Receiver Dryer: Description and Operation

The receiver/drier (1) is mounted in a bracket (2) secured to the right front frame rail (4) in the engine compartment. The receiver/drier is connected between the front section of the liquid line (3) and the rear section of the liquid line (5) between the condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet.

The receiver/drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from contaminating the A/C expansion valve. Refrigerant enters the receiver/drier as a high-pressure, low temperature liquid. Desiccant inside the receiver/drier absorbs any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of high demand operation of the A/C system, the receiver/drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant.

The receiver/drier cannot be repaired. If the receiver/drier is faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an indeterminable period or if the A/C compressor has failed, it must be replaced.