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.
Illustration shown with A/C condenser and radiator removed from vehicle for clarity.
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 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.
Be certain that each of the radiator and condenser air seals are installed in their proper locations. These air seals are required for the A/C and engine cooling systems to perform as designed.
- If required, install the A/C receiver/drier (8) onto the A/C condenser (6). Refer to DRIER, A/C RECEIVER, INSTALLATION .
- Carefully position the A/C condenser to the radiator (10).
- Install the four bolts (2, 4, 7 and 9) that secure the A/C condenser to the radiator and securely tighten to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and condenser ports.
- Connect the A/C discharge line and the A/C liquid line to the refrigerant line tapping blocks (3 and 5). Refer to LINE, A/C DISCHARGE, INSTALLATION and LINE, A/C LIQUID, INSTALLATION .
- Remove the plugs and connect the automatic transmission cooler lines to the cooler ports (1).
- Install the front fascia. Refer to FASCIA, FRONT, INSTALLATION .
- Connect the negative battery cable.
- 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 fill as required. Refer to FLUID AND FILTER, STANDARD PROCEDURE .