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 battery negative cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
3. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the A/C low pressure switch.
4. Remove the plastic retaining clip that secures the suction line to the liquid line near the accumulator.

A/C Accumulator - Typical:

5. Remove the two nuts that secure the refrigerant lines to the accumulator.
6. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the accumulator.
7. Remove the O-ring seals from the opened refrigerant line fittings and discard.
8. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and accumulator ports.
9. Loosen the bolt that secures the accumulator retaining band to the support bracket located on the dash panel.
10. Pull the accumulator and retaining band forward until the bolt in the band is clear of the slotted hole in the support bracket.
11. Remove the accumulator from the engine compartment and remove the retaining band from the accumulator.
12. If necessary, remove the A/C low pressure switch from the accumulator.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If the accumulator is being replaced, add 90 milliliters (3 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, install the A/C low pressure switch onto the accumulator using a new O-ring seal. Tighten the switch securely.
2. Install the retaining band onto the accumulator and position the accumulator into the slotted hole of the support bracket in the engine compartment.
3. Tighten the bolt that secures the accumulator retaining band to the support bracket.Tighten the bolt to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.).
4. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator ports.
5. 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.
6. Reconnect the refrigerant lines to the accumulator.
7. Install two nuts that secure the refrigerant line fittings to the accumulator. Tighten the nuts to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
8. Install the plastic retaining clip that secures the suction line to the liquid line near the accumulator.
9. Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C low pressure switch.
10. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
12. Charge the refrigerant system.