For 1990-2009 cars

The accumulator assembly service replacement part includes O-rings (as needed) for connections. Do NOT service the desiccant within the shell separately. The desiccant is part of the sealed accumulator assembly.

Replace the accumulator assembly only if the following conditions exist:

• | The shell is perforated and the refrigerant is leaking.

• | The system has been open to the atmosphere for an extended amount of time.

Accumulators do not require replacement as a result of the following changes:

• | The use of improved desiccant

• | The use of improved hose material

• | The increased use of metal tubes

The following repairs reduce the ability of moisture to enter the refrigerant system:

• | Improved hose material

• | The increased use of metal tubes

Refer to Refrigerant Oil Distribution Specifications in order to determine the quantity of oil to be added to an accumulator that has been replaced.

### Removal Procedure

#### Tools Required

J 39500-B R-134a Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Recharging (ACR4) System

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Use the J 39500-B in order to recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
4. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
5. Partially remove the splash shield.

Position the splash shield aside. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Wheelhouse in Body Front End.

6. Remove the following components at the accumulator:

• | The tube nut fitting

• | The block fitting

7. Remove the accumulator bracket from the vehicle.
8. Remove the accumulator from the bracket (2).
9. Remove the accumulator from the insulator.

### Installation Procedure

1. Install the insulator to the accumulator.

Important: Add the required amount of new refrigerant oil. Refer to Refrigerant Oil Distribution Specifications .

2. Install the accumulator to the bracket.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the accumulator bracket to the vehicle.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

4. Install the following components at the accumulator:

• | The tube nut fitting

Tighten
Tighten the tube nut to 23.5 N·m (17 lb ft).

• | The block fitting

Tighten
Tighten the block fitting nut to 24 N·m (17 lb ft).

5. Install the splash shield.
6. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

9. Use the J 39500-B in order to evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .