Dakota 2WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2009)
Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation
Accumulator - Operation
OPERATION
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).
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace
the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
The A/C accumulator has no serviceable parts except for the O-ring seals and gaskets. 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 gaskets must be replaced whenever the A/C accumulator is removed and
installed.
The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired and must be replaced if leaking or damaged, or if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred.