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. See: Oil Air Conditioning (A/C) System, Filling

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.

Removing the skidplate
Remove the 6 screws.
Lift and slide the protective plate forward.

Note! There is a guide sleeve on the upper mounting for the plate. This must be lifted slightly so that the panel can be slid forward.




Removing the oil cooler for the power steering

Remove:
- the screws to the oil cooler
- fold down the oil cooler.

Removal

Removing the components and condenser





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




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




Lower the vehicle.
Remove the left-hand A/C pipe with the screw, x 1.




Remove the air baffle.




Remove the upper mountings on the condenser with the screws, x 2.
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

Note! For tightening torques, see [1][2]Body and Frame

Installing the condenser
Fill oil in the condenser, see: Oil Air Conditioning (A/C) System, Filling

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

Install the condenser with the 2 x M6 lower mounting screws, and tighten.
Guide the left-hand A/C pipe to the condenser connection and in the clip/holder.

Install:
- the right-hand A/C pipe with the screw, 1 x M6, and tighten
- the pressure sensor, see: [1][2]Body and Frame
- the connector
- the oil cooler for the power steering with the screws, 2 x M8, and tighten.
Lower the vehicle.

Install:
- the condenser's upper mounting screws, 2 x M6, and tighten
- the left-hand A/C pipe with the screw, 1 x M8, and tighten
- the air baffle on the condenser.

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 skid plate
Move the protective plate up in the bumper cover.
Press forward until the mounting brackets enter the subframe.
Fit the bolts, M10 x6.