Suction Line: Removal

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. A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose. In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches) from the exhaust manifold.

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. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system (Refer to REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE  ).
3. Unplug the wire harness connector from the a/c pressure transducer switch (Fig 1 ).
   Fig 1: Removing Wire Harness Connector From A/C Pressure Transducer Switch

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. Remove the fasteners and disconnect the refrigerant line couplers at the condenser and the accumulator (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - REMOVAL  ). Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
5. Remove the fastener that secures the refrigerant line support bracket near the compressor.
6. Remove the screw that secures the refrigerant line manifold to the compressor. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
7. Remove the suction and discharge line assembly from the vehicle.