OEM 2010 Dodge Caliber A/C Condenser

2010 Dodge Caliber A/C Condenser Parts and Q&A

• Q: What Are the Best Practices for Installing an A/C Condenser to Avoid System Malfunction and Compressor Damage on 2010 Dodge Caliber?

  A: Adjust the refrigerant oil when installing the A/C condenser so that there is no chance of A/C system problems or possible compressor damage. With late model cars, if the compressor inside the air conditioning system fails, you should replace the entire A/C condenser/receiver/drier assembly to prevent harm to the new compressor. Should you need to replace the A/C condenser, include 10 milliliters of refrigerant oil and if the A/C has an A/C receiver/drier, include 30 milliliters along with it. Replacing the refrigerant line O-rings and gaskets is important when doing any work on the refrigerant lines to stop leaks. First, straighten the A/C condenser downward in front of the radiator and hook the top condenser brackets beneath it. On models having a 2.2L diesel engine, you must install the charge air cooler. If you have an automatic transmission, fit the cooler lines to the side of the A/C condenser on the left of the car before you raise and hold the vehicle up. Attach the lower condenser brackets to the radiator using two bolts fastened to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.). Strip off any covering and plugs from the liquid line and the condenser outlet ports, add some clean refrigerant oil to a new rubber seal and place it along with the gasket onto the liquid line fitting. Match the A/C liquid line with the A/C condenser and secure it with a 5 Nm (44 in. lbs.) tightening of the retaining nut. Sit the car down and repeat for the discharge line fitting and condenser inlet port, ensuring that each O-ring and gasket is greased. If the engine runs on gasoline, move the radiator only a little backward to reach the A/C condenser. Connect the A/C discharge line and tighten the nut holding it in place to 5 Nm (44 in. lbs.). Adjust and replace the top radiator support if that's required and then assemble the front fascia on diesel variants. Link the negative battery cable again and do not start the engine if a vacuum pump or vacuum is part of your A/C system. Take the refrigerant out of the system, add refrigerant oil according to the instructions if the condenser is now in place and put the right type of oil into the A/C compressor while adding refrigerant.