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2021 FORD F-150

3.5L V6 EcoBoost•4WD•AUTOMATIC•gas•turbo
27 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs431Labor566Torque5828Fluid9DTC968Battery1Maintenance0Recalls27
hvac

AC Receiver/Drier

for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
10
Steps
12

This procedure involves evacuating the AC system, removing and replacing the receiver/drier, and recharging the system with the proper amount of refrigerant and PAG oil.

Warnings

⚠️R-1234yf refrigerant is mildly flammable. Ensure adequate ventilation and no ignition sources nearby during recovery and recharge operations.
⚠️AC refrigerant under pressure can cause severe frostbite. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with AC system components.
⚠The receiver/drier must be replaced whenever the AC system has been open to atmosphere for more than 15 minutes or if contamination is suspected.
⚠New receiver/driers contain a specific oil charge. Verify oil charge requirements before installation to avoid overcharging the system.
ℹ️This vehicle uses R-1234yf refrigerant, NOT R-134a. Never mix refrigerant types.

Tools required

AC recovery/recharge machineEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Spring lock coupling disconnect toolsEssential
AC line disconnect tool setEssential
Digital refrigerant scaleEssential
Leak detector (UV or electronic)
UV flashlight
Safety glasses with side shieldsEssential
AC-rated glovesEssential

Parts

  • AC Receiver/Drier assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification Ford GL3Z-19C836-A or equivalent
  • AC line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM AC O-ring kit
  • PAG 46 oil × 1 — Motorcraft PAG oil for R-1234yf systems
  • R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 1.5 lbs depending on total system capacity

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn off engine and allow AC system to stabilize for at least 15 minutes
  3. Verify AC recovery/recharge machine is certified for R-1234yf refrigerant only
  4. Locate receiver/drier on passenger side of vehicle near condenser, forward of the firewall
  5. Document total refrigerant charge from underhood label for proper recharge amount
  6. Ensure new receiver/drier is kept sealed until ready for installation to prevent moisture absorption

Procedure

  1. 1
    Recover refrigerant from AC system
    Connect AC recovery machine to service ports (low-side and high-side). Follow machine manufacturer instructions to fully recover all R-1234yf refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered. Allow system to pull down to ensure complete recovery. Once complete, close service valves and disconnect machine hoses.
  2. 2
    Access receiver/drier
    The receiver/drier is mounted vertically on the passenger side near the condenser. Remove any splash shields or airflow panels if necessary for access. On 2021-2024 F-150, the receiver/drier is accessible from above with minimal obstruction.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Locate the pressure switch connector on top of the receiver/drier. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the pressure switch. Move wiring harness aside to prevent damage.
  4. 4
    Disconnect AC lines from receiver/drier
    Using appropriate AC line disconnect tools, carefully disconnect the inlet line (from condenser) and outlet line (to evaporator) from the receiver/drier. Use spring lock coupling tools as needed. Immediately cap all open fittings to prevent moisture and debris entry. Inspect O-rings on lines and discard old O-rings.
  5. 5
    Remove receiver/drier mounting bolts
    Support the receiver/drier with one hand. Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the receiver/drier bracket to the body. Carefully remove the receiver/drier assembly from the vehicle.
    Torque spec
    Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Prepare new receiver/drier
    Remove new receiver/drier from sealed packaging only when ready to install. If the new unit has shipping caps, remove them immediately before installation. Check manufacturer documentation for oil charge - some units come pre-charged with PAG oil, others require adding oil. If required, add the specified amount of fresh PAG 46 oil to the new receiver/drier inlet port.
  7. 7
    Install new O-rings and lubricate
    Install new O-rings on both AC line fittings. Coat the new O-rings with a thin layer of fresh PAG 46 oil to ensure proper sealing and prevent damage during installation. Verify O-rings are seated properly in their grooves.
  8. 8
    Install new receiver/drier
    Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting bracket location. Align mounting holes and hand-thread both mounting bolts. Ensure the receiver/drier is oriented correctly with inlet and outlet ports aligned to their respective AC lines. Torque mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec
    Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect AC lines
    Remove caps from AC line fittings. Connect the inlet line (from condenser) and outlet line (to evaporator) to the new receiver/drier. Push spring lock couplings firmly until they click into place. Verify connections are secure by attempting to pull lines apart. Torque threaded fittings to specification.
    Torque spec
    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the pressure switch on top of the receiver/drier. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click.
  11. 11
    Evacuate AC system
    Connect AC recovery/recharge machine to service ports. Pull a vacuum on the system for a minimum of 45 minutes to remove all air and moisture. After vacuum cycle, close valves and monitor vacuum gauge for 10 minutes to check for system leaks. Vacuum should hold steady with minimal loss.
  12. 12
    Recharge AC system
    Using the recovery/recharge machine and digital scale, recharge the AC system with the exact amount of R-1234yf refrigerant specified on the underhood label (typically around 1.94 lbs for 3.5L EcoBoost F-150, but verify on your specific vehicle). Add refrigerant slowly into the low-side port with engine running and AC on maximum cooling. Monitor pressures throughout charging process.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall any splash shields or airflow panels that were removed for access
  2. Double-check all AC line connections are secure and properly torqued
  3. Verify electrical connector to pressure switch is fully engaged

Verification

  • Start engine and turn AC to maximum cooling with blower on high
  • Monitor AC pressures at service ports - low side should be 25-45 PSI, high side 200-275 PSI at idle (ambient dependent)
  • Verify cold air is blowing from vents with center vent temperature 38-45°F at idle
  • Use leak detector to check all AC line connections and receiver/drier fittings for leaks
  • Check that AC compressor cycles on and off normally via pressure switch on receiver/drier
  • Verify no unusual noises from AC system during operation
  • Allow system to run for 10-15 minutes and recheck vent temperatures to ensure consistent cooling

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