AC Accumulator

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC accumulator/receiver-drier on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC accumulator/receiver-drier assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• AC line fitting O-rings × 4 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Refrigerant R-1234yf × 1 — As required by system capacity

Fluids

• PAG 46 compressor oil — 0.17 qt

Preparation

1. Verify AC system has been off for at least 30 minutes to allow pressure equalization
2. Position vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
3. Open hood and locate AC accumulator on passenger side of engine bay, mounted to inner fender near firewall
4. Connect AC recovery machine and verify it is properly calibrated
5. Ensure recovery machine oil reservoir is filled with correct PAG 46 oil
6. Have new accumulator and O-rings ready to minimize system exposure time

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports on low and high-pressure lines. Follow machine manufacturer procedure to completely recover refrigerant from system. Record the exact amount of refrigerant and oil recovered. Allow system to pull vacuum for 5 minutes to verify complete recovery and no leaks.
2. 2

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover at the front center and pull upward to release the four rubber grommets from their mounting posts. Set cover aside to access the upper AC lines.
3. 3

   Disconnect AC line from accumulator inlet
   Locate the liquid line connection at the top of the accumulator. Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and remove the inlet line fitting. Cap or plug the line immediately to prevent moisture intrusion. Discard the old O-rings from the fitting.
4. 4

   Disconnect AC line from accumulator outlet
   Using a flare nut wrench, loosen and remove the outlet line fitting that connects to the evaporator. Cap or plug both the line and accumulator port immediately. Remove and discard old O-rings.
5. 5

   Remove accumulator mounting bracket
   Locate the mounting bracket bolt securing the accumulator to the inner fender. Use a 12mm socket to remove the mounting bolt. Support the accumulator as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old accumulator
   Carefully lift the accumulator assembly out of the engine bay. Tilt as needed to clear surrounding components. Drain any remaining oil from the old accumulator into a graduated container and measure the amount. This oil must be replaced during reassembly.
7. 7

   Prepare new accumulator
   Remove caps from new accumulator ports. Add the proper amount of fresh PAG 46 oil to the new accumulator: add the amount drained from old accumulator plus 0.7 oz (20ml). If old accumulator was empty or amount uncertain, add 1.7 oz (50ml) total. Pour oil slowly into the inlet port.
8. 8

   Install new accumulator
   Position new accumulator in mounting location, ensuring proper orientation with inlet facing toward condenser and outlet toward evaporator. Install mounting bracket and bolt finger-tight initially to allow for alignment adjustment.
9. 9

   Install new O-rings on inlet line
   Lubricate new O-rings with a small amount of PAG 46 oil. Install new O-rings into the groove on the inlet line fitting. Ensure O-rings are seated properly without twisting or pinching.
10. 10

    Connect inlet AC line
    Remove cap from accumulator inlet port. Thread the inlet line fitting onto accumulator by hand until fully seated. Using flare nut wrench and torque wrench, tighten fitting to specification. Do not over-tighten as this can damage O-rings.
    Torque spec

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

    Install new O-rings on outlet line
    Lubricate new O-rings with PAG 46 oil. Install new O-rings into the groove on the outlet line fitting. Verify proper seating.
12. 12

    Connect outlet AC line
    Remove cap from accumulator outlet port. Thread the outlet line fitting onto accumulator by hand until fully seated. Using flare nut wrench and torque wrench, tighten fitting to specification.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque mounting bracket bolt
    With both AC lines connected, verify accumulator is properly positioned and aligned. Torque the mounting bracket bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect AC machine to service ports. Run evacuation cycle for minimum 45 minutes to remove all air and moisture from system. System should hold vacuum without pressure rise for at least 10 minutes after evacuation pump stops.
15. 15

    Recharge AC system
    Using AC machine or charging scale, add the exact amount of R-1234yf refrigerant that was recovered (typically 15 oz / 425g for this system). Add refrigerant through low-pressure port with engine running and AC set to max cold. Monitor pressures throughout charging process.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets with mounting posts and pressing down firmly until all four grommets seat
2. Verify all AC line connections are tight and show no signs of oil seepage
3. Clean any spilled refrigerant oil from engine bay components

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold setting with fan on high
• Verify compressor clutch engages within 10-15 seconds
• Check that center dash vents produce cold air within 2-3 minutes (should reach 40-45°F)
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of oil leakage which would indicate refrigerant leak
• Verify low-pressure gauge reads 25-35 PSI and high-pressure gauge reads 200-250 PSI at idle with ambient temperature 75-85°F
• Listen for unusual noises from compressor or expansion valve
• Use electronic leak detector around all disturbed fittings to verify no refrigerant leaks
• Allow system to run for 10 minutes and recheck vent temperature and pressures for stability

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