GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • 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

Important: 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

    Important: 

       • 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

    Important: 

       • 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

    Important: 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
  3. Remove the thermal expansion valve (TXV). Refer to Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement .
  4. Install new O-rings onto the evaporator core and A/C lines. Refer to O-Ring Replacement .
  5. Install the A/C lines into J 45268-110.
  6. Install J 45268-110 onto the evaporator core.

  7. Object Number: 1388251  Size: SH
  8. Install the TXV line bracket.
  9. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  10. Install TXV mounting bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 3.5 N·m (31 lb in).

  12. Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement .

  13. Object Number: 787687  Size: SH

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

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

  15. Object Number: 1389915  Size: SH

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

  16. Install the J 45268-13 to the A/C suction line.
  17. Install the J 45268-12 to the A/C discharge line.
  18. Connect the J 45268-1 flush filter to the J 45268-7 flush fitting.
  19. Connect the blue hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-1 flush filter adapter.
  20. Connect the red hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-8 flush fitting.
  21. Important: Close the valve on the external refrigerant tank, before starting the flush process.

  22. Flush the A/C system. Follow the instructions supplied with the J 43600 .
  23. Disconnect the red hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-8 flush fitting.
  24. Disconnect the blue hose from the J 43600 to J 45268-1 flush filter adapter.
  25. Disconnect the J 45268-1 flush filter from the J 45268-7 flush fitting.
  26. Remove the J 45268-12 from the A/C discharge line.
  27. Remove the J 45268-13 from the A/C suction line.

  28. Object Number: 1544588  Size: SH

    Important: 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.

  29. If you will reinstall the removed A/C compressor, perform the following procedure:
  30. 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 .

            Important: 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.

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

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

  32. Object Number: 1388251  Size: SH
  33. Remove the TXV mounting bolts.
  34. Remove the TXV line bracket.

  35. Object Number: 1388239  Size: SH
  36. Remove J 45268-110 from the evaporator core.
  37. Remove the A/C lines from J 45268-110.
  38. Inspect the TXV for debris. Clean or replace as needed.
  39. Replace the desiccant bag. Refer to Air Conditioning Refrigerant Desiccant Replacement .
  40. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  41. Leak test the fittings using J 42220 .