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.
System Overview - Refrigerant Circuit With Expansion Valve And Receiver/Dryer
The arrows indicate the refrigerant flow direction.
The following illustration shows a refrigerant circuit with two evaporators and an internal heat exchanger as an example.
The layout of the refrigerant circuit is vehicle-specific. Refer to SYSTEM OVERVIEW - REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT .
HD = High Pressure Side
ND = Low Pressure Side
- A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280-
- A/C Compressor
- Belt Pulley
- Depending on the version a A/C Clutch -N25- is installed in the belt pulley. Refer to MECHANICALLY DRIVEN A/C COMPRESSOR .
- Depending on the version instead of the belt pulley a drive unit can also be present. Refer to MECHANICALLY DRIVEN A/C COMPRESSOR , ELECTRICALLY-DRIVEN A/C COMPRESSOR FOR HYBRID VEHICLES and/or REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT - R1234yf .
- Pressure Relief Valve
- Refrigerant Pressure Sensor
- Vehicle-specific version. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT PRESSURE SENSOR -G805- and/or REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT - R1234yf .
- Condenser (with Receiver/Dryer)
- Receiver/Dryer
- Installed on a condenser or in the condenser. Refer to RECEIVER/DRYER, REPLACING WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FLUSHING REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT and/or REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT - R1234yf .
- With dryer cartridge
- Service Connection - High Pressure Side
- With closure cap
- Refrigerant Line with Inner Heat Exchanger
- Front Expansion Valve
- Front Evaporator
- Evaporator in the front heater and A/C unit (installed under the instrument panel)
- Service Connection - Low Pressure Side
- With closure cap
- Rear Expansion Valve
- Only present in vehicles with a rear A/C unit (optional equipment)
- Rear Evaporator
- Only present in vehicles with a rear A/C unit (optional equipment)
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.