Climate Control - EMTC: Overview

Climate Control - EMTC

Overview

WARNING: Take the following precautions when repairing an air conditioning system containing R-134a:
- Always wear safety goggles.
- Avoid contact with liquid refrigerant R-134a. R-134a vaporizes at approximately -25°C (-13°F) under atmospheric pressure and will freeze skin tissue.
- Never allow refrigerant R-134a gas to escape in quantity in an occupied space. It will displace the oxygen needed to support life.
- Never use a torch in an atmosphere containing R-134a gas. R-134a is non-toxic at all normal conditions, but it decomposes when exposed to high temperatures such as a torch flame. During decomposition it releases irritating and toxic gasses (as described in the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) sheet from the manufacturer). Decomposition products are hydrofluoric acid, carbon dioxide and water.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the vehicle or A/C (Air Conditioning) components, the following precautions must be observed.
- The A/C (Air Conditioning) refrigerant of all vehicles must be identified and analyzed prior to refrigerant charging. Failure to do so can contaminate the shop bulk refrigerant and other vehicles.
- Do not add R-12 refrigerant to an A/C (Air Conditioning) system that requires the use of R-134a refrigerant. These 2 types of refrigerant must never be mixed. Doing so can damage the A/C (Air Conditioning) system.
- Charge the A/C (Air Conditioning) system with R-134a refrigerant gas while the engine is running only at the low-pressure side to prevent refrigerant slugging from damaging the A/C (Air Conditioning) compressor.
- Use only R-134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the A/C (Air Conditioning) system is drained, the refrigerant must be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Federal, State/Provincial and/or local laws REQUIRE that R-134a be recovered into appropriate recovery equipment and the process be conducted by qualified technicians who have been certified by an approved organization, such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or MACS (Mobile Air Conditioning Society). Use of a recovery machine dedicated to R-134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant incompatibility concerns. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when removing refrigerant from or charging the A/C (Air Conditioning) system.
- Refrigerant R-134a must not be mixed with air for leak testing or used with air for any other purpose above atmospheric pressure. R-134a is combustible when mixed with high concentrations of air and higher pressures.
- A number of manufacturers are producing refrigerant products that are described as direct substitutes for refrigerant R-134a. The use of any unauthorized substitute refrigerant can severely damage the A/C (Air Conditioning) components. If repair is required, use only new or recycled refrigerant R-134a.

NOTICE: To avoid contamination of the A/C (Air Conditioning) system, the following precautions must be observed.
- Never open or loosen a connection before recovering the refrigerant.
- When loosening a connection, if any residual pressure is evident, allow it to leak out before opening the fitting.
- Evacuate a system that has been opened to install a new component or one that has discharged through leakage before charging.
- Seal open fittings with a cap or plug immediately after disconnecting a component from the system.
- Clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly before disconnecting a component from the system.
- Do not remove the sealing caps from a new component until ready to install.
- Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmosphere if left uncapped. Do not open an oil container until ready to use and install the cap immediately after using. Store the oil in a clean, moisture-free container.
- Install a new O-ring seal before connecting an open fitting. Coat the fitting and O-ring seal with PAG oil before connecting.
- When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp bends. Position the line away from the exhaust or any sharp edges that can chafe the line.
- Tighten threaded fittings only to specifications. The steel and aluminum fittings used in the refrigerant system will not tolerate overtightening.
- When disconnecting a fitting, use a wrench on both halves of the fitting to prevent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
- Do not open a refrigerant system or uncap a new component unless it is as close as possible to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming inside a component that is cooler than the surrounding air.

The EMTC (Electronic Manual Temperature Control) system heats or cools the vehicle depending on the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) control panel selection.

- The control panel selection determines heating or cooling, air distribution and enables blower motor operation.

- The temperature control setting determines the outlet air temperature.

- The blower motor switch varies the blower motor speed.

- During A/C (Air Conditioning) operation, the system reduces the relative humidity of the air inside the vehicle.