1.0L - 1.3L: Operation
On models that are equipped with the 1.0L or 1.3L engine, the condenser is a heat exchanger where coolant is used as the medium of heat exchange, taking heat from A/C refrigerant and transferring it to the coolant. The refrigerant then condenses as it leaves the A/C condenser and becomes a high-pressure liquid. It then enters the integral A/C receiver/drier.
The A/C condenser is a heat exchanger that uses coolant as a heat exchange medium and incorporates the use of an auxiliary coolant pump and low temperature radiator to cool the coolant heated by the refrigerant. The condenser is a simple two medium heat exchanger. High pressure, high temperature refrigerant gas being discharged by the A/C compressor passes through the condenser in an isolated passage on one side of the condenser and coolant is circulated through the condenser in an isolated passage on the other side of the condenser, thereby allowing the coolant to absorb the heat from the refrigerant, which causes the refrigerant to cool and change to a liquid state.
On models equipped with a 1.0L or 1.3L engine, a second coolant radiator and auxiliary coolant pump are used for additional heat transfer. Refer to DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
An integral A/C receiver/drier cleans debris from the refrigerant and performs the duties of an accumulator in the system.
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 could result in a refrigerant system leak.
The A/C condenser has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals and gaskets. The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by the refrigerant used in the system. The O-ring seals and gaskets must be replaced whenever a refrigerant line is disconnected from the A/C condenser.
The A/C condenser cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged.