AC Condenser Replacement
What is an AC condenser?
As high pressure refrigerant is pumped from the A/C compressor, it flows through a refrigerant line and into the air conditioning condenser. The condenser is located next to the radiator and serves a similar function. The condenser transforms high pressure, high temperature gas into high pressure slightly lower temperature liquid needed for A/C function.
How does the AC condenser work?
When air flows across the air conditioning condenser, it cools the gaseous refrigerant inside the condenser, and allows it to exit in a liquid state, ready to travel to the next A/C component: the accumulator.
What are the symptoms related to a bad AC condenser?
When the condenser fails, the air conditioner will fail along with it. The engine idle speed will not undulate as normal when the air conditioner is turned on, and the air in the vehicle will be just warmer than ambient temperature.
Can I drive with an AC condenser problem?
Driving with a faulty condenser is not comfortable in warm weather, but will not cause harm to the vehicle. However, if the condenser is leaking, it may also allow dust into the system, and cause blockage once a repair has been made.
How often do AC condensers need to be replaced?
Failure of an air conditioning condenser is normally due to physical damage, but debris in the air conditioning system can cause it to clog. If the small metal fins on the exterior of the condenser become matted with a foreign substance, the condenser will not function properly, but may be repairable with a specialty comb.
The location of the AC condenser makes it prone to damage if the vehicle is involved in a front-end collision. If such a collision occurs, the AC system should be closely inspected to ensure that it is operating correctly and not in danger of failing at a later date.
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.
What to look out for when dealing with AC condenser issues
Refrigerant is a dangerous chemical that can cause injury if improperly handled, and discharging into the atmosphere will cause damage to the ozone. Refrigerant types are updated over time, and the appropriate type must be used. If there has been an update or conversion from an older refrigerant type, a label should be placed under the hood to make your technician aware of the change. Also, if the engine cooling system is not properly filled and bled of air, overheating may occur.
Can I replace the AC condenser myself?
The air conditioning system is not serviceable without proper recovery and evacuation equipment, and attempting to release refrigerant into the air can result in severe chemical burns. Repair of A/C components should be left to certified professionals, and is not considered a DIY job.