Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair

ACCUMULATOR REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector


REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Remove the battery heat shield.







4. Remove the nut retaining the heater pipe bracket to the cowl.
5. Reposition the heater pipe bracket to access the refrigerant lines.







6. Remove the compressor hose to accumulator retaining bolt.
7. Disconnect the compressor hose from the accumulator.

IMPORTANT: Cap or tape the A/C components immediately to prevent system contamination.

8. Remove and discard the O-ring.
9. Cap or tape the open compressor hose and the accumulator.
10. Reposition the compressor hose end.







11. Remove the accumulator bracket mounting nuts.
12. Reposition the accumulator slightly to access the accumulator hose to accumulator fitting.

IMPORTANT: Prior to removal, take note of the accumulator alignment to the accumulator hose and the rear evaporator tube.

13. Cap or tape the open accumulator hose and the accumulator.







14. Using a back-up wrench on the accumulator fitting (2), loosen the accumulator hose fitting (1) from the accumulator.







15. Disconnect the accumulator hose from the accumulator.
16. Remove and discard the O-ring







17. Remove the accumulator from the vehicle.
18. Loosen the accumulator bracket clamp bolt.
19. Remove the accumulator from the accumulator bracket.
20. Inspect the accumulator bracket insulator and the accumulator lower insulator for wear or damage.







21. If replacing the accumulator, drain and measure as much of the oil as possible from the removed accumulator.
This measurement will be used during installation of the replacement accumulator.



INSTALLATION PROCEDURE







1. Add the specified amount of PAG oil to the accumulator. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities.
2. Replace the accumulator lower insulator, if necessary:







2.1. Remove the paper backing from the lower insulator (1).
2.2. Position and install the insulator (1) to the bottom of the accumulator (2).

3. Install the accumulator to the accumulator bracket.
4. Tighten the accumulator bracket clamp bolt just enough to provide some resistance in rotating the accumulator.
5. Install the accumulator and bracket to the vehicle.
6. Remove the cap or tape from the accumulator hose and the accumulator.
7. Install a new O-ring.







8. Install the accumulator hose to the accumulator.
9. Align the accumulator to the accumulator hose and the rear evaporator tube as noted prior to removal.







10. Using a back-up wrench on the accumulator fitting (2), secure the accumulator hose fitting (1) to the accumulator.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. Vehicle Damage Warnings

Tighten
Tighten the fitting to ......................41 N.m (30 lb ft).







11. Install the accumulator and bracket into position.
12. Install the accumulator bracket mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

13. Tighten the accumulator bracket clamp bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

14. Remove the cap or tape from the compressor hose and the accumulator.
15. Install a new O-ring.







16. Install the compressor hose to the accumulator.
17. Install the compressor hose to accumulator retaining bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).







18. Install the heater pipe bracket to the cowl stud.
19. Install the heater pipe bracket retaining nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

20. Install the battery heat shield.
21. Install the battery.
22. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system.
23. Leak test the fittings of the component using J 39400-A.