The air conditioner condenser is located in front of the radiator of the cooling system, therefore it is prone to clogging with small debris, insects and other dirt. This reduces heat transfer and reduces the efficiency of the air conditioning system. For preventive purposes, once a season (after winter) clean the condenser from dirt.
To perform the work, an inspection ditch or overpass will be required; product for cleaning car air conditioner with extension hose (see «Operational and repair materials»), source of compressed air (compressor or foot pump).
Execution sequence
1. We install the car on a viewing 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 above 3 bar during the following operation.
2. We blow the radiator of the cooling system and the condenser from the side of the engine compartment with compressed air from a compressor or foot pump.
Comment. When using a foot pump, insert a purge nozzle into the hose. The body of a ballpoint pen can be used as a nozzle.
3. Through the grilles of the radiator and bumper, using a washing gun, we wash the condenser with water from the outside.
4. Then we blow the condenser with compressed air.
Recommendation. The procedure shown is effective only when performed regularly. In some cases, this is not enough, especially if the radiator has not been purged for a long time. You can also remove the front bumper for easy cleaning of the condenser (see «Front bumper - removing and installing lining»). If the condenser is very dirty (when, for example, it is clogged with hardened dirt) you can remove the radiator and blow out the condenser. It is allowed to wash off the dirt with a soft paint brush.
Recommendation. In the evaporator, when the air conditioner is operating, moisture from the air condenses, and dampness easily breeds fungus spores, molds and other dangerous microbes. All this can cause respiratory diseases in humans. Especially a lot of microorganisms accumulate on wet surfaces of the evaporator if a cabin filter is not installed. To reduce the risk to health, it is advisable to clean the evaporator each time the air conditioner filter element is replaced. To do this, you need a drug to clean the car air conditioner.
5. Through the hose of the drainage hole of the air conditioning unit, we insert the extension of the aerosol can to the stop. Vigorously shake the bottle, connect it to the extension cord and, holding the bottle vertically, release foam from it into the evaporator.
6. We wait 10-15 minutes.
Warning! Keep people and pets out of the vehicle during the following operation.
7. We start the engine.
8. Turn on the air conditioner in the most intensive mode for 10 minutes.
9. After leaving the car, close all doors and windows.
10. After cleaning the evaporator, ventilate the cabin and install the filter in place (see below, «Air conditioner filter - replacement»).