OEM 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser A/C Accumulator

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser A/C Accumulator Parts and Q&A

• Q: What is the Role of the A/C Accumulator in Maintaining Proper Refrigerant Oil Levels on 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: Servicing the A/C refrigerant system requires checking and setting the refrigerant oil amount to avoid A/C system problems and damage to the compressor. If an issue inside the A/C compressor is found, you must replace the accumulator right away to stop more damage to the compressor from occurring. When you replace many parts in an A/C system, use the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to know how much oil to add. When just replacing the A/C accumulator, add back 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of the recommended refrigerant oil. Opening the lines on a refrigeration system must always be followed by replacing the rubber O-rings and gaskets to avoid leaks. Service for the accumulator tubes is done differently from the A/C accumulator. Install the purge solenoid mounting bracket onto the accumulator bracket for models using a 2.4L Turbo engine. Take off all tape or plugs that may be blocking the opened fittings and the ports on the accumulator and the evaporator. Use refrigerant oil to coat any new rubber seals, then set them in place with gaskets in the lines and fittings, only using R-134a system O-rings that are recommended. Straighten the A/C accumulator and push down so it will rest on the rubber grommet on the right rail. Fit the accumulator tubes to the A/C accumulator and then, loosely, put in the bottom and top bolts. Join the two tubes with the accumulator tube block and evaporator tube tapping block and then install both retaining bolts, tightening them to 11 Nm (100 in. lbs.). Make sure to and the bolts that hold the accumulator tubes to the A/C accumulator to the same torque listed in the manual. Place the suction line tube from the A/C over one accumulator tube and the liquid line tube over the other accumulator tube and thread the nuts on each end. Adjust the nuts to a tightness of 20 Nm (180 in. lbs.). Attach the A/C low pressure switch to the A/C accumulator using a new O-ring and tighten it by hand. Lastly, fix the wire harness connector to the switch. If the 2.4L Turbo engine is fitted, secure the purge solenoid back onto the bracket from which it was removed. When necessary, fit the vehicle speed control servo back into place. After removing the cap, reattach the negative battery cable and drain the refrigerant out of the system by using a vacuum pump. Pour in 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant oil if the A/C accumulator is the only part being replaced and for multiple pieces being replaced, look at the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart for instructions. The next step is to fill the system with refrigerant.