Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

CONDENSER

REMOVAL

IMPORTANT: Verifying the purity of the refrigerant with a refrigerant purity identifier before recovery is recommended.




1. Recover refrigerant using an approved refrigerant recovery system.
2. Remove left front headlamp assembly to gain access to fitting.
3. Remove compressor discharge hose from condenser inlet.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.




4. Raise vehicle.
5. Remove lower splash shield.




6. Remove receiver-dehydrator hose from condenser outlet.




7. Remove condenser bracket-to-radiator bolts




8. Facing the vehicle, pull the condenser back slightly to release it from the mounting pads. Carefully slide condenser straight down.

INSTALLATION




1. Carefully slide condenser up and install on mounting pads.




2. Install condenser bracket-to-radiator bolts.

Torque: 6 N.m (60 in-lbs)

NOTE: Use only R-12 Refrigerant oil (mineral) to lubricate O-rings. Use of R-134a (PAG) oil will cause premature corrosion of fitting joints.

3. Lubricate with R-12 Refrigerant oil (mineral) and install new O-ring on receiver-dehydrator hose.

IMPORTANT: Make sure receiver-dehydrator hose is parallel with the condenser after tightening the fitting. This will provide hose clearance to the body and frame, avoiding potential damage to the hose.

4. Install receiver-dehydrator hose to condenser outlet.

Torque: 16.5 N.m (12 ft-lbs)




5. Install lower splash shield.
6. Lower vehicle.

NOTE: Use only R-12 Refrigerant oil (mineral) to lubricate O-rings. Use of R-134a (PAG) oil will cause premature corrosion of fitting joints.

7. Lubricate with R-12 Refrigerant oil (mineral) and install new O-ring on compressor discharge hose.

IMPORTANT: Make sure discharge hose pipe is parallel to line on radiator end tank. This will prevent the discharge hose from contacting the suction hose and transaxle oil cooler lines, avoiding potential damage to the hoses.

8. Install compressor discharge hose to condenser inlet.
9. Tighten fitting.

Torque: 23.5 N.m (17 ft-lbs)

10. Install left front headlamp assembly.
11. Evacuate, charge, and leak test A/C system.