Q: How to remove and install an air conditioning accumulator on 2000-2011 Ford Ranger?
A: Have the air conditioning system discharged. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Unplug the electrical connector from the pressure switch near the top of the accumulator. Unscrew the pressure switch. Disconnect the refrigerant line from the accumulator. The accumulator is mounted on the evaporator case in the engine compartment - disconnect this quick-disconnect fitting. This requires a spring lock coupling tool of the type used for fuel injection system lines. Use a backup wrench to hold the fitting that connects the accumulator to the evaporator core, then disconnect the fitting. Plug the open fittings to prevent entry of dirt and moisture. Remove all mounting bracket fasteners, then lift the accumulator out. If a new accumulator is being installed, remove the Schrader valve and pour the oil out into a measuring cup, noting the amount. Add fresh refrigerant oil to the new accumulator equal to the amount removed from the old unit, plus one ounce. Use PAG oil for R-134a systems and mineral refrigerant oil for R-12 systems. Loosely position the new accumulator in place. Connect the accumulator to the evaporator core, using a new O-ring lubricated with clean refrigerant oil. At the same time, align the bracket with the slot between the evaporator case flanges. Using a backup wrench, tighten the fitting securely. Fully install the accumulator mounting bracket and tighten all fasteners. Install the clip that holds the evaporator inlet tube to the bracket (if equipped). Place a new O-ring, lubricated with clean refrigerant oil of the correct type, on the pressure switch nipple on the accumulator. Install the pressure switch. If it has a metal base, tighten it to the torque listed in the specifications. If it has a plastic base, tighten it by hand only. Connect the pressure switch electrical connector. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. Take the vehicle to the shop that discharged the air conditioning system. Have the system evacuated, recharged, and tested for leaks.
Q: How to remove and install an air conditioning accumulator on 1993-2011 Ford Ranger?
A: Have the air conditioning system discharged. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Unplug the electrical connector from the pressure switch near the top of the accumulator. Unscrew the pressure switch. Disconnect the refrigerant line from the accumulator. The accumulator is mounted on the evaporator case in the engine compartment-disconnect this quick-disconnect fitting. This requires a spring lock coupling tool of the type used for fuel injection system lines. Use a backup wrench to hold the fitting that connects the accumulator to the evaporator core, then disconnect the fitting. Plug the open fittings to prevent entry of dirt and moisture. Remove all mounting bracket fasteners, then lift the accumulator out. If a new accumulator is being installed, remove the Schrader valve and pour the oil out into a measuring cup, noting the amount. Add fresh refrigerant oil to the new accumulator equal to the amount removed from the old unit, plus one ounce. Caution: Use PAG oil for R-134a systems and mineral refrigerant oil for R-12 systems. Loosely position the new accumulator in place. Connect the accumulator to the evaporator core, using a new O-ring lubricated with clean refrigerant oil. At the same time, align the bracket with the slot between the evaporator case flanges. Using a backup wrench, tighten the fitting securely. Fully install the accumulator mounting bracket and tighten all fasteners. Install the clip that holds the evaporator inlet tube to the bracket (if equipped). Place a new O-ring, lubricated with clean refrigerant oil of the correct type, on the pressure switch nipple on the accumulator. Install the pressure switch. If ii has a metal base, tighten it to the torque. If it has a plastic base, tighten it by hand only. Connect the pressure switch electrical connector. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. Take the vehicle to the shop that discharged the air conditioning system. Have the system evacuated, recharged and tested for leaks.