Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair

ACCUMULATOR

REMOVAL

WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

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 and discard the O-ring seal.
5. Remove the plastic retaining clip that secures the suction line to the liquid line near the accumulator.
6. Loosen the bolt that secures the accumulator retaining band to the support bracket located on the dash panel.

A/C Accumulator - Typical:

7. Remove the nuts that secure the refrigerant lines to the accumulator.
8. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the accumulator and remove and discard the O-ring seals.
9. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and accumulator ports.
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 if necessary, remove the retaining band from the accumulator.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If the A/C 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 A/C compressor in the vehicle.

1. If removed, position the accumulator into retaining band and loosely install the bolt.
2. Position the accumulator and retaining band into the slotted hole of the support bracket on dash panel.
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 the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
5. Connect the refrigerant lines to the accumulator.
6. Install the nuts that secure the refrigerant lines to the accumulator. Tighten the nuts to 9 N.m (80 in. lbs.).
7. Tighten the bolt that secures the accumulator retaining band to the support bracket. Tighten bolt to 4.5 N.m (40 in. lbs.).
8. Install the plastic retaining clip that secures the A/C suction line to the liquid line near the accumulator.
9. If removed, install the A/C low pressure switch onto the accumulator using a new O-ring seal. Hand tighten the switch securely.
10. Connect the wire harness connector to the A/C low pressure switch.
11. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
12. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
13. Charge the refrigerant system.
14. Charge the refrigerant system.