Removal and Installation

NOTE: Care must be taken to minimize exposure of the inside of the receiver/drier to outside air. If multiple Air Conditioning (A/C) system components are being removed and installed, the receiver/drier should be installed last. The receiver/drier shipping caps should not be removed until the fittings are ready to be connected. Evacuation of the A/C system must be started as soon as the receiver/drier is installed. Excessive exposure of the inside of the receiver/drier to outside air will result in moisture contamination of the receiver/drier desiccant.

NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier 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 receiver/drier. Damage to the receiver/drier includes leaks in the receiver/drier, physical damage to the receiver/drier 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 receiver/drier should not be replaced.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS .
Release the 4 underbody shield retainers and remove the underbody shield (if equipped).

Fig 1: Locating Underbody Shield Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower radiator splash shield.
Remove the condenser outlet fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
- Discard the O-ring seal and gasket seal.
- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).
Detach the receiver/drier outlet line clip, and remove the receiver/drier outlet fitting nut and disconnect the fitting.
- Discard the O-ring seal and gasket seal.
- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).
Remove the bolts and position the degas bottle aside
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
Remove the 2 receiver/dryer bolts and remove the receiver/dryer.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install new gasket seals and O-ring seals.
- Add the correct amount of clean PAG oil to the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure in CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS .
Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS .