GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2009 🢒 CTS 🢒 HVAC 🢒 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning 🢒 Flushing

Special Tools

    • J 41447 R-134A A/C Tracer Dye - Box of 24
    • J 42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp
    • J 43600 ACR 2000 Air Conditioning Service Center
    • J 45268 A/C Flush Adapter Kit

Note: Flushing is not intended to remove metal from the A/C system.

Flushing is intended to remove the following:

    • Contaminated polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil
    • Desiccant, following a desiccant bag failure
    • Overcharge of PAG oil
    • Refrigerant contamination

Forward Flushing Setup

    Object Number: 1389922 Size: SH

    Note: 

       • Forward flow refrigerant flushing is recommended for contaminated refrigerant or PAG oil.
       • Inspect and lubricate the J 45268 fitting O-rings. Refer to O-Ring Replacement.

  1. Install the J 45268-7 (2) onto the suction line adapter block J 45268-13 (1).
  2. Install the J 45268-8 (3) onto the discharge line adapter block J 45268-12 (4).

Reverse Flushing Setup

    Object Number: 1389919 Size: SH

    Note: 

       • Reverse flow refrigerant flush is recommended for desiccant bag failure. Replace the condenser/receiver dehydrator assembly when the A/C flush is complete and perform the following procedure:
       • Inspect and lubricate the J 45268 fitting O-rings. Refer to O-Ring Replacement.

  1. Install the J 45268-8 (2) onto the suction line adapter block J 45268-13 (1).
  2. Install the J 45268-7 (3) onto the discharge line adapter block J 45268-12 (4).

Flush Procedure

    Note: Warmer engine or ambient temperatures decreases the refrigerant recovery time during the A/C flush procedure.

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.

    2. Object Number: 1388239 Size: SH
  2. Remove the thermal expansion valve (TXV). Refer to Air Conditioning Evaporator Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement.
  3. Install new O-rings onto the evaporator core and A/C lines. Refer to O-Ring Replacement.
  4. Install the A/C lines into J 45268-110.
  5. Install J 45268-110 onto the evaporator core.

    6. Object Number: 1388251 Size: SH
  6. Install the TXV line bracket.

    7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  7. Install TXV mounting bolts and tighten to 3.5 N·m (31 lb in).
  8. Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement.

    9. Object Number: 787687 Size: SH

    Note: The filter inside J 45268-1 is serviceable. Remove and discard the check valve from the filter.

  9. Service the filter with AC Delco P/N GF 470, before each flush.

    10. Object Number: 1389915 Size: SH

    Note: Install new O-rings onto the A/C discharge and suction lines. Refer to O-Ring Replacement.

  10. Install the J 45268-13 to the A/C suction line.
  11. Install the J 45268-12 to the A/C discharge line.
  12. Connect the J 45268-1 flush filter to the J 45268-7 flush fitting.
  13. Connect the blue hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-1 flush filter adapter.
  14. Connect the red hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-8 flush fitting.

    15. Note: Close the valve on the external refrigerant tank, before starting the flush process.

  15. Flush the A/C system. Follow the instructions supplied with the J 43600 .
  16. Disconnect the red hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-8 flush fitting.
  17. Disconnect the blue hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-1 flush filter adapter.
  18. Disconnect the J 45268-1 flush filter from the J 45268-7 flush fitting.
  19. Remove the J 45268-12 from the A/C discharge line.
  20. Remove the J 45268-13 from the A/C suction line.

    21. Object Number: 1544588 Size: SH

    Note: Flushing will remove all the PAG oil from the A/C system.

    The A/C system must be replenished with the correct amount of PAG oil.

  21. If you will reinstall the removed A/C compressor, perform the following procedure:
    22. 21.1. Remove the drain oil bolt from the removed compressor.
    21.2. Drain and properly discard the PAG oil from the A/C compressor. Rotate the compressor input shaft to assist in draining the PAG oil from the compressor.
    21.3. Add the total system capacity of PAG oil into the A/C compressor oil drain. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities.

            Note: Flushing will remove the fluorescent leak detection dye from the A/C system.

    21.4. Add one bottle of J 41447 directly to the A/C compressor.

    Note: A new service compressor is shipped with a full charge of PAG oil. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities.

  22. Install the A/C compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement.

    23. Object Number: 1388251 Size: SH
  23. Remove the TXV mounting bolts.
  24. Remove the TXV line bracket.

    25. Object Number: 1388239 Size: SH
  25. Remove J 45268-110 from the evaporator core.
  26. Remove the A/C lines from J 45268-110.
  27. Inspect the TXV for debris. Clean or replace as needed.
  28. Replace the desiccant bag. Refer to Air Conditioning Refrigerant Desiccant Replacement.
  29. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
  30. Leak test the fittings using J 42220 .