Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front




The A/C evaporator (1) for the front heating-A/C system is located within the front HVAC housing (2), behind the instrument panel. The A/C evaporator and insulator (3) are positioned in the HVAC housing so that all air entering the housing must pass over the evaporator fins before it is distributed through the heating-A/C system ducts and outlets. However, air passing over the evaporator fins will only be conditioned when the A/C compressor is engaged and circulating refrigerant through the A/C evaporator.

Refrigerant enters the A/C evaporator from the A/C expansion valve as a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture of liquid and gas. As air flows over the fins of the A/C evaporator, the humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and vaporize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas when it leaves the A/C evaporator.

The A/C evaporator cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.