HVAC Systems (Service Information): Plumbing: Accumulator-A/C: Removal

WARNING: Review safety precautions and warnings in this group before performing this procedure (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS)  and (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS) . Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.

NOTE: The accumulator tubes are serviced separately from the A/C accumulator.

Fig 1: Accumulator And Accumulator Tubes (LHD Shown, RHD Similar)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: LHD model shown in illustration. RHD models similar.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system, (Refer to REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY) .
3. If equipped, relocate the vehicle speed control servo as necessary to access the A/C accumulator (10) (Refer to ELECTRICAL/SPEED CONTROL/SERVO - REMOVAL) .
4. Disconnect the wire harness connector (12) from the A/C low pressure switch (6) and remove the switch from the A/C accumulator.
5. Remove the two nuts (3) that secure the A/C suction line (1) and the A/C liquid line (2) to the accumulator tubes (4) and disconnect the lines.
6. Remove the bolt (11) that secures the A/C accumulator to the frame rail (8).
7. Remove the two bolts (9) that secure the accumulator tube block (4) to the evaporator tube tapping block (7) and disconnect the evaporator tubes from the tapping block.
8. Remove the A/C accumulator and evaporator tubes as an assembly from the engine compartment and place them on a workbench.
9. Remove the bolts (5) that secure the accumulator tubes to the A/C accumulator and disconnect the tubes from the evaporator.
10. Remove and discard the O-ring seals and gaskets and install plugs in, or tape over the opened refrigerant line fittings and the accumulator and evaporator ports.