Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

A/C Condenser


Review the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions may result in serious or fatal injury.

Removing

- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

- Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. Refer to => [ Refrigerant System, Recovery ] Refrigerant System, Recovery.

- Remove the grille..

- Remove the nuts (3) that secure the A/C discharge line (1) and the A/C liquid line (4) to the condenser tapping block (2) located in the right front corner of the engine compartment.

- Disconnect the A/C discharge and liquid lines from the condenser tapping block and remove and discard the O-ring seals and gaskets.

- Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and condenser ports.

- Remove the screw (5) that secures the condenser tapping block to the radiator (6).

- Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from the transmission fluid cooler.

- Install plugs in, or tape over the opened transmission fluid cooler ports.

- Remove the upper radiator crossmember (2) and position it out of the way.

- Disengage the retaining tabs (4) that secure the upper condenser mounting brackets (3) to the radiator.

- Carefully push the radiator rearward for clearance.

• Be certain to note the location of each of the radiator and condenser air seals prior to removal of the A/C condenser. These air seals must be properly installed for the A/C and engine cooling systems to perform as designed.

- Lift the A/C condenser (5) straight upward to disengage the lower condenser mounting brackets from the radiator and remove the condenser from the engine compartment.

Installing


• Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system. Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.

• Any factory-installed air seals or shrouds must be properly reinstalled when servicing the A/C condenser. Failure to follow this caution may result in the A/C and engine cooling systems not operating to design standards and possible engine and transmission damage due to overheating.

• When replacing multiple A/C system components, refer to the refrigerant oil capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system. Refer to => [ Refrigerant Charge Capacity ] Capacity Specifications.

• If only the A/C condenser is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) 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 and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets may result in a refrigerant system leak.

• Be certain that each of the radiator and condenser air seals are installed in their proper locations.








- Carefully push the radiator rearward for clearance.

- Position the A/C condenser (5) into the front of the engine compartment and engage the lower condenser mounting brackets to the radiator.

- Engage the retaining tabs (4) that secure the upper condenser mounting brackets (3) to the radiator.

- Install the upper radiator crossmember (1).

- Remove the plugs or tape from the opened transmission fluid cooler ports.

- Connect the transmission cooler lines (2) to the transmission fluid cooler.






- Install the screw (5) that secures the condenser tapping block (2) to the radiator (6). Tighten the screw securely.

- Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and condenser ports.

- Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and new gaskets onto the opened 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.

- Connect the A/C discharge line (1) and the A/C liquid line (4) to the condenser tapping block.

- Install the nuts (3) that secure the A/C discharge and liquid lines to the condenser tapping block. Tighten the nuts to 23 Nm (17 ft lbs).

- Install the grille..

- Connect the negative battery cable.

- Evacuate the refrigerant system. Refer to => [ Refrigerant System, Evacuate ] Refrigerant System, Evacuate.

- If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. When replacing multiple A/C system components, refer to the refrigerant oil capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system. Refer to => [ Refrigerant Charge Capacity ] Capacity Specifications. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.

- Charge the refrigerant system. Refer to => [ Refrigerant System, Charging ] Refrigerant System, Charging.