Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

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

Air Seals:

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. See Refrigerant Recovery for the procedures.
3. Remove the radiator grille panel from the vehicle.

Condenser Mounting:

4. Remove the upper bolts from the two radiator braces.

Radiator Upper Crossmember - Typical:

5. Remove the two nuts that secure the radiator to the upper crossmember.
6. Reach through the grille opening and remove the bolt that secures the lower hood latch support to the lower front crossmember.
7. The radiator upper crossmember can be adjusted left or right through the use of its slotted mounting holes. Before removal, mark the original position of the crossmember.
8. Remove the remaining bolts that secure the radiator upper crossmember to the body Do not remove the hood latch or hood latch cable from the crossmember. Lift the crossmember straight up and lay it to the side.
9. Disconnect the discharge line and liquid line refrigerant line fittings from the condenser. See Refrigerant Line Coupler for the procedures. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
10. Remove the four bolts that secure the lower condenser.
11. Remove the two bolts that secure the upper condenser.
12. Carefully lift the condenser out of the vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Carefully position the condenser in the vehicle.
2. Install and tighten the two bolts that secure the upper condenser.
3. Install and tighten the four bolts that secure the lower condenser.
4. Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant line fittings on the discharge line, liquid line and the condenser. Connect both of the refrigerant line couplers to the condenser. See Refrigerant Line Coupler for the procedures.
5. Align the radiator upper crossmember with the scribe marks. Install and tighten the bolts that secure the radiator upper crossmember to the body
6. Install and tighten the nuts that secure the radiator to the upper crossmember.
7. Reach through the grille opening to install and tighten the bolt that secures the lower hood latch support to the lower front crossmember.
8. Install and tighten the two bolts that secure the radiator braces to the upper radiator crossmember.
9. Install the radiator grille panel in the vehicle.
10. Connect the battery negative cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system. See Refrigerant System Evacuate for the procedures.
12. Charge the refrigerant system. See Refrigerant System Charge for the procedures.

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.