Milan FWD V6-3.0L (2010)
Receiver Dryer: Description and Operation
Air Conditioning
The refrigerant system components include the following:
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Pulley-driven A/C compressor (non-hybrid)
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Electric A/C compressor (hybrid)
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A/C clutch assembly (non-hybrid)
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A/C condenser core
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A/C evaporator core
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Receiver/drier cartridge
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Connecting refrigerant lines
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Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV)
The refrigerant system incorporates an A/C compressor controlled by the PCM through an A/C clutch relay. The HVAC module sends an A/C request
signal to the Instrument Cluster (IC), which relays the request to the PCM. An evaporator discharge air temperature sensor is used to disengage the A/C
compressor clutch when the evaporator core temperature falls below an acceptable temperature.
The A/C compressor clutch will only be engaged by the PCM if all of the following conditions are met:
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The HVAC module is set to a mode which provides an A/C request to the PCM via the IC.
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The evaporator discharge air temperature sensor is reading an acceptable temperature.
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The A/C pressure transducer is reading an acceptable pressure in the high side of the refrigerant system.
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The A/C compressor relay is switched to the closed position by the PCM.
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The engine coolant temperature is not excessively high.
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The PCM has not detected a Wide Open Throttle (WOT) condition.
NOTE: To prevent erroneous readings that can result from underhood heat sources, the PCM uses data from several sources to calculate ambient
temperature. The vehicle must be driven for a sufficient time, speed and distance after startup before the calculated ambient temperature is updated in the
PCM. If a vehicle is moved from a below-freezing environment to a warm environment (such as being moved from outside into a garage or when
delivered from a cold climate to a warm climate), the minimal amount of driving may not be sufficient for the calculated ambient temperature to be
updated. In this event, the PCM will believe the ambient temperature is too low for A/C operation and, to prevent an increased risk of compressor
slugging or damage, will not engage the A/C compressor in any mode. To manually reset the PCM calculated ambient temperature to the current
temperature, run the vehicle until the thermostat opens and then clear the PCM Keep Alive Memory (KAM). For the KAM resetting procedure, refer to
Computers and Control Systems Information. When the PCM KAM is reset, the ambient temperature will reset to the current higher value (a value closer
to actual surrounding conditions) and the A/C compressor will operate normally.
An A/C pressure relief valve is installed in the A/C compressor to protect the refrigerant system against excessively high refrigerant pressures.
Refrigerant flow into the evaporator core is metered by a TXV.
Receiver/Drier Cartridge
NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier cartridge is not required when repairing the A/C system, except when there is physical evidence of
contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier cartridge. Damage to the receiver/drier cartridge includes physical damage
or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant, and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure
with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present in the refrigerant system
before repairs are carried out, the receiver/drier cartridge does not need to be replaced.
The receiver/drier is integral to the A/C condenser. It stores high-pressure liquid after it leaves the condenser core. A receiver/drier (desiccant) cartridge
mounted inside the receiver/drier removes any retained moisture from the refrigerant. The receiver/drier cartridge is a separate component and can be
removed and installed separately from the A/C condenser.
