Q: How to remove and replace an air conditioning condenser on Lincoln Town Car?
A: Special spring lock coupling tools are required on 1982 and later air conditioning systems to release the connectors used on the refrigerant lines throughout the air conditioning system. They are available at most auto parts stores that carry special tools. Aftermarket equivalents of these tools can usually be found at local auto parts stores. Many times the necessary coupling tool may be included in the kit used for parts replacement. Disconnect the cable at the negative battery terminal. On 2000 and later models, remove the battery. Have the system discharged by a dealer service department or an automotive air conditioning repair facility. Disconnect the coupled hose and liquid line fittings. The connections will be either a threaded fitting or the spring lock coupler style. On early models, disconnect the threaded refrigerant line fittings on both the right and left side of the condenser. On later models, a spring lock coupling tool will be required to disconnect the refrigerant lines. Remove the screws retaining the top Radiator shroud. Carefully tilt the radiator to the rear. Remove the bolts holding the condenser to the top radiator support and lift the condenser out of the bottom cradle supports. If the condenser is being replaced with a new one, transfer the brackets and mounts from the old unit to the new one. When replacing the condenser, add one ounce of refrigerant oil to the condenser before reassembly. This will maintain the correct oil level in the system after the repairs are completed. Before installation, check the bracket assemblies and mounts for excessive wear or damage. Replace them if necessary. The installation procedures are the reverse of those for removal. If connections were disassembled that use O-ring seals, use new O-rings and lubricate them with clean refrigerant oil upon reassembly. After the condenser is installed, have the system evacuated, recharged, and leak tested by a dealer service department or an air conditioning repair facility.