Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair
ACCUMULATOR-A/CNOTE: The accumulator tubes are serviced separately from the A/C accumulator.
REMOVAL
WARNING: REVIEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
NOTE: LHD model shown in illustration. RHD models similar.
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
3. If equipped, relocate the vehicle speed control servo as necessary to access the A/C accumulator (10).
4. Disconnect the wire harness connector (12) from the A/C low pressure switch (6) and remove the switch from the A/C accumulator.
5. Remove the two nuts (3) that secure the A/C suction line (1) and the A/C liquid line (2) to the accumulator tubes (4) and disconnect the lines.
6. Remove the bolt (11) that secures the A/C accumulator to the frame rail (8).
7. Remove the two bolts (9) that secure the accumulator tube block (4) to the evaporator tube tapping block (7) and disconnect the evaporator tubes from the tapping block.
8. Remove the A/C accumulator and evaporator tubes as an assembly from the engine compartment and place them on a workbench.
9. Remove the bolts (5) that secure the accumulator tubes to the A/C accumulator and disconnect the tubes from the evaporator.
10. Remove and discard the O-ring seals and gaskets and install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator and evaporator ports.
INSTALLATION
NOTE:
- If the A/C accumulator 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.
- Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals could result in a refrigerant system leak.
1. Remove the tape or plugs from all of the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator and evaporator ports.
2. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and any gaskets onto the refrigerant line and tube 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 accumulator tubes (4) onto the A/C accumulator (10) and install the two retaining bolts (5). Tighten the bolts to 11 N.m (100 in. lbs.).
4. Position the A/C accumulator and the accumulator tubes into the engine compartment as an assembly.
5. Connect the accumulator tube block (4) to the evaporator tube tapping block (7) and install the two retaining bolts (9). Tighten the bolts to 11 N.m (100 in. lbs.).
6. Install the bolt (11) that secures the A/C accumulator to the frame rail (8). Tighten the bolt to 11 N.m (100 in. lbs.).
7. Connect the A/C suction line (1) and the A/C liquid line (2) to the accumulator tubes and install the retaining nuts (3). Tighten the nuts to 20 N.m (180 in. lbs.).
8. Install the A/C low pressure switch (6) onto the A/C accumulator using a new O-ring seal. Hand-tighten the switch securely and connect the wire harness connector (12) to the switch.
9. If equipped, reinstall the vehicle speed control servo.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
12. Charge the refrigerant system.