Description & Operation: Receiver-Drier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2002 Dodge Caravan, 2002 Chrysler Voyager, and 2002 Chrysler Town & Country. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The filter-drier is mounted in a bracket secured to the right front strut tower in the engine compartment. The filter-drier is connected between the front and rear sections of the liquid line between the condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet. The filter-drier cannot be repaired. If the filter-drier is faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an indeterminable period, it must be replaced.

The filter-drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from contaminating the expansion valve. A desiccant bag is mounted inside the filter-drier canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition during periods of high demand air conditioner operation, the filter-drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant. Refrigerant enters the filter-drier as a high-pressure, low temperature liquid.