This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC condenser on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, component removal, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC condenser × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Receiver/drier × 1 — Use OEM specification (recommended with condenser replacement)
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 18-20 oz
• PAG oil (ND-11 or equivalent) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• PAG oil (ND-11) — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Using certified AC recovery equipment, recover all refrigerant from the system and note the amount recovered
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove front bumper cover: remove plastic clips along top edge, remove 10mm bolts at wheel well liner connections, disconnect fog light connectors if equipped, carefully pull bumper away from mounting clips
7. Remove engine under covers to access condenser from below

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain condenser oil and document
   Measure and document the amount of PAG oil that drains from the old condenser when disconnected. This will help determine proper oil charge for the new system. Typical amount is 1-2 oz from condenser.
2. 2

   Disconnect refrigerant lines from condenser
   Locate the AC line connections at the passenger side of the condenser. Remove the 10mm bolt securing each refrigerant line fitting. Immediately cap all open fittings with approved AC caps or clean plastic plugs to prevent moisture and contamination entry. Discard old O-rings.
   ⚠Even after recovery, small amounts of refrigerant may remain. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
3. 3

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connectors. Remove the fan shroud bolts securing the fan assembly to the radiator. Carefully lift the fan assembly upward and out of the engine bay. Set aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines if equipped
   For automatic transmission models, the transmission cooler is integrated into the condenser. Use a line wrench to disconnect the transmission cooler lines from the driver side of the condenser. Have a drain pan ready as some ATF will drain. Cap the lines immediately to prevent contamination.
   ℹ️You will need to top off transmission fluid after reassembly. Measure fluid lost to determine refill amount.
5. 5

   Remove condenser mounting hardware
   Remove the upper condenser mounting bolts (typically two 10mm bolts at top edge). Remove the lower condenser mounting brackets from below the vehicle. Note the position of any spacers or rubber isolators for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Condenser Mounting Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove condenser from vehicle
   Carefully tilt the top of the condenser toward the engine while lifting upward to clear the radiator mounting tabs. Guide the condenser upward and out through the top of the engine bay. Work slowly to avoid damaging radiator fins or other components.
7. 7

   Prepare new condenser
   Remove shipping caps from new condenser. Add the appropriate amount of fresh PAG oil (ND-11) to the new condenser: add 1-2 oz to match what drained from old condenser, plus additional oil if replacing other components per manufacturer specifications. Rotate condenser to distribute oil internally.
8. 8

   Install new condenser
   Guide the new condenser into position, carefully aligning with radiator support brackets. Ensure rubber isolators are properly positioned. Tilt condenser to engage lower mounting tabs first, then align upper mounting points. Install condenser mounting bolts finger-tight initially.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect transmission cooler lines
   For automatic transmission models, reconnect the transmission cooler lines to the condenser using new sealing washers if equipped. Torque fittings to manufacturer specification using a line wrench to avoid rounding.
10. 10

    Install new O-rings and connect refrigerant lines
    Install new O-rings on all refrigerant line fittings. Lightly coat new O-rings with fresh PAG oil before installation. Connect refrigerant lines to condenser, ensuring proper seating. Install and torque AC line fitting bolts to specification.
    ⚠Use only new O-rings designed for R-134a systems. Do not reuse old O-rings as they will leak.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Lower the cooling fan assembly back into position, engaging the lower mounting tabs. Install and torque the fan shroud bolts. Reconnect all cooling fan electrical connectors.
12. 12

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect vacuum pump to AC service ports. Evacuate system to 29+ inches of mercury (Hg) for minimum 45 minutes. Close valves and monitor vacuum for 15 minutes. If vacuum holds steady, system is leak-free and dry. If vacuum drops, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
    ⚠Proper evacuation removes moisture that can damage compressor and freeze expansion valve. Do not skip or shorten this step.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Using AC manifold gauges and charging equipment, recharge system with R-134a refrigerant. Factory specification is approximately 18-20 oz total (verify on underhood decal for exact amount). Charge through low-side port only with engine running and AC on MAX/recirculate. Monitor high and low side pressures during charging.
    ⚠Overcharging the system can cause compressor damage and poor cooling. Charge only to factory specified amount by weight.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and torque fasteners properly
2. Reinstall front bumper cover: align mounting clips, reconnect fog light connectors, install wheel well liner bolts and top edge clips
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Top off automatic transmission fluid if applicable, checking level with engine at operating temperature
5. Reconnect negative battery terminal
6. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes related to battery disconnect

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to MAX cold with recirculate on
• Verify cooling fan engages when AC is turned on
• Check for proper cooling at dash vents (vent temperature should reach 38-42°F within 5 minutes)
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of refrigerant leaks using soap solution or UV dye if added
• Monitor AC performance over several drive cycles to ensure proper operation
• Verify no unusual noises from compressor or cooling fans
• Check transmission fluid level after test drive if cooler lines were disconnected

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