Dryer Cartridge

Dryer Cartridge

• Dryer cartridge is installed in condenser fluid reservoir and can currently be replaced without removing the condenser.






• The receiver collects the fluid drops and then directs them in an uninterrupted stream to the expansion valve. Moisture which has entered the refrigerant circuit during repairs will be collected by the dryer cartridge in the receiver.

• From MY 2006, condensers were introduced as a running change (no definite time period for running change and currently only for specific models) on which the fluid reservoir with dryer cartridge is fastened to the condenser (similar as on the Audi A3 as of model year 2004. For the time being, these fluid reservoirs can be replaced only when condenser has been removed. Replace O-ring seals - A - and - B -, correct version refer to Electronic Parts Catalog. On fluid reservoir and tighten bolts in connection area to 10 Nm.






Removing

- Discharge the refrigerant circuit.

- Remove cover above water cooler (top radiator cover).

- Unscrew cover - A - and remove it with seal - B -.






• Refrigerant must be extracted from refrigerant circuit before removing sealing cap - D -. If Seeger ring - C - and sealing cap - D - are not removed within 10 minutes after extraction, pressure may build up in refrigerant circuit by renewed evaporation. Extract refrigerant once more.

- Check pressure in refrigerant circuit for example, using a pressure gauge from an A/C service station.

Only remove Seeger ring - C - when pressure in refrigerant circuit is the same or less than the ambient pressure.

- Press sealing cap - D - into the fluid reservoir in the direction of the arrow

• Sealing cap - A - is sealed by two O-ring seals - C - in fluid reservoir, if these O-ring seals should be dried out during operating time, sealing cap - A - can only be pressed into fluid reservoir and then removed with difficulty, if necessary clean inside of fluid reservoir - B - and then coat it lightly with refrigerant oil.






- Loosen Seeger ring - C - and remove it






- Screw in one cylinder bolt (with a M5 thread at this time) into thread of sealing cap - D - and pull out sealing cap - D - using pliers on the bolt.

- Pull out dryer cartridge - 1 - in direction of arrow using needle-nose pliers.






• If necessary seal fluid reservoir again, dirt and moisture may penetrate if it is opened for a long period of time.

Installing

Installation is carried out in the reverse order while noting the following:

- If necessary, clean upper area of inside surface of fluid reservoir - B - and coat it lightly with refrigerant oil.






- Replace the cap - A - and the O-rings - C -, refer to Electronic Parts Catalog.

- Coat new O-ring seal - C - and new sealing cap - A - lightly with refrigerant oil before installing, refer to => [ Refrigerant Circuit O-Rings ] Refrigerant Circuit O-Rings.

- Take new dryer cartridge - D - out of transport packing and install it, refer to Electronic Parts Catalog.

• Do not install any dryer cartridge that has been exposed to ambient air longer than absolutely necessary and therefore has absorbed moisture (for example, stored outside the transport packing or was in damaged packing), refer to Electronic Parts Catalog.

• A dryer cartridge which has been exposed to ambient air is rapidly saturated with moisture and therefore cannot be used.

- Install sealing cap - D - and secure it with the Seeger ring - C -.






- Install remaining components.

- Evacuate and re-charge refrigerant circuit.

- Operate the A/C system after filling the refrigerant circuit, refer to => [ A/C System, Operating after Filling Refrigerant Circuit ] A/C System, Operating after Filling Refrigerant Circuit.