Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

CONDENSER REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

REMOVAL PROCEDURE




1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
2. Remove the upper tie bar support brace bolts at the upper tie bar.
3. Loosen the support brace bolts at the headlamp and bumper fascia mounting panel and position the braces out of the way.
4. Remove the upper radiator seal.




5. Remove the upper radiator mounting brackets.




6. Disconnect the compressor hose from the condenser.




7. Remove the front headlamps.
8. Disconnect the evaporator hose from the condenser.




9. Remove the fasteners (1) from the left and right sides of the headlamp and bumper fascia mounting panel.
10. Lift the headlamp and bumper fascia mounting panel and pull forward in car to obtain access to the condenser mounting bolts.

IMPORTANT: The bolt retaining the condenser to the radiator end tank is a special length and should be the ONLY bolt used upon reinstallation. The use of a longer bolt will damage the radiator end tank.

11. Remove the two condenser to radiator mounting bolts.
12. Separate the condenser from the radiator by lifting out of the lower mounting tabs.




13. Remove the two A/C condenser seals (1).
14. Lift the condenser up and remove from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE




1. Add the proper amount of refrigerant oil to the condenser. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities.
2. Position the condenser into the vehicle.
3. Install the condenser into the lower radiator mounting tabs.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

IMPORTANT: The bolt retaining the condenser to the radiator end tank is a special length and should be the ONLY bolt used upon reinstallation. The use of a longer bolt will damage the radiator end tank.

4. Install the condenser mounting bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 6 N.m (53 lb in).

5. Install the new A/C condenser seals (1).




6. Reposition the headlamp and bumper fascia mounting panel and install the fasteners (1).

Tighten
Tighten the nut and bolt to 9 N.m (7 lb ft).

IMPORTANT: Inspect the seal washers for damage before reinstalling the A/C lines and hoses.

If any damage is noted during inspection, the suspect seal must be replaced.

Flat washer type seals do not require lubrication.




7. Install the evaporator hose to the condenser.
8. Install the evaporator hose nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).




9. Install the compressor hose to the condenser.
10. Install the compressor hose nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).




11. Install the upper radiator mounting brackets.
12. Install the upper radiator mounting bracket bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 9 N.m (7 lb ft).




13. Install the upper radiator seal.
14. Install the front fascia to tie bar support brackets.
15. Install the front fascia to tie bar support bracket bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 9 N.m (7 lb ft).

16. Install the front headlamps.
17. Recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
18. Test the A/C system for leaks using the J 39400-A.