How to Fix the Accumulator on a Ranger

The Ford Ranger uses an accumulator to collect excess liquid in the air conditioning system. When removing the accumulator, you must evacuate the Freon with a reclaimer. Freon cannot be vented into the atmosphere. Once you open the system -- by removing the accumulator -- you expose the system to the atmosphere. This allows moisture from the air to enter into the system, necessitating replacement of the liquid line.

Instructions

1

Drive the vehicle to a shop certified in air conditioning. Request that authorized technicians evacuate the Freon.

2

Remove the high- and low-pressure lines from the accumulator. Use the appropriate line wrench.

3

Loosen the bolt on the accumulator bracket; use the appropriate socket. Remove the accumulator from the vehicle. If you are replacing the liquid line, remove it from the condenser and evaporator. The liquid line is the high-pressure line with the smaller diameter. Use the appropriate line wrench.

4

Install the liquid line. Tighten the fittings by hand; do not strip them. The fittings are aluminum and strip very easily. Tighten the line snugly with the appropriate line wrench.

5

Install the new accumulator. Tighten the bracket bolt firmly. Screw the lines onto the accumulator by hand. These fittings are also aluminum, and strip easily. Snug the lines with the appropriate line wrench.

6

Drive the vehicle to the service facility, and have the system charged with Freon.