Accumulator HVAC: Service and Repair

Suction Accumulator













Removal and Installation

NOTE: Installation of a new suction accumulator is not required when repairing the A/C system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the suction accumulator. Damage to the suction accumulator includes leaks in the suction accumulator, physical damage to the suction accumulator shell or desiccant, or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant, and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present in the system before repairs are carried out, the suction accumulator should not be replaced.

NOTE: Care should be taken to minimize exposure of the suction accumulator desiccant to the atmosphere. Do not remove the shipping caps from the new suction accumulator until immediately before the line fittings are to be attached.

All vehicles

1. Recover the refrigerant.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Remove the battery tray.
1. Remove the battery tray bolts.

2. Remove the battery tray.
- To install, tighten to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).






4. Remove the 2 washer reservoir filler tube bolts and position the washer reservoir filler tube aside.

5. NOTICE: Use a wrench on each side of the fitting to prevent twisting of the refrigerant line.

Disconnect the evaporator outlet fitting.
- Discard the O-ring seal.

- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).


6. Remove the suction accumulator outlet line bracket screw.
- To install, tighten to 2 Nm (18 lb-in).


Vehicles without auxiliary A/C

7. Remove the suction accumulator outlet fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
- Discard the O-ring seal and gasket seal.

- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).


Vehicles with auxiliary A/C

8. Disconnect the suction accumulator outlet spring lock coupling.
- Discard the O-ring seals.






All vehicles

9. Disconnect the A/C cycling switch electrical connector.

10. Remove the 2 suction accumulator bolts.
- To install, tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).


11. Remove the suction accumulator.

12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install a new gasket seal and O-ring seals.

- Add the correct amount of clean PAG oil to the refrigerant system.


13. Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system.