A/C - Hissing Noise
File in Section: 01 - HVACBulletin No.: 04-01-37-006
Issue Date: May, 2004
Subject:
Heater-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) Hiss-Type Noise
(Replace Low Speed Engine Cooling Fan Resistor)
Models Affected:
2002-2004 Saturn VUE Vehicles with Two-Speed Cooling Fan
Attention: Fixed Operations Manager and Technician
Models Affected Chart
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a "hiss"-type noise when the air conditioning (A/C) compressor is turned OFF. The hiss-type noise may also be heard if the cooling fan comes on in the high-speed mode with A/C compressor ON.
Cause:
When the A/C compressor comes on, the engine cooling fan should be on in the low speed mode. If the fan is inoperative in low speed mode, the condenser will not have the ability to fully condense the gas refrigerant to a liquid state, and eventually the gas will reach the thermal expansion valve (TXV). The TXV is not designed to expand gas and may make a hiss-type noise if gas refrigerant is going through it.
Correction:
Replace engine cooling fan low speed resistor assembly.
Service Procedure:
1. Verify customer concern.
2. Start vehicle and turn on A/C request switch. A/C compressor should be engaged if ambient temperature is greater than 2°C (35°F).
3. Check for operation of engine cooling fan. If A/C compressor is engaged, the engine cooling fan should be ON in low speed mode.
If the engine cooling fan is ON in the low speed mode with the A/C compressor on, the low speed cooling fan resistor assembly is functioning correctly. Refer to HVAC diagnostics in the appropriate model year Saturn VUE Service Manual or SI to resolve customer concern.
If the engine cooling fan is not ON in the low speed mode, proceed to Step 4.
4. Using the Scan Tool Output Control. select "Fan Control 2 Command." The scan tool displays a commanded state of ON or OFF. Manually cycle the low speed fan ON and OFF.
^ If fan comes on, refer to the appropriate model year Saturn VUE Service Manual or, SI for additional HVAC diagnostics to resolve customer concern.
If fan does not come on, proceed to Step 5.
5. Inspect engine cooling fan resistor connector for tightness. If no loose connection is found, remove connector.
6. Measure resistance of cooling fan resistor. The resistance should be 0.565 (ohms) + 0.028 (ohms).
^ If resistor is within specification, refer to the appropriate Saturn VUE Service Manual or SI for further diagnostic assistance.
^ If the resistor is not within specification, proceed to Step 7 and replace existing resistor with new resistor.
Caution:
To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed.
Caution:
To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death, always use the jackstands to support the vehicle when lifting the vehicle with a jack.
7. Raise vehicle on hoist. Refer to "Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle" in the appropriate Saturn VUE Service Manual (SI Document ID # 995301).
8. To access resistor, remove left front (driver side) wheel liner.
9. Remove the push-in retainers from the front wheelhouse liner.
10. Remove the wheelhouse liner from the vehicle.
11. Disconnect connector and remove resistor.
12. Install new resistor assembly, P/N 22698615.
Tighten
Tighten resistor to 10 N.m (89 in-lbs).
13. Install front wheelhouse liner.
14. Lower vehicle.
15. Retest low speed cooling fan.
Parts Information:
Claim Information:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for J3410 (Resistor - engine cooling fan replace).
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