A/C Condenser - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation Warning and Caution . Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

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.

CAUTION: Before removing the A/C condenser, note the location of each of the radiator/condenser air seals. These air seals are used to direct air through the A/C condenser and radiator. The air seals must be reinstalled in their proper locations in order for the A/C and engine cooling systems to perform as designed.





1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Recovery.
3. If equipped with the 2.2L diesel engine, remove the front fascia Front Bumper Fascia - Removal.
4. If equipped with a gasoline engine, remove the upper radiator support and position it out of the way Upper Closure Panel - Removal.
5. On gasoline engine equipped models, carefully push the radiator (1) slightly rearward to gain access to the A/C condenser (2).
6. Remove the nut (3) that secures the A/C discharge line (4) to the right side of the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal and gasket.
7. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened discharge line fitting and the condenser inlet port.






NOTE: Illustration shown with front fascia removed for clarity.

8. Raise and support the vehicle.

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.

9. Remove the nut (1) that secures the A/C liquid line (2) to the right side of the A/C condenser (3).
10. Disconnect the A/C liquid line from the A/C condenser and remove and discard the O-ring seal and gasket.
11. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened liquid line fitting and the condenser outlet port.






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.

12. Remove the two bolts (3) that secure the lower condenser brackets to the radiator (5).
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. If equipped, disconnect the automatic transmission cooler lines (2) from the left side of the A/C condenser (1) Service and Repair.
15. If equipped with the 2.2L diesel engine, remove the charge air cooler (CAC).
16. Carefully lift the A/C condenser straight up and disengage the two upper condenser brackets (4) from the radiator and remove the condenser from the engine compartment.