Evaporator, Removing And Installing: Notes

The removed evaporator contains refrigerant oil that must be returned to the refrigerant circuit (with the new evaporator). Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT COMPONENTS, REPLACING (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit Components, Replacing).

Revised A/C units and evaporators are gradually being installed from MY 2012 (use depends on the vehicle version) (A/C unit part number "8T_ 820 005"). It is not possible to replace the evaporator on this A/C unit when the A/C unit is installed. Before working on the evaporator, check if it is available as an installation kit either without the evaporator housing or only together with the housing . If the evaporator is available only together with the housing, then it is necessary to remove the A/C unit and replace the evaporator with the evaporator housing. Refer to EVAPORATOR HOUSING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Evaporators with a block depth -A- of approximately 40 mm (A/C unit with the part number "8K_ 820 005") are being installed from start of production through the changeover from MY 2012. These evaporators can be replaced with the A/C unit still installed. From MY 2012, evaporators with a block depth -A- of approximately 50 mm are being installed (A/C unit with the part number "8T_ 820 005") as a running change depending on the vehicle version. These evaporators can only be replaced when removing the A/C unit together with the evaporator housing .

Fig 1: Identifying Evaporator Block Depth -A- Measurement

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

There is a label -A- on the outside of the A/C unit with a part number -B- that tells which version is installed .

Fig 2: Identifying A/C Unit Label With Part Number And Unit Version

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The part number -B- on the label -A- can be read, for example, when the CD changer is removed (depending on the vehicle equipment level). Refer to CD CHANGER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Pay attention to the correct allocation of the expansion valve to the evaporator (there are different versions) .

The refrigerant pipe -D- on the Audi Q5 hybrid is wrapped with insulation (butyl or tar tape) to reduce noise. The insulating tape shields the A/C compressor noise, which seems to be louder when the engine is idling.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Both Refrigerant Lines Leading To Evaporator Using T401147

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

If the evaporator is going to be replaced on an Audi Q5 Hybrid, then wrap the refrigerant pipe -C- on the replacement evaporator with insulating tape. Approximately 30 cm of 5 cm wide insulating tape (commercially available butyl or tar tape) -B- with a 3 mm strength will be needed.

Fig 4: Identifying Refrigerant Pipe Components

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

This insulating tape -B- is used when handling refrigerant as commercially available butyl or tar tape. It is available in refrigerant materials stores and comes in rolls approximately 10 m long.