Evaporator, A/C: Operation: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup and 2011 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Refrigerant enters the A/C evaporator from the A/C expansion valve as a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture of liquid and gas. As air flows over the fins of the A/C evaporator, the humidity in the air condenses on the fins, and the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat absorption causes the refrigerant to boil and vaporize. The refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gas when it leaves the A/C evaporator.

NOTE:

Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line or expansion valve is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.

The A/C evaporator has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals. The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant. The O-ring seals must be replaced whenever the A/C expansion valve is removed from the A/C evaporator.

The A/C evaporator cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged.