Standard Compressor Systems Lower than normal —System is undercharged, or ˚ System performs to pressures indicate: —Compressor is NOT specifications; test complete —Compressor has shifted changing to minimum stroke ¸ Higher than normal to minimum stroke ˝ Switch system “ON” and pressures indicate: • Stop engine “OFF” —Restriction of air across • Wait ten (10) minutes, retest ˛ If high and low side condenser —System is undercharged pre
