Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Receiver Or Accumulator And RESTRICTOR, Replacing After Cleaning Refrigerant Circuit
Cleaning refrigerant circuit means flushing it with refrigerant R134a or blowing through with compressed air and nitrogen, refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT FLUSHING WITH REFRIGERANT R134A and refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT FLUSHING WITH COMPRESSED AIR AND NITROGEN .
For example, on account of ingress of moisture (refrigerant circuit open for lengthy period) or contamination
-- Discharge refrigerant circuit
-- Remove A/C compressor.
-- Rectify cause of trouble.
-- Clean refrigerant circuit (flush with refrigerant R134a or blow through using compressed air and nitrogen, refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT FLUSHING WITH REFRIGERANT R134A and refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT FLUSHING WITH COMPRESSED AIR AND NITROGEN ).
-- Examine expansion valve for dirt or corrosion; replace if necessary
Electrically driven A/C compressor
-- Flush the old refrigerant oil out of A/C compressor. Refer to ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN A/C COMPRESSOR, RINSING (REMOVE REFRIGERANT OIL) .
Mechanically driven A/C compressor
-- Remove oil drain plug from A/C compressor.
Different versions of the oil drain plug and its seal (it can be either an O-ring or a gasket; always replace). Refer to LEAKING OR DAMAGED COMPONENTS EXCEPT A/C COMPRESSOR, ACCUMULATOR OR RECEIVER - CIRCUIT EMPTY OF REFRIGERANT .
-- To accelerate drainage of refrigerant oil, rotate compressor, for example by way of clutch plate of A/C clutch for example.
-- Pour old refrigerant oil out of A/C compressor.
Dispose of the old refrigerant oil, refer to Audi ServiceNet, HSO Environment.
All A/C compressors
-- Then add to the compressor the new refrigerant oil quantity which matches the refrigerant oil quantity in the replacement compressor (or the specified refrigerant oil quantity in vehicles with two evaporators if necessary). Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES .
Use different refrigerant oils and quantities for the various compressors. Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES .
To ensure compressor lubrication on start-up, at least 80 cm3 of refrigerant oil must be poured into the compressor, the remainder can be added for example to the new reservoir or receiver. Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES .
If dirt has penetrated into the compressor with the refrigerant circuit open (for example, after an accident), compressor is to be replaced.
In vehicles with two evaporators, the refrigerant oil quantity in refrigerant circuit may be greater than the quantity which is found in the replacement compressor, if necessary add the remaining refrigerant oil quantity to the refrigerant circuit. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT FLUSHING WITH COMPRESSED AIR AND NITROGEN .
-- Replace receiver or accumulator and restrictor.
-- Assemble, evacuate and charge refrigerant circuit.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.