This procedure covers the replacement of the AC receiver/drier on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including refrigerant recovery, component removal, installation, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC receiver/drier assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings (various sizes) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 1.75 lbs
• PAG 46 compressor oil × 1 — Use OEM specification

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 you have EPA Section 609 certification or have certified technician perform refrigerant recovery
4. Gather all tools, parts, and new O-rings before starting
5. Connect AC recovery machine to high and low side service ports

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Using approved AC recovery machine, recover all refrigerant from the system through the high and low side service ports. Record the amount recovered for recharge reference. Wait for machine to indicate complete recovery and system vacuum stabilization.
   ⚠️Never open AC system under pressure. Ensure recovery is complete before disconnecting any lines.
2. 2

   Locate receiver/drier assembly
   Open hood and locate the receiver/drier on the passenger side of the engine bay. It is a vertical cylindrical component mounted near the condenser with two refrigerant lines connecting to the top and bottom. Note the orientation and routing of lines for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect AC line at receiver/drier inlet
   Using appropriate line wrench, disconnect the AC line at the inlet (top) connection of the receiver/drier. Cap the open line immediately to prevent moisture and debris entry. Remove and discard the old O-rings from the connection.
   ⚠A small amount of residual refrigerant or oil may escape. Have shop towels ready.
4. 4

   Disconnect AC line at receiver/drier outlet
   Using line wrench, disconnect the AC line at the outlet (bottom) connection of the receiver/drier. Cap the open line immediately. Remove and discard the old O-rings. Note that some residual oil may drain from the old receiver/drier.
5. 5

   Remove receiver/drier mounting bracket
   Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing the receiver/drier to the condenser or chassis mounting point. The receiver/drier is typically secured by a clamp-style bracket with one or two bolts. Support the receiver/drier while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old receiver/drier
   Carefully remove the old receiver/drier assembly from the mounting bracket. Drain any remaining oil from the old unit into a clean container and measure the amount. This oil must be replaced in the new unit. Inspect the old unit for signs of contamination or debris.
7. 7

   Prepare new receiver/drier
   Remove the new receiver/drier from its sealed packaging. Do not remove protective caps until immediately before installation. Add the measured amount of PAG 46 oil drained from the old unit, plus 1 additional ounce to compensate for oil retained in the system. If no oil was recovered, add 2 ounces of fresh PAG 46 oil to the new receiver/drier inlet port.
   ⚠Keep new receiver/drier sealed until ready to install. Limit exposure to atmosphere to prevent desiccant saturation.
8. 8

   Install new receiver/drier
   Remove protective caps from the new receiver/drier and quickly position it into the mounting bracket in the same orientation as the original. Hand-thread the mounting bracket bolts but do not fully tighten yet to allow alignment of AC line connections.
9. 9

   Install new O-rings and connect inlet line
   Lubricate new O-rings with fresh PAG oil and install them on the inlet line fitting. Remove the cap from the receiver/drier inlet port and immediately connect the line. Thread the fitting by hand initially to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using a line wrench.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new O-rings and connect outlet line
    Lubricate new O-rings with fresh PAG oil and install them on the outlet line fitting. Remove the cap from the receiver/drier outlet port and immediately connect the line. Hand-start the fitting, then tighten to specification using a line wrench.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Secure receiver/drier mounting bracket
    With both AC lines connected and properly aligned, torque the receiver/drier mounting bracket bolts to specification. Verify that no lines are kinked or under tension and that the receiver/drier sits properly in the bracket.
    Torque spec

    Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect the AC recovery/recharge machine to the service ports. Run a vacuum on the system for a minimum of 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. The system should achieve at least 29 inches of mercury vacuum. After evacuation, close valves and observe vacuum hold for 10 minutes to verify there are no leaks.
    ⚠If vacuum does not hold, there is a leak that must be found and repaired before recharging.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Using the AC machine or manifold gauges, recharge the system with the specified amount of R-134a refrigerant (approximately 1.75 lbs or as indicated on the underhood label). Add refrigerant through the low-side port with the engine running and AC on maximum. Monitor pressures to ensure proper charge level.

Reassembly

1. Verify all AC line connections are tight and properly torqued
2. Check that receiver/drier mounting bracket is secure
3. Inspect entire AC system for any signs of refrigerant leaks using leak detector
4. Remove all tools and caps from work area
5. Close hood

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with fan on high
• Allow system to run for 5 minutes and verify cold air output
• Check that compressor cycles on and operates smoothly
• Monitor AC pressures: low side should be 25-45 psi, high side 200-250 psi at idle (ambient dependent)
• Inspect all connections at receiver/drier for refrigerant leaks using electronic leak detector or soap solution
• Verify no unusual noises from AC system during operation
• Check vent temperature: should be 35-45°F at maximum cold setting with 70-80°F ambient temperature

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