Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN THE GENERAL INFORMATION BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.

CAUTION: Before removing the condenser, note the location of each of the radiator and condenser air seals. These seals are used to direct air through the condenser and radiator. The air seals must be reinstalled in their proper locations in order for the air conditioning and engine cooling systems to perform as designed.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
3. Remove the radiator grille from the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the discharge line from the condenser inlet. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
5. Disconnect the liquid line from the condenser outlet. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
6. Remove the upper radiator support from the vehicle.

Condenser Remove/Install:

7. Remove the nuts that secure the condenser to the front of the right and left radiator core supports.

INSTALLATION
1. Carefully position the condenser mounting brackets over the screws on the right and left radiator core supports.
2. Reinstall the nuts that secure the condenser mounting brackets to the radiator core supports. Tighten the mounting nuts to 11.8 N.m (105 in. lbs.).
3. Reinstall the upper radiator support in the vehicle.
4. Remove the plugs or tape from the refrigerant line fittings on the liquid line and the condenser outlet. Connect the liquid line to the condenser outlet. See Liquid Line Replacement for the procedures.
5. Remove the plugs or tape from the refrigerant line fittings on the discharge line and the condenser inlet. Connect the discharge line to the condenser inlet. See Suction and Discharge Line Replacement for the procedures.
6. Check that all of the condenser and radiator air seals are in their proper locations.
7. Reinstall the radiator grille in the vehicle.
8. Connect the battery negative cable.
9. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
10. Charge the refrigerant system.

NOTE: If the condenser is replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.