RAM 1500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L VIN 2 (2006)
Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation
The A/C accumulator (5) is mounted in the engine compartment between the evaporator outlet tube (2) and the A/C suction line (6). An integral
mounting bracket (4) is used to secure the accumulator to the dash panel (3). The A/C low side service port (1) is mounted to the top of the A/C
accumulator.
CAUTION: Use only O-ring seals specified for the vehicle. Failure to use the correct O-ring seal will cause the refrigerant system connections to leak.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except for the rubber O-ring seals, low side service port valve, cap and secondary retaining clips. 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 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.
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). On this model, the low side service
port (6) is located at the top of the A/C accumulator.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if the A/C compressor has failed, it must be replaced.
