How to Locate the Low Pressure Port in a 2003 Chevy Impala
by Kyle SanstromThe low-pressure port in a 2003 Chevrolet Impala is the port where refrigerant is added to the air-conditioning system. This port is TIG-welded to the top of the aluminum low-pressure line and covered with a blue plastic dust cap. The dust cap prevents dirt and contaminants from interfering with the low-pressure port valve. It also prevents something from accidentally depressing the valve stem and inadvertently evacuating refrigerant into the air. Refrigerant must be recovered and evacuated by a licensed facility and never released, accidentally or purposely, into the atmosphere.
Step 1
Shift the transmission into park, apply the parking brake and open the hood.
Step 2
Stand in front of the engine, looking toward the windshield. Look straight down and locate the two aluminum lines coming off the right side of the air-conditioning condenser.
Step 3
Look at the large diameter line; this is the low pressure line. Follow this line back toward the firewall approximately 12 inches. The low-pressure port is covered with a blue or sometimes black cap with an “L” stamped on top.
Step 4
Unscrew the cap to expose the low-pressure port.
References
- AllData Repair Database: 2003 Chevrolet Impala: Heating and Air Conditioning: Locations
- Haynes Repair Manual: General Motors Chevrolet Lumina & Impala: 1995 thru 2005; John Haynes, Jeff Kibler and Jay Storer; 2006
Tips
- Sometimes the dust cap may be missing and you won’t be able to use this as a means of identifying the low-pressure port. Just remember: The low pressure port always is mounted on the larger-diameter tube. Compare the two tubes coming off the air-conditioning condenser and follow the larger tube away from the condenser toward the firewall until you run into the low-pressure port.
Things You'll Need
- Work light
Writer Bio
Kyle Sanstrom has been writing professionally since 2008. His articles have been published on several websites including eHow and Automobile Insight. Sanstrom has undergone advanced automotive training at the Dunwoody College of Technology, holds an Associate of Arts in general studies from Century College and has more than 10 years of experience in all aspects of automotive repair and diagnosis.
