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 in a bracket (2) in the engine compartment between the A/C evaporator (3) and the A/C suction line (5) and includes a fitting for the A/C low pressure switch (4).
OPERATION
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). On this model, the A/C low pressure switch (6) is mounted to the top of the A/C accumulator.
NOTE: 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.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except for the rubber O-ring seals and the A/C low pressure switch. 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 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: 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.
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
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. 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 (Special Tool Kit 7193 or equivalent), disconnect the rear section of the A/C suction line (9) from the evaporator outlet tube (6) (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - REMOVAL).
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
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 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) 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 is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals could result in a refrigerant system leak.
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
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) (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/COUPLER-REFRIGERANT LINE - INSTALLATION).
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 (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
12. If the A/C accumulator is being replaced, add 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) 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).