The air conditioning condenser is located in front of the cooling system radiator, so it is susceptible to clogging with small debris, insects and other dirt. This reduces heat exchange and decreases the efficiency of the air conditioning system. For preventive purposes, it should be done once a season (after winter) clean the condenser from dirt.
To carry out the work, you will need an inspection pit or overpass; car air conditioner cleaning agent with extension hose (see "Operating and repair materials"), a source of compressed air (compressor or foot pump).
Sequence of execution
1. Place the vehicle on an inspection ditch or overpass and prepare it for work (see "Preparing the car for maintenance and repair").
Warning! To avoid damage to the condenser, do not apply pressure higher than 3 bar during the following operation.
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2. Blow out the cooling system radiator and condenser from the engine compartment with compressed air from a compressor or foot pump.
Note: When using a foot pump, insert a blow-out nozzle into the hose. You can use the body of a ballpoint pen as an attachment.
3. Using a washing gun, wash the condenser from the outside with water through the radiator grilles and bumpers.
4. Then we blow out the condenser with compressed air.
Recommendation. The procedure shown is effective only if performed regularly. In some cases this is not enough, especially if the radiator has not been blown through for a long time. For easier cleaning of the condenser, you can also remove the front bumper (see "Front bumper - removal and installation of the trim"). If the condenser is very dirty (when it is, for example, clogged with hardened dirt) you can remove the radiator and blow out the condenser. It is permissible to wash off dirt with a soft paint brush.
Recommendation. When the air conditioner is running, moisture from the air condenses in the evaporator, and in dampness, fungus spores, mold and other dangerous microbes easily multiply. All this can cause respiratory diseases in humans. Especially many microorganisms accumulate on the damp surfaces of the evaporator if a cabin filter is not installed. To reduce the health risk, it is advisable to clean the evaporator every time the air conditioning filter element is replaced. To do this, you will need a product for cleaning the car air conditioner.
5. Insert the aerosol can extension through the air conditioning system drain hose until it stops. Shake the can vigorously, connect it to the extension cord and, holding the can vertically, release the foam from it into the evaporator.
6. Wait 10-15 minutes.
Warning! There should be no people or pets in the vehicle while performing the following operation.
7. Start the engine.
8. Turn on the air conditioner in the maximum intensive mode for 10 minutes.
9. After leaving the car, close all doors and windows.
10. After cleaning the evaporator, ventilate the interior and install the filter in place (see below, "Air Conditioning Filter - Replacement").