Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation
ACCUMULATOR-A/CDESCRIPTION
The A/C accumulator (1) is mounted in the engine compartment between the evaporator outlet tube (2) and the A/C suction line (3) and includes a fitting for the A/C low pressure switch (4). An integral mounting bracket (5) secures the accumulator to the frame rail. 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.
OPERATION
NOTE: Typical A/C accumulator shown in illustration.
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).
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred, the A/C accumulator must be replaced.