Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Condenser Repair Procedures

12steps
~72min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 12

Inspection

  1. Check the condenser fins for blockage and damage. If blocked, wash them with water and blow out with compressed air. If bent, carefully straighten them using a screwdriver or pliers.
  2. Check the condenser connections for leaks and repair or replace them as necessary.

Replacement

  1. Recover the refrigerant using a recovery/recycling/charging station.
  2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
  3. Remove the front bumper. (Refer to BD group - "Front Bumper")
  4. Remove the 2 nuts, then disconnect the discharge line and liquid line (A) from the condenser.
  5. Disconnect the ambient air temperature sensor connector (A).
  6. Disconnect the horn connector (A). [LH]
    [RH]
  7. Remove the radiator upper bracket assembly (A) by loosening the mounting bolts.
  8. Remove the side air guard (A) by pulling it upward. [LH]
    [RH]
  9. Remove the condenser (A) from the radiator.
  10. Install in the reverse order of removal, paying attention to the following items:
    • If installing a new condenser, add ND-OIL8 refrigerant oil.
    • Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use O-rings suitable for R-134a to prevent leaks.
    • Be careful not to damage the radiator and condenser fins when installing the condenser.
    • Make sure the lower condenser support cushions are securely seated in the holes.
    • Charge the system and check that it operates properly.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.