Fluid Reservoir
Fluid Reservoir
Does not apply to condensers, which have an attached reservoir.
• There are different versions of the fluid reservoir and condenser, ensure correct allocation. Refer to Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA).
• The reservoir may be attached to or integrated in the condenser, depending on the version of the condenser. If the condenser has an integrated reservoir, replace the dryer cartridge. Refer to => [ Dryer Cartridge ] Description and Operation.
• A different version condenser will be installed on 5 cylinder engines, as opposed to vehicles with a 4 or 6 cylinder engine. This condenser - A - has an integrated reservoir - B -. This reservoir - B - has a dryer cartridge installed in it, which currently is not available as a replacement part. Therefore, it may be necessary to replace the complete condenser if there is a complaint about this vehicle. Refer to => [ Dryer Cartridge ] Description and Operation, Electronic Parts Catalog.
• Dryer cartridge (on a condenser with an integrated fluid reservoir), removing and installing, refer to => [ Dryer Cartridge ] Description and Operation.
• The removed reservoir contains refrigerant oil that must be returned to the refrigerant circuit (with the new reservoir). Adjustment of oil quantity depends on nature of complaint.
- If for example the fluid reservoir was damaged due to a vehicle accident (no refrigerant leaked out, no moisture and no dirt penetrated into refrigerant circuit), let refrigerant oil flow out of the removed fluid reservoir and add the drained quantity of refrigerant oil plus 10 cm3 of fresh refrigerant oil to the refrigerant circuit (for example, condenser), this services the refrigerant circuit without extensive repair work.
- If a certain amount of refrigerant oil has leaked due to an accident or contaminants or moisture has entered the refrigerant circuit, circuit must be flushed.
Removing
- Switch off ignition.
- Discharge refrigerant circuit.
- Remove the front bumper cover. Refer to Removal and Installation.
- Remove bolts - E -.
- Remove bolt - B - and remove bracket - C - downward.
- Pull fluid reservoir - D - upward out of condenser - A - - arrow -
• Seal open connections on reservoir and condenser with suitable caps (to prevent dirt and moisture from entering).
Installing
• There are different versions of the condenser and bracket - C - depending on the production time period. As a running change in MY 2007, the mounting was changed from a metal bracket attached by screws to a plastic bracket held in place by a clip.
• Tightening specification: Bolts for securing fluid reservoir on condenser - 10 Nm.
Installation is done is reverse order, observe the following:
• Coat the O-ring seals lightly with refrigerant oil prior to installation. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit O-rings ] Refrigerant Circuit O-rings.
• Check O-ring seals for proper seating in grooves - arrows - on respective mount.
• Keep fluid reservoir closed as long as possible; do not remove caps until just before installing. Fluid reservoir contains a dryer cartridge which will become saturated with moisture in a short time if accumulator is left open. This makes the accumulator unusable.
- Clean contact surface of condenser - D -.
- Replace seals - B - and O-ring seals - C -. Version, refer to Electronic Parts Catalog.
- Place fluid reservoir - A - on condenser and tighten bolts.
- Install front bumper cover.
- Discharge and fill the refrigerant circuit.
- Install remaining components.
- Operate the A/C system after filling the refrigerant circuit. Refer to=> [ A/C System, Operating After Filling Refrigerant Circuit ] A/C System, Operating After Filling Refrigerant Circuit.
• Note the information regarding operating the A/C system after filling.