Refrigerant Filter: Description and Operation

FILTER DRIER
The filter-drier is mounted in a bracket secured to the right front strut tower in the engine compartment. The filter-drier is connected between the front and rear sections of the liquid line between the condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet. The filter-drier cannot be repaired. If the filter-drier is faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an indeterminable period or if the compressor has failed, it must be replaced.

The filter-drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from contaminating the expansion valve. A desiccant bag is mounted inside the filter-drier canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of high demand air conditioner operation, the filter-drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the filter-drier as a high-pressure, low temperature liquid.