Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

Condenser, replacing

Note! The illustrations in this service information are used for different model years and/or models. Some variation may occur. However, the essential information in the illustrations is always correct.

Preparatory work

Draining the refrigerant and removing the components





Warning! Follow the safety instructions for work on air conditioning systems. See: Refrigerant, safety regulations Technician Safety Information.

Note! First read the instructions covering slow and fast leaks.

Note! Always plug the pipes and connections when working on the climate control system.

Drain the refrigerant from the system. See Refrigerant, draining Refrigerant, Draining.
Raise the vehicle.

Remove:
- the air baffle under the radiator unit with the 2 screws (1), and the 2 catches (2).
- the bumper cover, see: Casing, bumper front, replacing Front Bumper Casing, Replacing.

Removal

Removing the condenser





Remove:
- right-hand pipe connection for A/C with the screw, x 1
- the connector to the pressure sensor
- the pressure sensor
- right-hand lower mounting with the screw, x 1.




Detach the left-hand A/C pipe from the clip.
Remove the left-hand lower mounting with the screw, x 1.




Detach the left-hand headlight slightly but allow the cables to remain, see: Headlamp/bulb, replacing Headlamp/Bulb, Replacing.
Remove the left-hand A/C pipe with the screw, x 1.




Remove the upper mountings on the condenser with the screws, x 2.
The condenser is held in place by the left-hand A/C pipe.
Raise the vehicle.
Remove the condenser straight down. Press aside the A/C pipe slightly on the left-hand side while pulling the condenser down.

Installation

Installing the condenser
Fill oil in the condenser.

Note! Always use new O-rings lubricated with compressor oil.

Install the condenser with the 2 x M6 lower mounting screws. Tighten.
Guide the left-hand A/C pipe into place to the condenser connection and secure with the clip

Install:
- the right-hand A/C pipe with the screw, 1 x M6, and tighten
- the pressure sensor and tighten
- the connector.
Raise the vehicle.

Install:
- the condenser's upper mountings, 2 x M6, and tighten
- the left-hand A/C pipe, 1 x M8, and tighten
- left-hand headlight, see: Headlamp/bulb, replacing Headlamp/Bulb, Replacing.

Finishing

Filling refrigerant and detecting leaks
Vacuum pump the air conditioning (A/C) system. See: Vacuum pumping Vacuum Pumping.
Fill the system, see: Refrigerant, filling Refrigerant, Filling.
Leak trace the system. See: Leak tracing, fluorescent tracing agent / UV lamp Leak Tracing, Fluorescent Tracing Agent / UV Lamp or: Leak tracing, electronic leak tracer Leak Tracing, Electronic Leak Tracer.

Installing the bumper cover and air baffle

Install:
- the bumper cover, see: Casing, bumper front, replacing Front Bumper Casing, Replacing
- the air baffle under the radiator unit with the 2 catches and the 2 screws.