Receiver or Accumulator and Restrictor, Replacing after Cleaning Refrigerant Circuit

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 17 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Cleaning refrigerant circuit means flushing it with refrigerant R134a → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Refrigerant R134a or blowing through with compressed air and nitrogen → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Compressed Air and Nitrogen ).

For example, on account of ingress of moisture (refrigerant circuit open for lengthy period) or contamination

Discharge refrigerant circuit.

Remove compressor.

Rectify cause of trouble.

Clean refrigerant circuit (flush with refrigerant R134a → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Refrigerant R134a or blow through using compressed air and nitrogen → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Compressed Air and Nitrogen ).

Examine expansion valve for dirt or corrosion and replace if necessary.

Remove oil drain plug from compressor.

NOTE:

The oil drain plug of "Denso/Nippondenso" compressors is equipped with an oil seal instead of an O-ring and this is always to be replaced → Electronic Parts Catalog ETKA.
To accelerate drainage of refrigerant oil, rotate compressor by way of clutch plate of A/C clutch for example.
Pour old refrigerant oil out of compressor.

NOTE:

Disposal of old refrigerant → Audi-ServiceNet, Handbooks, HSO Environment 2
Then fill compressor with quantity of fresh refrigerant oil corresponding to quantity of refrigerant oil in replacement compressor (or the specified refrigerant oil quantity in vehicles with two evaporators if necessary) → Approved Refrigerant Oils .

NOTE:

Use different refrigerant oils and quantities for the various compressors → Approved Refrigerant Oils .
To ensure compressor lubrication on start-up, at least 80 cm ³ of refrigerant oil must be poured into the compressor. The remainder can be added for example to the new reservoir or receiver → Refrigerant R134a/Refrigerant Oil Capacities and Specifications .
If dirt has penetrated into the compressor with the refrigerant circuit open (e.g. after an accident), compressor is to be replaced.
In vehicles with two evaporators, the refrigerant oil quantity in refrigerant circuit may be greater than the quantity already filled in the replacement compressor, if necessary add the remaining refrigerant oil quantity to the refrigerant circuit → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Compressed Air and Nitrogen .
Replace receiver or reservoir and restrictor.
Assemble, evacuate and charge refrigerant circuit.