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 by a bolt (3). The A/C receiver/drier can be serviced separately from the A/C condenser.
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.
CAUTION: The A/C receiver/drier must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C receiver/drier can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor.
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. 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 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.
CAUTION: The A/C receiver/drier must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C receiver/drier can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor.
NOTE: Illustration shown with A/C condenser removed from vehicle for clarity.
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 bolt (3) that secures the A/C receiver/drier (1) to the right side A/C condenser (2).
5. Disconnect the A/C receiver/drier from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seals.
6. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened receiver/drier fittings and the condenser 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 receiver/drier must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C receiver/drier can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor.
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 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.
NOTE: Illustration shown with A/C condenser removed from vehicle for clarity.
1. Remove the tape or plugs from the receiver/drier fittings and the condenser ports.
2. Lubricate new O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the receiver/drier 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.
3. Connect the receiver/drier (1) to the right end of the A/C condenser (2).
4. Install the bolt (3) that secures the receiver/drier to the A/C condenser. Tighten the bolt to 22 N·m (16 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the grille (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
6. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
7. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
8. Add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/OIL-A/C REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
9. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).