Section 78 (HVAC Systems (Service Information)): Plumbing: Accumulator-A/C: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: A/C Accumulator Construction

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: Typical A/C accumulator shown in illustration.

Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator (1) mostly as a low pressure vapor through the inlet tube (2). Any liquid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag (3) is mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. A filter (4) is also mounted inside the canister to trap any foreign material that may have entered the refrigerant system during assembly. The low pressure vapor exits the A/C accumulator through the outlet tube (5).

The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred, the A/C accumulator must be replaced.