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.
Refrigerant Circuit: Reservoir
The reservoir collects the vaporized and gaseous mixture coming from the evaporator to ensure the compressor only receives gaseous refrigerant. Gaseous refrigerant is formed from the vapor.
The refrigerant oil flowing in the circuit is not retained in the reservoir as it has an oil drilling.
Moisture which has entered the refrigerant circuit during repairs will be collected by a filter (desiccant bag) in the reservoir.
Gaseous refrigerant is extracted with oil by the A/C compressor.
Replace the reservoir if refrigerant circuit has been open for a long time (beyond the normal repair time) and moisture has penetrated inside, or if required due to a specific complaint. Refer to COMPONENT REPLACEMENT .
Remove sealing plugs -A- and -B- only immediately prior to installing.
A desiccant bag in an unsealed reservoir is saturated with moisture after a short period of time and unusable.
When installing, note arrow for direction of flow if necessary.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.