Grand Caravan V6-3.3L VIN R (2005)
Condenser HVAC: Description and Operation
A/C Condenser - 2.4L/3.3L/3.8L Engines
The A/C condenser is located in the front of the engine compartment behind the front fascia. The A/C condenser is a heat exchanger that allows the
high-pressure refrigerant gas being discharged by the A/C compressor to give up its heat to the air passing over the condenser fins, which causes the
refrigerant to cool and change to a liquid state.
The A/C condenser may be removed for service without removing the radiator and cooling fan from the vehicle.
The A/C condenser for vehicles equipped with the 2.4L, 3.3L and 3.8L engines are equipped with an integral automatic transmission cooler and tapping
block. This design is referred to as a combination cooler.
When air passes through the fins of the A/C condenser, the high-pressure refrigerant gas within the A/C condenser gives up its heat. The refrigerant then
condenses as it leaves the A/C condenser and becomes a high-pressure liquid. The volume of air flowing over the condenser fins is critical to the proper
cooling performance of the A/C system. Therefore, it is important that there are no objects placed in front of the radiator grille openings at the front of
the vehicle or foreign material on the condenser fins that might obstruct proper air flow. Also, any factory-installed air seals or shrouds must be properly
reinstalled following radiator or A/C condenser service.
The A/C condenser cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
