Section 497 (HVAC Systems): Plumbing: Accumulator: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator mostly as a low pressure vapor through the inlet tube. Any liquid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag is mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system A filter 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.

The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an indeterminable period or if the A/C compressor has failed, it must be replaced.