Pressure Relief Valve On A/C Compressor, Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, and 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Checking

Function: protects the refrigerant circuit against high pressures.

CAUTION:

Danger of frostbite from refrigerant. The pressure relief valve drains refrigerant when the engine is running and the refrigerant circuit pressure is too high.

Frostbite on the hands and other parts of the body is possible.

- Wear safety gloves.

- Wear protective eyewear.

- Turn off the engine.

Pressure Relief Valve on Denso A/C Compressor

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

For other A/C compressor manufactures, the relief valve is in a similar location.

The pressure relief valve -arrow- has activated if refrigerant oil is found in the close vicinity.
In this case, the vehicle must be taken to a specialized service facility. Refer to WORKING ON REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT .