Condenser HVAC: Description and Operation

The A/C condenser is located in the front of the engine cooling radiator. The A/C condenser is a heat exchanger that allows the high-pressure refrigerant gas being discharged by the A/C compressor to give up its heat to the air passing over the fins.

The A/C condenser is integral to the cooling module which includes the radiator, electric cooling fan, fan shroud, air seals and an automatic transmission oil cooler on models so equipped.

The condenser cannot be repaired and, if found to be leaking or damaged, it must be replaced.

When air passes through the condenser fins, the high-pressure refrigerant gas within the A/C condenser gives up its heat. The refrigerant then condenses as it leaves the A/C condenser and becomes a high-pressure liquid. The volume of air flowing over the condenser fins is critical to the proper cooling performance of the air conditioning system. Therefore, it is important that there are no objects placed in front of the radiator grille openings at the front of the vehicle or foreign material on the condenser fins that might obstruct proper air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or shrouds must be properly reinstalled following radiator or A/C condenser service.

The A/C condenser cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.