Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair
ACCUMULATOR-A/CNOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
3. Disconnect the wire lead and connector (3) from the A/C low pressure switch (2) and remove the switch from the A/C accumulator (10).
4. Remove the two nuts (7) that secure the accumulator bracket (8) to the dash panel (5).
5. On LHD models, remove the secondary retaining clip (4) from the suction line spring-lock coupler and using the proper A/C line disconnect tool, disconnect the rear section of the A/C suction line (9) from the evaporator outlet tube (6).
6. On RHD models, remove the nut that secures the rear section of the A/C suction line to the A/C evaporator and disconnect the line from the evaporator.
7. Remove the nuts (1) that secure the rear section of the A/C suction line and the front section of the A/C suction line (11) to the A/C accumulator and disconnect the lines from the accumulator.
8. Remove the A/C accumulator and the bracket from the engine compartment as an assembly and, if necessary, remove the bracket from the accumulator.
9. Remove and discard the O-ring seals and install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator and evaporator ports.
INSTALLATION
NOTE:
- If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, add 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
- Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals could result in a refrigerant system leak.
1. If removed, install the A/C accumulator (10) into the accumulator bracket (8) and position the accumulator and bracket into the engine compartment as an assembly.
2. Remove the tape or plugs from all of the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator and evaporator ports.
3. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
4. Connect the A/C suction lines (9 and 11) to the A/C accumulator and install the retaining nuts (1). Tighten the nuts to 12.5 N.m (110 in. lbs.).
5. On LHD models, connect the spring-lock coupler that secures the rear section of the A/C suction line to the A/C evaporator (6) and install the secondary retaining clip (4).
6. On RHD models, connect the rear section of the A/C suction line to the A/C evaporator and install the retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 12.5 N.m (110 in. lbs.).
7. Install the two nuts (7) that secure the accumulator bracket to the dash panel (5). Tighten the nuts to 4.5 N.m (40 in. lbs.).
8. If removed, install the A/C low pressure switch (2) onto the A/C accumulator using a new O-ring seal. Hand tighten the switch securely.
9. Connect the wire lead and connector (3) to the A/C low pressure switch.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
12. Charge the refrigerant system.