ACCUMULATOR-A/C
DESCRIPTION
To protect the A/C compressor from any liquid slugging, an A/C accumulator (1) is used in this A/C system to retain any refrigerant that may exit from the evaporator in a liquid state.
The A/C accumulator is mounted below the engine compartment behind the right side of the front fascia. A band and mounting bracket (2) secures the A/C accumulator to the right front frame rail and the connections are sealed by use of metal gaskets (3) and rubber O-rings (4).
OPERATION
NOTE: Typical A/C accumulator shown.
Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator (1) mostly as a low pressure vapor through the inlet tube (2). Any liquid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag (3) is mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. A filter (4) is also mounted inside the canister to trap any foreign material that may have entered the refrigerant system during assembly. The low pressure vapor exits the A/C accumulator through the outlet tube (5).
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals and gaskets. The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant. The O-ring seals and gaskets must be replaced whenever the A/C accumulator is removed and installed.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired and must be replaced if found to be leaking or damaged, or if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred.
REMOVAL
WARNING: Review safety precautions and warnings in this group before performing this procedure (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION). 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 (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY).
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the right front wheel (refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
5. Remove the three push-pin retainers (1) and three screws (2) that secure the front portion of the right front wheelhouse splash shield (3) to body (4) and position the front of the wheelhouse splash shield out of the way to gain access to the A/C accumulator (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/SPLASH SHIELD-FRONT WHEELHOUSE - REMOVAL).
6. Remove the nut (7) that secures the lower A/C suction line (8) to the accumulator outlet tube (9) and disconnect the suction line from the accumulator tube.
7. Remove the bolt (5) and retaining band (6) that secure the A/C accumulator to the mounting bracket (10).
8. Remove the nut (3) that secures the upper A/C suction line (2) to the accumulator inlet tube (4) and disconnect the suction line from the accumulator tube.
9. If necessary remove the accumulator mounting bracket from the body.
10. Remove and discard the O-ring seals and gaskets and install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator ports.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). 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.
CAUTION: The A/C accumulator must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C accumulator can cause serious A/C compressor damage.
NOTE: 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 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
NOTE: If only the A/C accumulator is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1.0 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.
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
1. If removed, install the accumulator mounting bracket (10). Tighten the retaining bolts to 15 N·m (11 ft. lbs.).
2. Remove the tape or plugs from all of the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator ports.
3. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and new gaskets onto the suction line and accumulator 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 upper A/C suction line (2) to the accumulator inlet tube (4) and install the retaining nut (3). Tighten the nut to 5 N·m (44 in. lbs.).
5. Install the retaining band (6) and bolt (5) that secure the A/C accumulator (1) to the mounting bracket. Tighten the bolt to 8 N·m (71 in. lbs.).
6. Connect the lower A/C suction line (8) to the accumulator outlet tube (9) and install the retaining nut (7). Tighten the nut to 5 N·m (44 in. lbs.).
7. Reposition the front of the right front wheel house splash shield (3) to the body (4) and install the three push-pin retainers (1) and the three screws (2). Tighten the screws securely (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/SPLASH SHIELD-FRONT WHEELHOUSE - INSTALLATION).
8. Install the right front wheel (refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
CAUTION: Do NOT run the engine with a vacuum pump in operation or with a vacuum present within the A/C system. Failure to follow this caution will result in serious A/C compressor damage.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
12. If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1.0 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 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
13. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).