Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

A/C Refrigerant System Components, Replacing

- All repairs for A/C, heating and ventilation components that do not affect the refrigerant system are the same as those for R-12 equipped vehicles
- Replacement compressors, evaporators and condensers supplied by Audi are filled with nitrogen. If gas does not escape when component is first opened the component may be malfunctioning. Do not install it
- Install new replacement accumulator immediately after opening to prevent moisture contamination of desiccant
- Always plug open refrigerant line connections to prevent dirt and moisture contamination
- Always replace restrictor whenever system is discharged due to a leaking component
- Dispose of contaminated refrigerant (PAG) oil following laws governing hazardous waste disposal. Do not combine PAG oil with any other old oils such as engine oil or transmission fluid

Replacing A/C Refrigerant System Components:

If the system is discharged as the result of a leaking component (except A/C compressor):
- Remove A/C compressor.
- Remove malfunctioning component.
- Plug all open refrigerant line connections to prevent dirt and moisture contamination.
- Blow compressed air through component and collect oil that runs out.
- Add that amount of new refrigerant (PAG) oil plus amount specified below according to component being replaced.
-Evaporator 20 cc (0.7 oz)
-Accumulator 30 cc (1.0 oz)
-Condenser 10 cc (0.3 oz)
-Refrigerant line/hose 10 cc (0.3 oz)
- Install new component.
- Remove compressor oil drain plug, drain refrigerant oil from compressor and measure amount. Rotate compressor by hand to speed up oil drainage.
- Dispose of used refrigerant oil following laws governing hazardous waste disposal.

CAUTION: In order to ensure lubrication during initial start-up, add a minimum of 80 cc (2.7 oz) of fresh refrigerant (PAG) oil to the A/C compressor.

- Refill compressor with 80 cc (2.7 oz) of fresh refrigerant oil.
- Install oil drain plug.

If total amount of refrigerant oil drained from old compressor was greater than 80 cc (2.7 oz):
- Subtract 80 cc (2.7 oz) (amount of new oil that was added to compressor) from total amount.
- Add resulting amount of fresh refrigerant oil to either evaporator or accumulator.

Example:
100 cc (Amount of oil drained from old compressor)
-80 cc (Amount of fresh oil added to new compressor)
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20 cc (Amount of fresh oil to be added to evaporator or accumulator)

NOTE: Some refrigerant recovery/ recycling/ recharging equipment have provisions for adding refrigerant (PAG) oil during system recharge. If using this method for adding oil, follow all refrigerant recovery/ recycling/ recharging equipment manufacturer's instructions.

- Install A/C compressor.
- Evacuate and recharge A/C system.
- Manually rotate A/C compressor 10 rotations before operating system to prevent compressor damage.

If The System Is Leaking As The Result Of A Damaged Or malfunctioning Component (Except A/C Compressor), But The System Is Still Charged:
- Discharge A/C system.
- Remove malfunctioning component and plug all open line connections.
- Blow compressed air through component and collect oil that runs out.
- Add that amount of new refrigerant (PAG) oil plus amount specified below according to component being replaced.
- Evaporator 20 cc (0.7 oz)
- Accumulator 30 cc (1.0 oz)
- Condenser 10 cc (0.3 oz)
- Refrigerant line/hose 10 cc (0.3 oz)
- Install new component.
- Evacuate and recharge A/C system.