A/C Condenser - Operation

OPERATION

When air passes through the fins of the A/C condenser, 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 A/C 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, the factory-installed air dams must be properly reinstalled following radiator or A/C condenser service.

CAUTION: The A/C condenser and receiver/drier must be replaced as an assembly if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C condenser and receiver/drier can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor A/C Condenser - Removal .

NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line dual plain seals is required anytime the refrigerant lines are disconnected from the A/C condenser. Failure to replace the seals may result in a refrigerant system leak.

The A/C condenser has no serviceable parts. The dual plain seals used on the refrigerant line connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant. The seals must be replaced whenever the refrigerant lines are disconnected from the A/C condenser.

The A/C condenser cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged.

The A/C receiver/drier is integral to the A/C condenser and must be replaced with the condenser as an assembly.