AC Condenser

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the AC condenser on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including refrigerant recovery, line disconnection, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Condenser × 1 — 80110-TVA-A01 or equivalent
• AC line O-rings (assortment) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil (ND-11 or ND-12) × 1 — 38899-PYD-003
• Receiver/drier or accumulator × 1 — Recommended replacement with condenser
• Front bumper clips and fasteners × 1 — Assortment if needed

Fluids

• R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant
• PAG oil ND-11 or ND-12

Preparation

1. Verify vehicle refrigerant type by checking underhood label or service records
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system deactivation
4. Allow engine and AC system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at proper lift points
6. Remove both front wheels for access to lower splash shields
7. Remove engine lower splash shield and front splash shields

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect AC recovery machine to low and high side service ports. Follow machine instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record amount recovered for comparison during recharge. System should hold vacuum indicating complete recovery.
2. 2

   Remove front bumper cover
   Remove upper bumper screws from grille area. Remove front wheel well liner screws on both sides where they attach to bumper. Disconnect fog light connectors if equipped. Remove lower bumper mounting bolts (typically 4-6 bolts). With assistance, carefully pull bumper cover forward to release clips and remove from vehicle. Set aside in safe location to avoid scratching.
3. 3

   Remove radiator grille and upper support
   Remove radiator grille by releasing upper clips and removing mounting screws. Remove upper radiator support panel screws and set panel aside. This provides access to upper condenser mounting area.
4. 4

   Disconnect AC lines from condenser
   Locate AC line connections at condenser (typically one inlet and one outlet). Place drain pan below connections. Using appropriate wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect both AC line fittings from condenser. Cap or plug all open connections immediately to prevent contamination and moisture entry. Discard old O-rings from fittings.
   ⚠Small amount of residual refrigerant or oil may escape when lines are disconnected. Ensure area is well-ventilated.
5. 5

   Remove cooling fan assembly if needed
   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector. Remove fan shroud mounting bolts securing fan assembly to radiator. Carefully lift fan assembly up and out of engine bay. On some configurations, fan can remain attached but moved aside for condenser access.
6. 6

   Remove condenser mounting bolts
   Locate condenser mounting bolts at top and bottom of condenser assembly (typically 4-6 bolts total). Remove upper mounting bolts first, then lower mounting bolts while supporting condenser. Note position of any brackets or spacers for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Condenser Mounting Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove condenser from vehicle
   Carefully tilt condenser forward and lift upward out of vehicle, being mindful of radiator behind it. Avoid damaging radiator fins or condenser fins during removal. Drain any residual oil from old condenser into measuring container and record amount for replacement.
   ⚠Condenser and radiator fins are extremely delicate. Work slowly to avoid bending or damaging cooling fins.
8. 8

   Prepare new condenser
   Remove protective caps from new condenser fittings. Add fresh PAG oil to new condenser: if old condenser contained less than 1 oz, add 1.4 oz; if 1-2 oz was drained, add same amount. Install new O-rings on condenser fittings, lubricating with small amount of PAG oil.
9. 9

   Install new condenser
   Carefully lower new condenser into position between radiator and front support, ensuring proper alignment with mounting points. Install condenser mounting bolts finger-tight first, ensuring any brackets or spacers are in correct positions. Verify condenser sits flush and properly aligned before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Condenser Mounting Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect AC lines to condenser
    Install new O-rings on AC line fittings, lubricating each with small amount of PAG oil. Thread AC line fittings onto condenser ports by hand to ensure proper engagement and avoid cross-threading. Tighten fittings to specification using torque wrench.
    ⚠Cross-threaded AC fittings will leak and require line replacement. Always start threads by hand and verify smooth rotation.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Position cooling fan assembly back onto radiator/condenser. Install fan shroud bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect cooling fan electrical connector ensuring positive click engagement.
12. 12

    Evacuate and recharge AC system
    Connect AC machine to service ports. Evacuate system for minimum 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture; system should hold vacuum without loss. If vacuum holds, recharge system with correct refrigerant type and amount per underhood specification (typically 15-19 oz depending on year). Add UV dye if desired for future leak detection.
    ⚠️If system will not hold vacuum, there is a leak. Do not charge system until leak is found and repaired.
13. 13

    Reinstall front bumper and panels
    Reinstall upper radiator support panel and grille. Position front bumper cover, ensuring all clips align properly. Reconnect fog light connectors if equipped. Install all bumper mounting bolts and screws to specification. Verify proper panel gaps and alignment.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheel well liners and lower splash shields
2. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft)
3. Lower vehicle to ground
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Reset clock and radio presets if needed

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold, highest fan speed
• Verify cooling fans activate when AC is engaged
• Allow system to run for 10 minutes, checking for unusual noises from compressor
• Verify cold air output from vents (should reach 40-45°F at vent with ambient temp 80-90°F)
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of oil residue indicating leaks
• Use leak detector around all fittings and condenser seams to verify no leaks present
• Verify low side pressure 25-35 PSI and high side pressure 200-250 PSI at idle with AC on (ambient dependent)
• Check that bumper is secure with no rattles and all panels align properly

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