Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE. 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.
3. Remove the battery support strut.
4. Remove the nut that secures the A/C liquid line from the A/C condenser.

A/C Condenser Refrigerant Lines - Typical:

5. Disconnect the A/C liquid line from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal.
6. Install plug in, or tape over the opened liquid line fitting and the condenser outlet port.
7. Remove the nut that secures the A/C discharge line from the A/C condenser.
8. Disconnect the A/C discharge line from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal.
9. Install plug in, or tape over the opened discharge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.
10. Remove upper radiator mounts.
11. Remove the condenser retaining screws.
12. Tilt the radiator back and carefully remove the A/C condenser from the engine compartment.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If the A/C condenser 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.

1. Tilt the radiator back and position the A/C condenser into the engine compartment.
2. Install the screws that secure the A/C condenser to the radiator. Tighten the screws to 2 N.m (17 in.lbs.).
3. Install the upper radiator mounts.
4. Remove the tape or plug from the condenser inlet port and the discharge line fitting.
5. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
6. Connect the A/C discharge line to the A/C condenser.
7. Install the nut that secures the A/C discharge line to the A/C condenser. Tighten the nut to 5 N.m (44 in.lbs.).
8. Remove the tape or plug from the condenser outlet port and the liquid line fitting.
9. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it on the liquid line fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
10. Connect the A/C liquid line to the A/C condenser.
11. Install the nut that secures the A/C liquid line to the A/C condenser. Tighten the nut to 5 N.m (44 in.lbs.).
12. Install the battery support strut.
13. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
14. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
15. Charge the A/C system.