A/C Condenser - Installation
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level . Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.
CAUTION: On late model year gasoline engine equipped vehicles with automatic transaxle, the A/C condenser/receiver/drier assembly must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C condenser/receiver/drier assembly can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor.
NOTE: If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add 10 milliliters (0.3 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. If the A/C condenser is equipped with an A/C receiver/drier, be sure to add an addition 30 milliliters (1.0 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil. When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level . Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
NOTE: A/C condenser for late model year gasoline engine with automatic transaxle shown. Other models similar.
NOTE: Illustration shown with front fascia and diesel engine charge air cooler (CAC) (when equipped) removed for clarity.
1. Carefully lower the A/C condenser (1) straight down in front of the radiator (5) and engage the upper condenser brackets (4) to the radiator.
2. If equipped with the 2.2L diesel engine, install the charge air cooler (CAC).
3. If equipped, connect the automatic transmission cooler lines (2) to the left side of the A/C condenser Service and Repair.
4. Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Install the two bolts (3) that secure the lower condenser brackets to the radiator. Tighten the bolts to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Illustration shown with front fascia removed for clarity.
NOTE: On gasoline engine equipped models, reach up through the opening in the bottom of the front fascia located in the right front corner of the vehicle to gain access to the A/C liquid line.
6. Remove the tape or plug from the liquid line fitting and the condenser outlet port.
7. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it and a new gasket onto the liquid line fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
8. Connect the A/C liquid line (2) to the A/C condenser (3) and install the retaining nut (1). Tighten the nut to 5 Nm (44 in. lbs.).
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Remove the tape or plug from the discharge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.
11. Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it and a new gasket onto the discharge line fitting. Use only the specified O-ring as it is made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
12. On gasoline engine equipped models, carefully push the radiator (1) slightly rearward to gain access to the A/C condenser (2).
13. Connect the A/C discharge line (4) to the A/C condenser and install the retaining nut (3). Tighten the nut to 5 Nm (44 in. lbs.).
14. If equipped with a gasoline engine, reposition and install the upper radiator support Upper Closure Panel - Installation.
15. If equipped with the 2.2L diesel engine, install the front fascia Front Bumper Fascia - Installation.
16. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
CAUTION: Do NOT run the engine with a vacuum pump in operation or with a vacuum present within the A/C system. Failure to follow this caution will result in serious A/C compressor damage.
17. Evacuate the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Evacuate
18. If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add 10 milliliters (0.3 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. If the A/C condenser is equipped with an A/C receiver/drier, be sure to add an addition 30 milliliters (1.0 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil. When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
19. Charge the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Charge.