Q: How do you remove the air conditioning Accumulator on Mercury Cougar?
A: To remove the air conditioning system, start by having it discharged by a dealer or service station. Then, disconnect the negative battery cable and unplug the electrical connector from the pressure switch on top of the accumulator. Using a spring lock tool, disconnect the refrigerant lines from the accumulator at the firewall and behind the compressor. Make sure to plug any open fittings to prevent dirt and moisture from entering. Loosen the pinch bolt on the mounting bracket and lift the accumulator out. If installing a new accumulator, remove the pressure switch and Schrader valve, pour out the oil into a measuring cup, and add fresh refrigerant oil to the new accumulator. To install, replace O-rings at connections with new ones designed for air conditioning systems and lubricated with refrigerant oil. Finally, take the vehicle back to the shop to have the air conditioning system evacuated, charged, and leak tested.