Desiccant Bag
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Installation of a new desiccant bag is not required when repairing the A/C
system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C
compressor or damage to the receiver/drier desiccant bag. Damage to the receiver/drier desiccant bag includes physical damage to the receiver/drier desiccant bag or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present in the system before repairs are carried out, the receiver/drier desiccant bag should not be replaced.
The desiccant bag is integral to the A/C condenser/power steering combo cooler. It stores high-pressure liquid after it leaves the condenser core. The desiccant bag removes any moisture from the refrigerant. The desiccant bag is a separate component and can be removed and installed separately from the A/C condenser/power steering combo cooler.