Dakota 2WD V8-4.7L VIN J (2005)
Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation
The A/C accumulator (1) is mounted in the engine compartment between the evaporator outlet tube (4) and the A/C suction line and includes the low-
side service port (5). An integral mounting bracket secures the accumulator to the dash panel bracket (3). A spring-lock type quick-connect fitting is used
to connect the accumulator to the evaporator outlet tube.
CAUTION: Use only O-ring seals specified for the vehicle. Failure to use the correct O-ring seals will cause the refrigerant system connections to leak.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except for the rubber O-ring seals, gasket, low-side service port valve and cap and the secondary retaining
clip (2). The O-ring seals used on the connections are made from a special type of rubber not affected by R-134a refrigerant. The O-ring seals and gasket
must be replaced whenever the A/C accumulator is removed and installed.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
NOTE: Typical A/C accumulator shown.
Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator (1) mostly as a low pressure vapor through the inlet tube (2). Any liquid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom
of the canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag (3) is mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered
and become trapped within the refrigerant system A filter (4) is also mounted inside the canister to trap any foreign material that may have entered the
refrigerant system during assembly. The low pressure vapor exits the A/C accumulator through the outlet tube (5).
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been contaminated or left open to
the atmosphere for an indeterminable period or if the A/C compressor has failed, it must be replaced.
