Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

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

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
3. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the A/C low pressure switch.
4. If required, remove the A/C low pressure switch from the accumulator and remove the O-ring seal from the A/C low pressure switch fitting and discard.

Accumulator - Typical:

5. Remove the accumulator and mounting bracket from the mounting studs on the dash panel.
6. Remove the two nuts that secure the refrigerant lines to the accumulator.
7. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the accumulator.
8. Remove the O-ring seals from the opened refrigerant line fittings and discard.
9. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and accumulator ports.
10. Remove the accumulator and mounting bracket from the vehicle.
11. If required, loosen the bolt that secures the accumulator retaining band and remove the accumulator from the mounting bracket.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If the accumulator is being replaced, add 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.

1. If removed, position the accumulator into the mounting bracket and loosely install the screw that secures the retaining band.
2. Install the accumulator and bracket to the mounting studs on the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.).
3. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator ports.
4. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them on the refrigerant line 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 compressor in the vehicle.
5. Reconnect the refrigerant lines to the accumulator.
6. Install the nuts that secure the refrigerant line fittings to the accumulator. Tighten the nuts to 9 Nm (80 in. lbs.).
7. Tighten the accumulator retaining band screw to 5 Nm (44 in. lbs.).
8. If removed, install the A/C low pressure switch onto the accumulator using a new O-ring seal. Tighten the switch securely.
9. Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C low pressure switch.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
12. Charge the refrigerant system.