Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair

Accumulator Replacement

The accumulator assembly service replacement part includes O-rings (as needed) for connections. The desiccant within the shell is NOT serviced separately. The desiccant is pant of the sealed accumulator assembly.
Replace the accumulator assembly only when the following conditions occur:
^ When the shell is perforated and a refrigerant leak is found
^ When the system has been open to the atmosphere for an extended period

Accumulators do not require periodic replacement due to the following changes:
^ Use of improved desiccant
^ Use of improved hose material
^ Increased use of metal tubes

The following repairs reduce the ability of moisture to enter the refrigerant system:
^ Improved hose material
^ Increased use of metal tubes

Refer to Refrigerant Oil Distribution Specifications in order to determine the quantity of oil to be added to an accumulator that has been replaced.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 39500-B R-134a Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Recharging (ACR4) System

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Use the J 39500-B in order to recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in Service Precautions.
4. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly.
5. Partially remove the splash shield.
Position the splash shield aside. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Wheelhouse in Body Front End.
6. Remove the following components at the accumulator:
^ The tube nut fitting
^ The block fitting
7. Remove the accumulator bracket from the vehicle.
8. Remove the accumulator from the bracket (2).
9. Remove the accumulator from the insulator.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the insulator to the accumulator.

IMPORTANT: Add the required amount of new refrigerant oil. Refer to Refrigerant Oil Distribution.

2. Install the accumulator to the bracket.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the accumulator bracket to the vehicle.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

4. Install the following components at the accumulator:
^ The tube nut fitting
^ The block fitting

Tighten
- Tighten the tube nut to 23.5 N.m (17 lb ft).
- Tighten the block fitting nut to 24 N.m (17 lb ft).

5. Install the splash shield.
6. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 16 N.m (12 lb ft).

9. Use the J 39500-B in order to evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.