AC Receiver/Drier

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC receiver/drier assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Use system capacity specification
• PAG oil (ND-11 or equivalent) × 1 — Use Honda recommended PAG oil

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 type is R-134a (label on hood or radiator support)
4. Gather all replacement parts and verify new receiver/drier is correct for application
5. Ensure AC recovery machine is properly calibrated and has adequate tank capacity

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports on high and low side lines. Follow recovery machine manufacturer instructions to safely remove all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for reference during recharge. Allow system to stabilize and verify complete recovery.
   ⚠️Only use certified refrigerant recovery equipment. Never vent refrigerant to atmosphere.
2. 2

   Remove engine cover
   Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the cover to release the mounting grommets. Set aside in a clean area.
3. 3

   Locate receiver/drier assembly
   The receiver/drier is mounted on the condenser near the radiator support on the passenger side. Identify the inlet line from the condenser and outlet line to the evaporator. Note the orientation and routing of lines for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect AC lines from receiver/drier
   Using appropriate line wrenches, carefully loosen and remove the AC line fittings at the receiver/drier inlet and outlet. Cap or plug the open lines immediately to prevent moisture and debris entry. Have a drain pan ready to catch any residual oil. Inspect the fittings for damage and clean mounting surfaces.
   ⚠Small amount of refrigerant may still be present in lines. Wear safety glasses and proceed slowly.
5. 5

   Remove receiver/drier mounting bracket
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the receiver/drier bracket to the condenser or radiator support using a 10mm socket. Support the receiver/drier while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove receiver/drier assembly
   Carefully remove the receiver/drier from the vehicle. Tilt to drain any remaining oil into the drain pan and measure the amount. This will determine how much fresh oil to add to the new unit. Dispose of old receiver/drier properly.
7. 7

   Prepare new receiver/drier
   Remove caps from the new receiver/drier only immediately before installation to minimize moisture absorption. Add the appropriate amount of fresh PAG oil to the new receiver/drier: use the same amount drained from the old unit plus an additional 10-20ml to compensate for oil retained in the old desiccant. Pour oil into the inlet port slowly.
   ⚠Do not leave new receiver/drier uncapped for more than 15 minutes before installation as desiccant will absorb atmospheric moisture.
8. 8

   Install new O-rings on AC lines
   Remove old O-rings from AC line fittings and discard. Clean the fitting surfaces thoroughly. Install new O-rings into the grooves on each line fitting. Lightly coat the new O-rings with fresh PAG oil to aid installation and prevent damage during assembly.
9. 9

   Install new receiver/drier
   Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting bracket, ensuring proper orientation with inlet from condenser and outlet to evaporator. Install mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Verify the receiver/drier sits flush in the bracket before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect AC lines to receiver/drier
    Remove caps from AC lines and new receiver/drier. Carefully thread the line fittings onto the receiver/drier ports by hand to ensure proper alignment and prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench with appropriate adapter to tighten to specification. Do not over-torque as this can damage the O-rings or aluminum fittings.
    Torque spec

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

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect vacuum pump to AC service ports. Evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury (Hg) for a minimum of 45 minutes. After evacuation period, close valves and monitor vacuum gauge for 10 minutes. Vacuum should hold steady, indicating no leaks. If vacuum drops, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
    ⚠Proper evacuation is critical to remove all moisture from the system. Moisture causes corrosion and poor AC performance.
12. 12

    Recharge AC system
    Using AC manifold gauges and charging equipment, slowly recharge the system with the amount of R-134a refrigerant recovered in step 1, or per the underhood specification label (typically 450-550 grams for this system). Charge through the low-side port with engine running and AC on maximum cool. Monitor pressures and stop when proper charge level is reached.
13. 13

    Reinstall engine cover
    Align the engine cover mounting grommets with the posts on the engine and press down firmly until all grommets are fully seated and the cover is secure.

Reassembly

1. Verify all AC line connections are properly torqued and show no signs of leakage
2. Ensure receiver/drier mounting bolts are tight and component is secure
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in engine compartment
4. Confirm engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC system to maximum cooling with fan on high
• Allow system to run for 5 minutes and verify cold air from vents (typically 40-50°F at vent)
• Check static and operating pressures match specifications (low side: 25-35 psi, high side: 200-250 psi at 80°F ambient)
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of oil weeping or frost buildup indicating leaks
• Verify compressor cycles on and off normally and clutch engages smoothly
• Listen for abnormal noises from compressor or lines during operation
• Use electronic leak detector around all connections if available to verify no refrigerant leaks

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