This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC receiver/drier on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharging.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC receiver/drier assembly × 1 — 88719-42010 or equivalent
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil for AC system × 1 — ND-11 type
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 1.3 lbs

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Verify AC recovery machine is properly calibrated and has adequate tank capacity
4. Have replacement receiver/drier and O-rings ready to minimize system exposure time
5. Locate receiver/drier on passenger side of engine bay, mounted to condenser assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to the service ports (low side on suction line, high side on liquid line). Follow machine instructions to completely recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for proper recharging. Allow system to equalize to atmospheric pressure before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove engine cover if equipped
   If your RAV4 has a plastic engine cover, remove it by pulling upward on the cover to release the retaining clips. Set aside in a clean area.
3. 3

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal and disconnect. This prevents accidental fan activation while working near the condenser.
4. 4

   Access receiver/drier location
   The receiver/drier is mounted on the passenger side of the condenser, near the radiator support. You may need to remove the passenger side engine undercover for better access. Use 10mm socket to remove the plastic clips and fasteners.
5. 5

   Disconnect AC line fittings from receiver/drier
   Using a 14mm flare nut wrench, carefully disconnect the inlet and outlet AC line fittings from the receiver/drier. Support the receiver/drier while loosening to prevent line damage. Cap or plug open lines immediately to prevent moisture and debris entry. Expect some residual oil drainage.
6. 6

   Remove receiver/drier mounting bracket
   Locate the mounting bracket securing the receiver/drier to the condenser. Remove the mounting bolt using a 10mm socket. Note the bracket orientation for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove receiver/drier assembly
   Carefully extract the receiver/drier from its mounting location. Keep it upright and drain any remaining oil into a measuring container. Note the amount of oil removed, as you will need to replace this amount plus any additional specified by the new component.
8. 8

   Prepare new receiver/drier
   Remove caps from new receiver/drier only when ready to install. Add the appropriate amount of fresh ND-11 PAG oil through one of the ports (typically the amount drained plus oil specified with new drier, usually 20-30ml total). Install new O-rings on both inlet and outlet fittings, coating them lightly with PAG oil.
9. 9

   Install new receiver/drier
   Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting bracket on the condenser. Ensure it is oriented correctly with inlet/outlet ports aligned with AC lines. Install the mounting bolt finger-tight initially.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect AC line fittings
    Remove plugs/caps from AC lines. Verify new O-rings are properly seated on receiver/drier ports. Hand-thread both AC line fittings onto the receiver/drier ports to prevent cross-threading. Tighten fittings to specification using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Secure receiver/drier mounting
    Once AC lines are connected, verify receiver/drier is properly positioned in bracket. Torque the mounting bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall undercover and engine components
    Reinstall the passenger side engine undercover if removed, securing all clips and fasteners. Reinstall engine cover if equipped. Reconnect battery negative terminal and tighten to 10mm socket.
13. 13

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect AC service machine to system service ports. Evacuate the system to achieve a deep vacuum (minimum 29 inches Hg) for at least 30-45 minutes. Monitor for vacuum decay to verify system integrity and absence of leaks.
14. 14

    Recharge AC system
    Following successful evacuation and leak test, recharge the AC system with the specified amount of R-134a refrigerant (approximately 1.3 lbs or 590g for 2.5L FWD models). Verify exact capacity on underhood HVAC specification label. Add refrigerant through low-side port only with engine running and AC on MAX.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line connections are torqued to specification to prevent leaks
2. Verify receiver/drier mounting bracket is secure and component is not contacting other parts
3. Double-check that proper amount of PAG oil was added to maintain system lubrication
4. Confirm battery is reconnected and all undercovers are properly installed

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to MAX cold setting with fan on high
• Allow system to run for 5-10 minutes and verify cold air output from vents (approximately 40-50°F)
• Check low side pressure (should be 25-35 PSI at idle) and high side pressure (should be 200-250 PSI depending on ambient temperature)
• Inspect all AC line connections at receiver/drier for signs of oil leakage or frost formation indicating restriction
• Use electronic leak detector around all fittings to verify no refrigerant leaks
• Verify compressor clutch engages and disengages properly during operation
• Test AC performance during road test to ensure adequate cooling capacity

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