Condenser, A/C: Installation
Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system. Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.
Any factory-installed air seals or shrouds must be properly reinstalled when servicing the A/C condenser. Failure to follow this caution may result in the A/C and engine cooling systems not operating to design standards and possible engine and transaxle damage due to overheating.
When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL .
If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets may result in a refrigerant system leak.
- Position the A/C condenser (3) into the front of the engine compartment and engage the lower condenser mounting bracket (1) to the radiator.
- Engage the retaining tab (2) that secures the upper condenser mounting bracket to the radiator.
- Engage the left side condenser mounting bracket (4) to the radiator mounting tabs.
- Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and condenser ports.
- Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and new gaskets onto the opened refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
- Connect the A/C liquid line (1) to the condenser.
- Install the bolt (2) that secures the A/C liquid line to the condenser and tighten the bolt to the proper specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Connect the A/C discharge line (1) to the condenser.
- Install the bolt (2) that secures the A/C discharge line to the condenser and tighten the bolt to the proper specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Install the radiator shield.
- Install the grille. Refer to GRILLE, INSTALLATION .
- Connect the negative battery cable.
- Evacuate the refrigerant system. Refer to REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE .
- If the A/C condenser is being replaced, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system. When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL . Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
- Charge the refrigerant system. Refer to REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE .