This procedure covers the replacement of the AC accumulator (receiver/drier) on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, including refrigerant recovery, component removal, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Accumulator/Receiver Drier × 1 — 88719-06050 or equivalent
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Use certified refrigerant
• PAG oil (ND-11) × 1 — Toyota genuine AC compressor oil

Preparation

1. Verify AC system refrigerant type is R-134a before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Allow engine to cool completely before working on AC system
4. Connect AC recovery machine and fully recover all refrigerant from the system per EPA regulations
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
6. Remove engine under cover if equipped (10mm bolts)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the AC accumulator
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the AC accumulator mounted to the radiator support on the passenger side. It is a cylindrical canister with two AC lines attached at the top. Remove any plastic clips or wire harness retainers that may obstruct access.
2. 2

   Disconnect liquid line from accumulator
   Using a 14mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the liquid line from the top of the accumulator. Cap the open line immediately with a clean plug to prevent moisture entry. Note the orientation of the line connection for reassembly.
   ⚠Even after recovery, residual refrigerant may escape. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
3. 3

   Disconnect suction line from accumulator
   Using a 14mm flare nut wrench, disconnect the suction line (larger diameter) from the accumulator. Cap this line immediately as well. Remove and discard all old O-rings from both fittings.
4. 4

   Remove accumulator mounting bracket
   Locate the mounting bracket bolt securing the accumulator to the radiator support. Use a 12mm socket to remove the mounting bolt. Support the accumulator while removing the final fastener.
5. 5

   Remove accumulator from vehicle
   Carefully extract the accumulator from the mounting bracket. Hold it upright and drain any residual oil into a graduated container to measure the amount removed. Record this amount for oil replacement calculations.
6. 6

   Prepare new accumulator
   Remove the new accumulator from its sealed packaging. Pour the appropriate amount of fresh ND-11 PAG oil into the new accumulator: add the amount drained from the old unit plus 1 ounce (30ml). Do not overfill. Install new O-rings on both fittings, coating them lightly with fresh PAG oil.
   ⚠Install new accumulator within 20 minutes of opening package to prevent moisture absorption.
7. 7

   Install new accumulator
   Position the new accumulator into the mounting bracket with the fittings oriented correctly toward the AC lines. Ensure the accumulator is fully seated in the bracket before proceeding.
8. 8

   Secure mounting bracket
   Install the mounting bracket bolt and tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Ensure the accumulator is positioned correctly and does not contact any sharp edges or moving components.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect suction line
   Remove the cap from the suction line. Verify the new O-ring is properly positioned in the fitting groove. Thread the suction line fitting onto the accumulator by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement, then tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect liquid line
    Remove the cap from the liquid line. Verify the new O-ring is in place. Hand-thread the liquid line fitting onto the accumulator, then tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench. Double-check both connections are secure.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall under covers
    Reinstall the engine under cover if previously removed. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Ensure all wire harnesses and clips are returned to their original positions.
12. 12

    Vacuum and recharge system
    Connect AC manifold gauges to service ports. Pull a vacuum on the system for minimum 30 minutes to remove all moisture and air. System should hold vacuum for 10 minutes without loss. Recharge with exactly 600 grams (21.2 oz) of R-134a refrigerant according to manifold gauge instructions and vehicle specifications.
    ⚠If vacuum does not hold, there is a leak. Do not charge the system until leak is repaired.

Reassembly

1. Verify all AC line connections are torqued to specification and not cross-threaded
2. Ensure accumulator mounting bolt is secure and component does not rattle
3. Double-check that all clips, harnesses, and under covers are reinstalled
4. Verify battery terminal is tight and secure

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with blower on high
• Allow system to run for 5 minutes and verify cold air output from vents (should reach 40-50°F at center vents in 5 minutes)
• Check AC line fittings at accumulator for signs of oil leakage or frost accumulation indicating leaks
• Use AC leak detector or soap solution to verify all connections are leak-free
• Verify compressor clutch engages properly and no unusual noises from AC system
• Monitor system pressures: low side should be 25-35 PSI, high side 200-250 PSI at idle with ambient temperature 70-80°F
• Check that accumulator exterior becomes cold and may show slight condensation during operation

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