Receiver Dryer: Description and Operation

The receiver/drier is mounted in a bracket secured to the left front strut tower in the engine compartment. The receiver/drier is connected between the front and rear sections of the A/C liquid line between the condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet.

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 compressor has failed, it must be replaced.

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