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.
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 OIL, REFRIGERANT, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
If only 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 seals is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber and metal seals could result in a refrigerant system leak.
Be certain that each of the radiator and condenser air dams are installed in their proper locations. These air dams are required for the A/C and engine cooling systems to perform as designed.
- Position the A/C condenser (4) into the engine compartment.
- Engage the two retaining tabs (1 and 2) that secure A/C condenser to the radiator.
- On 3.0L diesel engine equipped models, install the charge air cooler.NOTE:
Illustration shown with radiator removed from view for clarity.
- Remove the tape or plugs from the automatic transmission cooler line fittings and the fluid cooler ports.
- Connect the automatic transmission cooler lines (1) to the transmission fluid cooler (2).
- Reposition the two radiator crossmember support bars.
- Reposition the two plastic air dams to the front of engine compartment and install the push-pin retainers.
- Install the hood latch assembly to the radiator crossmember. Refer to LATCH, HOOD, INSTALLATION
.
- Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and the condenser ports.
- Lubricate new seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified seals as they are made of a special material for the refrigerant used in the system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
- Connect the A/C liquid line (5) and A/C discharge line (4) to the A/C condenser (1).
- Install the nut (6) that secures the A/C discharge and liquid line to the A/C condenser. Tighten the nut to 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.).
- Install the bolt (2) that secures the A/C liquid line to the upper radiator support. Tighten the bolt securely.
- Install the grille. Refer to GRILLE, INSTALLATION .
- On gasoline engine equipped models, install the air cleaner housing, air intake tube and resonator, as equipped.
- Install the engine cover, if equipped.
- Connect the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), connect the IBS connector.
- Evacuate the refrigerant system. Refer to PLUMBING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- 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 OIL, REFRIGERANT, STANDARD PROCEDURE . Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
- Charge the refrigerant system. Refer to PLUMBING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Check the automatic transmission fluid level and refill as required.