Replacing the filter element of the receiver-dryer (Mondeo 4)

In case of repair or replacement of air conditioning system elements, if the air conditioning system was in an open state (some units were removed, pipelines were destroyed, etc.), the filter element of the receiver-dryer (cartridge) must be replaced. Without this, after filling the system, the refrigerant will not be dried and acids may form inside the system, which will destroy the air conditioner parts from the inside.

You will need: a 10 mm wrench, a TORX T70 wrench.

1. Place the vehicle on a viewing ditch. Disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery.

2. Remove the refrigerant from the air conditioning system (see Removing refrigerant from the air conditioning system).



3. Remove the engine splash guard (see Removing and installing mudguard and engine crankcase protection).



4. Unscrew the threaded plug at the bottom of the receiver body.



5. Remove the old cartridge from the receiver body.

WARNING: If aluminum or plastic particles are found on the surface of the cartridge, the pump part of the compressor has been damaged.

Replacing only the cartridge in this case will not give a positive result. The compressor will need to be replaced with a system flush. This is a fairly labor-intensive procedure that can only be performed in a specialized service center using special technological equipment.



6. Open the sealed package and install the new cartridge into the receiver. Screw in the screw plug.

WARNING: When purchasing a new filter element (cartridge), make sure it was stored in a sealed package. A filter element stored without packaging is not suitable for use, even if it is completely new and clean.

7. Fill the air conditioning system with refrigerant at a specialized car air conditioning service center.