This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC condenser on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, condenser replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Condenser × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 4 — 90301-10005 or equivalent
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Typically 18-22 oz, verify on underhood label
• PAG oil (ND-OIL 11) × 1 — Toyota 00259-31286 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Verify refrigerant type on underhood label (should be R-134a)
4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning
5. Document refrigerant capacity from underhood AC specification label

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports (low side on larger diameter line, high side on smaller line). Follow machine instructions to safely recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for reference during recharge. Wait for system to equalize to atmospheric pressure.
2. 2

   Remove front bumper cover
   Remove plastic clips and screws securing the front bumper cover. Remove wheel well liner screws at front edge. Disconnect fog light connectors if equipped. With assistance, carefully pull bumper cover forward and away from vehicle. Set aside in safe location to avoid damage.
3. 3

   Remove upper radiator support seal and covers
   Remove the rubber seal along the upper radiator support. Remove plastic covers above the radiator/condenser assembly by releasing clips and removing fasteners. This provides access to condenser mounting points.
4. 4

   Disconnect condenser refrigerant lines
   Locate the two AC lines connected to the condenser (one from compressor, one to evaporator). Place drain pan underneath connections. Using appropriate line disconnect tool or wrench, disconnect both fittings from the condenser. Immediately cap all open ports to prevent moisture and debris entry. Remove and discard old O-rings from fittings.
5. 5

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect electrical connector from cooling fan motor. Remove bolts securing fan shroud assembly to radiator. Carefully lift fan assembly up and out of engine bay. The fan does not need to be separated from shroud for this job.
6. 6

   Remove condenser mounting bolts
   Locate the condenser mounting brackets on both sides. The condenser sits in front of the radiator. Remove the mounting bolts securing condenser to radiator support brackets on both upper corners and lower mounting points. Support condenser by hand while removing final bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove condenser from vehicle
   Carefully tilt the top of the condenser toward you and lift upward to clear the lower mounting tabs. Maneuver the condenser out from in front of the radiator, being extremely careful not to damage radiator fins. Inspect radiator for any damage. Drain any residual oil from old condenser into measuring container to determine how much to add to new unit.
8. 8

   Prepare new condenser
   Remove protective caps from new condenser ports. Add appropriate amount of fresh PAG oil (ND-OIL 11) to new condenser - typically matching amount drained from old unit or per new condenser instructions (usually 20-30ml if no oil drained). Verify new condenser mounting points and line connection locations match original.
9. 9

   Install new condenser
   Carefully position new condenser in front of radiator, ensuring it does not contact or damage radiator fins. Lower into position, aligning mounting tabs with brackets. Ensure rubber isolation mounts are properly seated. Hand-start all mounting bolts before tightening any.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Lower fan shroud assembly back into position, engaging lower tabs. Install and torque fan shroud mounting bolts. Reconnect fan motor electrical connector.
11. 11

    Connect AC refrigerant lines
    Install new O-rings on both AC line fittings, lightly coating with PAG oil. Align fittings with condenser ports and hand-thread to ensure proper engagement. Torque both AC line fittings to specification using appropriate wrench.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall covers and bumper
    Reinstall upper radiator covers and seal. Reinstall front bumper cover, ensuring all clips engage properly. Reconnect fog lights if equipped. Install and torque all bumper fasteners.
13. 13

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect vacuum pump to AC system service ports. Evacuate system for minimum 30-45 minutes to remove all air and moisture. System should hold vacuum for at least 15 minutes after pump is shut off. If vacuum drops, there is a leak that must be found and repaired.
14. 14

    Recharge AC system
    Using AC recharge machine, charge system with R-134a refrigerant to exact amount specified on underhood label (typically 18-22 oz for this vehicle). Do not overcharge. Monitor pressures during charging to ensure proper flow.

Reassembly

1. All components install in reverse order of removal
2. Ensure all AC line connections are properly torqued to prevent leaks
3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated
4. Check that radiator and condenser are not damaged and have proper clearance

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with blower on high
• AC compressor should engage within 30-60 seconds
• Check for cold air from vents (should be 40-50°F at full operation)
• Verify no refrigerant leaks at condenser connections using leak detector or soap solution
• Monitor AC pressures: Low side should be 25-35 PSI, high side 200-250 PSI at idle with AC on (ambient temperature dependent)
• Listen for abnormal noises from compressor or cooling fan
• Verify cooling fan activates when AC is engaged

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