Contaminants Removed From Refrigerant Circuit

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, and 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The reservoir/receiver/dryer or desiccant bag/cartridge should not be replaced under the following conditions:

After an accident when there is no damage on the reservoir/receiver/dryer.
The repair was done quickly (not beyond the normal repair time) and no moisture has entered. The vehicle is not older than 5 years.

The reservoir/receiver/dryer or dryer cartridge should be replaced under the following conditions.

The refrigerant circuit was opened and the vehicle is older than 5 years.
The refrigerant circuit has been opened for an indefinite period of time (slow leak).
The repair exceeded the normal repair time and moisture has entered.
Always replace the receiver/dryer or dryer cartridge after flushing with compressed air, nitrogen or refrigerant R134a. Leave original parts in their packaging as long as possible to minimize the amount of moisture they absorb.
The A/C compressor has locked up.
The reservoir/receiver/dryer is damaged (accident).

-- Discharge the refrigerant circuit.

-- Remove the A/C compressor.

-- Rectify cause of trouble.

-- Replace the expansion valve.

-- Drain the refrigerant oil from the A/C compressor via the block connections.

-- To accelerate drainage of refrigerant oil, turn the A/C compressor via the ribbed belt pulley / A/C clutch plate, for example.

-- Then fill the A/C compressor with a fresh amount of refrigerant oil that corresponds to the amount of refrigerant oil in the original part A/C compressor. Refer to MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2011) / MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2012) / MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2013) / MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2014) .

NOTE:

Which refrigerant oils and quantities are used for the various A/C compressors. Refer to MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2011) / MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2012) / MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2013) / MAINTENANCE (FLUID CAPACITY TABLES), DIAGNOSIS (2014) .

To ensure the A/C compressor is lubricated at start-up, at least 80 cm³ of refrigerant oil must be poured into the A/C compressor. The remainder can be added to the new reservoir or receiver/dryer. Refer to EVAPORATOR, REMOVING AND INSTALLING / DRYER BAG/DRYER CARTRIDGE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

If dirt has penetrated into the compressor with the refrigerant circuit open (for example after an accident), compressor is to be replaced.

-- Replace receiver/dryer or accumulator and restrictor.

-- Assemble, evacuate and charge the refrigerant circuit.