This procedure covers the replacement of the AC accumulator (receiver-drier) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC accumulator/receiver-drier × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• PAG 46 refrigerant oil × 1 — Motorcraft YN-12-C or equivalent

Fluids

• R-134a refrigerant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Verify AC system refrigerant charge level before starting work
4. Gather all replacement parts and new O-rings before recovering refrigerant
5. Connect AC recovery machine to service ports per manufacturer instructions

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Using EPA-approved AC recovery machine, connect to high and low side service ports. Follow machine instructions to completely recover all R-134a refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for recharge reference. Allow recovery machine to run until system reaches full vacuum and no refrigerant remains.
2. 2

   Locate and access AC accumulator
   The AC accumulator is mounted on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the firewall. It is a cylindrical aluminum canister connected to the evaporator outlet and suction line to the compressor. Remove any plastic engine covers or air intake components that restrict access to the accumulator mounting area.
3. 3

   Disconnect pressure cycling switch
   Locate the pressure cycling switch on top of the accumulator. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the switch. Set connector aside to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect evaporator outlet line
   Using the appropriate spring lock coupling tool, disconnect the evaporator outlet line from the inlet side of the accumulator. Insert the tool around the line and push toward the accumulator to release the spring lock garter spring. Pull the line away once released. Place a clean rag underneath to catch any residual refrigerant oil. Cap or plug the open line immediately to prevent moisture ingress.
5. 5

   Disconnect suction line to compressor
   Using the spring lock coupling tool, disconnect the suction line from the outlet side of the accumulator in the same manner as the inlet line. Release the spring lock, separate the connection, and immediately cap both the line and accumulator port to prevent contamination. Note the amount and condition of any oil that drains out.
6. 6

   Remove accumulator mounting bracket
   Remove the bolt(s) securing the accumulator mounting bracket to the body or frame rail. The accumulator is typically held by a metal strap or clamp bracket. Carefully remove the accumulator from the mounting location and set aside on a clean surface.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove pressure cycling switch from old accumulator
   Unscrew the pressure cycling switch from the top of the old accumulator. Inspect the switch for damage or corrosion. If switch is in good condition and threads are clean, it can be reused. Check O-ring on switch and replace if damaged.
8. 8

   Prepare new accumulator
   Remove caps from new accumulator. Drain shipping oil from new accumulator into a measuring container. Add fresh PAG 46 refrigerant oil to the new accumulator: add the amount of oil that was drained from the old accumulator plus the amount that came out during line disconnection, or add 3 ounces (90ml) if unable to measure. Install pressure cycling switch into new accumulator with new O-ring if provided.
9. 9

   Install new accumulator
   Position the new accumulator in the mounting bracket with inlet and outlet ports oriented correctly toward their respective lines. Secure the mounting bracket bolt(s) to specified torque. Ensure accumulator is firmly held and cannot vibrate or move.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new O-rings on line connections
    Remove old O-rings from both AC line spring lock couplings. Inspect coupling surfaces for damage or debris and clean thoroughly. Install new O-rings onto each line connection. Lightly coat new O-rings with fresh PAG 46 refrigerant oil to ease installation and ensure proper seal.
11. 11

    Reconnect evaporator outlet line
    Remove cap from accumulator inlet port and evaporator line. Push the evaporator outlet line firmly into the accumulator inlet until the spring lock garter spring clicks into place. Tug on the line to verify it is fully seated and locked. The connection should not pull apart with moderate force.
12. 12

    Reconnect suction line to compressor
    Remove cap from accumulator outlet port and suction line. Push the suction line firmly into the accumulator outlet until the spring lock clicks and locks. Verify connection is secure by pulling on the line. Ensure both line connections are fully seated before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reconnect pressure cycling switch connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the pressure cycling switch on top of the accumulator. Ensure connector clicks into place and locking tab engages properly.
14. 14

    Evacuate and recharge AC system
    Connect AC recovery/recharge machine to service ports. Evacuate the system to full vacuum for minimum 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. Monitor for vacuum hold to verify system integrity. Recharge system with R-134a refrigerant to factory specification (typically 1.75-2.0 lbs total, verify on underhood label). Add any additional PAG oil through machine if needed to meet system capacity.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any air intake components or engine covers removed for access
2. Double-check all electrical connections are secured
3. Verify no tools or rags were left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with fan on high
• Allow system to run for 5 minutes and verify cold air from vents
• Check center vent temperature should be 40-50°F with 90°F ambient
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of refrigerant oil leaks
• Verify compressor cycles on and off normally with pressure cycling switch
• Use electronic leak detector around all connections to verify no refrigerant leaks
• Monitor AC performance over next few days to ensure proper operation

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