Refrigerant Circuit Components: Receiver/Dryer

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Non-approved tools or materials such as leak sealing additives can cause damage or malfunctions in the system.

Only use tools and materials approved by the manufacturer.

The warranty is voided if non-approved tools or materials are used.

All components of the refrigerant circuit submitted for quality observation are always to be sealed (use original sealing caps of original part).
Replace damaged or leaking components of refrigerant circuit, refer to COMPONENTS, REPLACING .
To date, the original parts (compressor, reservoir, receiver/dryer, evaporator and condenser) have been filled with nitrogen gas. This charge is being gradually discontinued. There is little or no pressure equalization when removing the sealing plugs from the original part.

The receiver/dryer collects the fluid drops and then directs them in an uninterrupted stream to the expansion valve. Moisture which has entered the refrigerant circuit during repairs will be collected by the dryer bag in the receiver/dryer.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Receiver Drier

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Replace the receiver/dryer if refrigerant circuit has been open for a long time (beyond the normal repair time) and moisture has penetrated inside, or if required due to a specific complaint, refer to COMPONENTS, REPLACING .

Only remove sealing plugs shortly before installation.

A dryer bag in an unsealed receiver/dryer is saturated with moisture after a short period of time and unusable.

When installing, note arrow for direction of flow if necessary.

The new generation of receivers/dryers are installed directly on the condenser and contain a dryer cartridge.

Fig 2: Identifying Positioning Of Dryer Cartridge

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Replace the dryer cartridge if refrigerant circuit has been open for a long time (beyond the normal repair time) and moisture has penetrated inside, or if required due to a specific complaint, refer to COMPONENTS, REPLACING .

Remove dryer cartridge from packaging shortly before installation.

The dryer cartridge becomes saturated with moisture and unusable after a short time in an unsealed package.