How to Replace a Chevy Trailblazer AC Condensor

The condenser in the air conditioner unit of a Chevy Trailblazer primarily cools the refrigerant before it evaporates into gas, and it is one of three main components that you must replace if it fails. Replacing a conditioner in a Trailblazer will require the removal of the radiator and fan shroud in order to access it. Be advised that the air conditioning system is under high pressure.

Instructions

Preparation

1

Discharge the refrigerant from the air conditioning system. This can only be done by a licensed technician; return the vehicle to the dealer's maintenance shop to have this procedure done.

2

Loosen the hose clamp on the lower radiator hose with pliers; detach the hose and drain the engine coolant into a large container.

3

Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable.

Removal Procedure

4

Loosen and unscrew the nuts from the refrigerant lines with a wrench and disconnect them from the condenser. Plug the lines to block contaminants.

5

Remove the mounting bolts and fasteners for the intake air baffle, then remove the baffle from the radiator support.

6

Disconnect the transmission cooler lines and the electro-viscous clutch electrical connector from the fan shroud, as well as the upper radiator hose from the radiator.

7

Remove the fan clutch's retaining nut with a large wrench and detach it from the engine. Unclip the shroud from the radiator, tilt the radiator/condenser forward, then lift the fan, shroud and clutch out of the engine.

8

Raise the car and support it on jack stands.

9

Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from the radiator: Unsnap the fitting's plastic collar, remove the retaining clip and pull the lines out.

10

Unfasten and remove the radiator support brace located atop the radiator with a wrench and disconnect the coolant reservoir line. Detach the radiator's side panels and remove the radiator.

11

Remove the condenser's mounting bolts and remove the condenser.

Installation Procedure

12

Pour one ounce of refrigerant oil (compatible with R134a refrigerant) into the condenser.

13

Install the condenser with its mounting bolts.

14

Reinstall the radiator with its side panels, then reconnect the coolant reservoir line, support brace, radiator hoses and transmission cooler lines.

15

Lower the car off the jack stands.

16

Reinstall the fan shroud and clutch with its clips and retaining nut. Connect the transmission cooler lines and clutch electrical connector to the shroud.

17

Reconnect the baffle to the radiator support with its fasteners. Reconnect the refrigerant lines to the condenser with their nuts, then reconnect the battery cable.

18

Refill the engine coolant, using a fresh supply of water and antifreeze if the original coolant is contaminated.

19

Take the Trailblazer back to the auto technician to have the AC recharged.