AC Condenser Replacement
How are AC condenser issues diagnosed?
Diagnosis of the air conditioning condenser requires advanced knowledge of air conditioning systems, and a good understanding of the relationship between temperature and pressure of a liquid and gas. A technician with proper training, and certification is required to repair an air conditioning system. Professional grade equipment is used to read high and low side pressure, and the technician must rely on hours of classroom and hands-on training to understand the readings and diagnose the faulty part. If the condenser is suspected to be faulty, the technician will decide if replacement is necessary based on the cause of the fault. In most cases, a leak will be detected in the condenser.
How is an AC condenser replaced?
Replacement of most air conditioning components requires complete evacuation of the air conditioning system with a refrigerant recovery machinery. The engine cooling system must be drained as well. Once refrigerant and engine coolant have been removed from the vehicle, disassembly may being. The cooling fans, radiator hoses, electrical connectors, refrigerant lines, and in some cases, the front bumper assembly must be removed. Finally, the mounting bolts and hardware must be removed to allow the condenser to separate from the vehicle and radiator. Once those components are re-installed, the technician will remove all air from the system in preparation for recharging the system with new refrigerant. Prior to recharging the A/C system with refrigerant the engine coolant must be full and free of air.
RepairPal Recommendations for AC condenser issues
Refrigerant is environmentally harmful, and should never be released into the air. Instead, a proper refrigerant recovery machine must be used to protect the technician, and the environment. We do not recommend attempting to recharge the A/C system at home, as products that are available to consumers tend to contain substances that can cause damage to expensive refrigerant recovery equipment. If the vehicle has not been converted to the safest refrigerant type available, the best time to have this service completed is when the air conditioning system is already being serviced.