Refrigerant Circuit Component Allocation, Influence On High And Low Pressure Sides: Reservoir

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Audi S3, 2023 Audi RS 3, 2023 Audi A3 Quattro, and 2023 Audi A3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The reservoir collects the vaporized and gaseous mixture coming from the evaporator to ensure the A/C compressor only receives gaseous refrigerant. Gaseous refrigerant is formed from the vapor.

Fig 1: Identifying Accumulator

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The refrigerant oil flowing in the circuit is not retained in the reservoir because there is an oil extraction hole.

Moisture that has entered the refrigerant circuit during assembly is collected by a filter (desiccant bag) in the reservoir.

Gaseous refrigerant is extracted with oil by the A/C compressor.

NOTE:

Replace the reservoir if the refrigerant circuit has been open for a long time and moisture has penetrated inside, or if required due to a specific complaint. Refer to Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT COMPONENTS, REPLACING .

Only remove the plugs -A- and -B- just before installing.

A desiccant bag in an unsealed reservoir is saturated with moisture after a short period of time and cannot be used.

When installing, note the arrow for the direction of flow if necessary.