RECEIVER/DRIER-A/C
DESCRIPTION
The A/C receiver/drier (1) stores unnecessary refrigerant, filters the refrigerant, helps remove moisture from the refrigerant and retains any refrigerant vapor that may leave the A/C condenser (2) until it becomes a liquid. The A/C receiver/drier is installed on the high-side of the A/C system and is connected directly to the right end of the A/C condenser. The A/C receiver/drier can be easily serviced by removing the grille and air cleaner housing.
OPERATION
The A/C receiver/drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from contaminating the A/C expansion valve. Refrigerant enters the A/C receiver/drier as a high-pressure, low temperature liquid. Desiccant inside the A/C receiver/drier absorbs any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of high demand operation of the A/C system, the A/C receiver/drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant.
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 receiver/drier has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals, gaskets and the high side service port valve and cap. 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 receiver/drier is removed.
The A/C receiver/drier 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: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation (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. Remove the grille (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE - REMOVAL).
4. Remove the air cleaner housing and air inlet tube (refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/HOUSING-AIR CLEANER - REMOVAL).
5. Remove the nut (1) that secures the A/C liquid line (2) to the A/C receiver/drier (3).
6. Remove the A/C liquid line from the A/C receiver/drier and remove and discard the dual-plane seal.
7. Remove the screw (4) that secures the A/C receiver/drier to the radiator and fan shroud (5).
8. Remove the nut (6) that secures the A/C receiver/drier to the A/C condenser (7).
9. Disconnect the receiver/drier from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the dual-plane seal.
10. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened receiver/drier fitting and port and the condenser port.
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 receiver/drie must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C receiver/drie 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 receiver/drier is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. Use only the 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. Position the A/C receiver/drier (3) into the engine compartment.
2. Remove the tape or plugs from the receiver/drier fitting and port and the port of the A/C condenser (7).
3. Lubricate a new dual-plane seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it onto the receiver/drier fitting. Use only the specified seal as it is 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 receiver/drier to the right end of the A/C condenser.
5. Install the nut (6) that secures the A/C receiver/drier to the A/C condenser. Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the screw (4) that secures the A/C receiver/drier to the radiator and fan shroud (5). Tighten the screw to 5 N·m (44 in. lbs.).
7. Lubricate a new dual-plane seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it onto the A/C liquid line (2) Use only the specified seal as it is 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.
8. Install the nut (1) that secures the A/C liquid line to the A/C receiver/drier. Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the air cleaner housing and air intake tube (refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR INTAKE SYSTEM/HOUSING-AIR CLEANER - INSTALLATION).
10. Install the grille (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
11. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
12. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
13. If the A/C receiver/drier 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 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.
14. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).