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Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair



Condenser Replacement

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector


Removal Procedure

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging (Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging) .
2. Remove the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement (L26 - 3.8L) (Service and Repair)Radiator Replacement (LS4 - 5.3L) (Service and Repair) .




3. Remove the A/C line coupling from the condenser tube to evaporator tube. Refer to Air Conditioning Line/Tube Connector Removal/Replacement (Air Conditioning Line/Tube Connector Removal/Replacement) .




4. Remove the A/C compressor line nut from the condenser and position the A/C compressor line aside.
5. Remove the condenser from the vehicle.
6. Remove and discard the O-ring seals and seal washer.



Installation Procedure

1. If replacing the condenser, add refrigerant oil to the condenser. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities ([1][2]Capacity Specifications) for system capacity information.
2. Install the condenser to the vehicle.
3. Install a new seal washer onto the A/C compressor hose. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement (Sealing Washer Replacement) .
4. Install new O-ring seals onto the evaporator tube. Refer to O-Ring Replacement (O-Ring Replacement) .
5. Install the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement (L26 - 3.8L) (Service and Repair)Radiator Replacement (LS4 - 5.3L) (Service and Repair) .




6. Install the evaporator tube to the condenser.
7. Install the A/C line coupling to the evaporator tube and condenser tube. Refer to Air Conditioning Line/Tube Connector Removal/Replacement (Air Conditioning Line/Tube Connector Removal/Replacement) .




8. Install the A/C compressor hose to the condenser.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .


Important: Use a 20mm wrench or pliers to hold the A/C condenser block fitting, this will prevent the A/C line from twisting while torquing the A/C line nut.


9. Install the A/C compressor hose block fitting nut to the condenser.

Tighten the nut to 17 N.m (12.5 lb ft).

10. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging (Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging) .
11. Leak test the fittings of the component using J 39400-A .