OEM 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser A/C Accumulator

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser A/C Accumulator Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Install an A/C Accumulator in a Refrigerant System on 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: First, remove the refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit and take out the battery negative cable to take out the accumulator. In some cases, move the vehicle speed control servo to help you reach the accumulator more easily. Release the wire harness connector from the A/C low pressure switch and withdraw the two nuts holding the suction and liquid lines to the accumulator tube terminal block. After opening them, remove the O-ring seals and insert plugs or tape, into the openings on the suction and liquid line fittings and in the accumulator tubes. Take out the bolt that joins the accumulator mounting bracket to the car's body, then remove the two bolts securing the fittings on the accumulator tubes to the evaporator tube terminal block and finally disconnect the tubes. Loosen the seals on the accumulator tube connections and put tape or plugs over the open fitting holes and evaporator tubes before removing the accumulator from its position in the engine compartment. If necessary, pull out the A/C low pressure switch from the accumulator. If a new accumulator is used for installation, add 30 milli-liters (1 fluid ounce) of oil recommended for the vehicle's compressor to the refrigerant system. If the switch is removed, replace it on the accumulator with a new O-ring and tighten it well. Set up the accumulator inside the engine section, then take away the tape or corks that stop up the opened fittings and ports on the accumulator tube and evaporator. Place newly lubricated O-ring seals onto the accumulator tube fittings and then screw the tubes into the evaporator terminal block. Secure the pipes from the accumulators with two bolts and set them to 11.3 Nm (100 in. lbs.), followed by fastening the mounting bracket bolt to the same tightness. After opening the suction and liquid line fittings and the accumulator tubes, take off the old tape or plugs, put new rubber O-ring seals on, lubricate them with clean refrigerant oil and place them on the suction and liquid line fittings using only the designated O-rings for R-134a. Attach the suction and liquid line fittings to the accumulator tube terminal block and fasten them with two nuts turned to 2.3 Nm (20 in. lbs.). Link the wire harness connector to the low pressure A/C switch, if available, secure the vehicle speed control servo and the negative battery cable, drain the refrigerant and load the refrigerant into the proper system components.