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The national cost for an ac accumulator replacement in 2023 is between $52 and $398 with an average of $158​

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POPULAR VEHICLES

National average cost of a an AC Accumulator Replacement
for popular vehicles:

Honda Civic

Avg. cost
$74

Hyundai Elantra

Avg. cost
$214

Dodge Durango

Avg. cost
$464

Car Model

Avg. cost

$50

What is an AC accumulator and how does it work?

An AC accumulator is part of your vehicle’s air conditioning (AC) system. The component is usually located inside the engine compartment and is designed to filter the refrigerant. The accumulator is filled with a desiccant (an absorbent material) to remove any moisture that makes its way into the system.

Your AC system relies on a special compound, the refrigerant, that is capable of changing from a liquid to a gaseous state, depending on where it is located in the system. When refrigerant leaves the AC compressor, it is a warm high-pressure gas. It enters the condenser where it cools down and condenses into liquid. From there, the refrigerant enters the accumulator to ensure that moisture has been removed before it passes through the expansion valve and into the evaporator, now as a cold, low-pressure liquid capable of cooling down the passenger compartment.

Some systems, instead of using an accumulator, employ another device, a receiver/drier. The receiver/drier is similar to an accumulator in its purpose, but is a bit different in construction and location. Where the receiver/drier is used in AC systems with an expansion valve that converts the refrigerant from high to low pressure, accumulators are used in those with a fixed orifice tube in place of the expansion valve. A receiver/drier is located in the high-pressure side of the AC system; an accumulator is installed in the low-pressure side of the system.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

How do I know if my vehicle needs a new AC accumulator?

The signs of a bad AC accumulator (or receiver/drier) are, unfortunately, no different than those of other failing AC system components.

If you do not feel cool air coming from the vents when the AC is switched on, the problem could be a faulty compressor, a refrigerant leak from a damaged or corroded AC line, or a bad accumulator. The same can be said if the compressor clutch does not engage, or if you notice that the AC switch does not light up when you press it. Noises coming from the AC system and a blinking AC warning light are also symptoms of a failed accumulator.

The only way to tell for certain is to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician.

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HOW IS THIS SERVICE PERFORMED?

How is a an AC Accumulator Replacement done?

AC accumulator (or receiver/drier) replacement procedures will vary depending on the vehicle make and model. A technician will, however, take the following general steps to replace the component:

  • Using an AC recovery machine connected to the high and low side service ports, evacuate the refrigerant from the system
  • Remove any components that block access to the accumulator
  • Disconnect the refrigerant lines to and from the accumulator
  • Unbolt the unit from its mounting bracket and remove it from the engine compartment
  • Insert the new accumulator and secure in place
  • Reconnect the AC lines to the unit
  • Using the AC machine, evacuate the system of all air and moisture
  • Allow the system to remain under vacuum for up to 30 minutes
  • Charge the system with an amount of refrigerant specific to your vehicle
  • Start your engine and test the system to verify the repair It is worthy of note that, under federal law, it is illegal to vent refrigerants into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential that it be collected in an approved container by a specially-certified technician.

Other questions customers ask

What causes an AC accumulator to fail?
AC accumulators rarely fail. When they do, it is usually due to excessive moisture inside the AC system. Moisture gets in the system when there is a leak or when the system is opened up (usually during service) and not properly vacuumed before recharging.
Can an AC accumulator get clogged?
Yes. An accumulator can become clogged, especially on older, high-mileage vehicles. The Accumulator (or receiver/drier in some cases) serves as a filter in the AC system. Corrosion, moisture, and foreign matter circulating because of component wear or a past service procedure can cause the filter to fail. The desiccant can also lose its effectiveness.
What is the difference between a receiver/drier and an accumulator?
The function of a receiver/drier and an accumulator is essentially the same. They both remove moisture and foreign matter from the refrigerant in your vehicle’s AC system. Where they differ is in their construction and their location. A receiver/drier is used on vehicles that employ an expansion valve in the AC system. It is made up of a small cylinder with a filter containing a desiccant inside, The receiver/drier is located on the high pressure side of the system. An accumulator, on the other hand, is larger, located on the low-pressure side, and is used on vehicles with a fixed orifice tube rather than an expansion valve.

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RELATED PARTS

What parts are related to an AC Accumulator Replacement?

Heating and Air Conditioning

Related Parts

RELATED SERVICES

What are some other common services related to an AC Accumulator Replacement?

AC Refrigerant Line Replacement
AC Compressor Replacement
AC System Evacuate and Recharge

Related Services

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