The A/C Accumulator stores refrigerant and removes moisture from the system. When any major air conditioning component (compressor, condenser, evaporator) is replaced, or the system has been apart and exposed to air for any length of time, the A/C Accumulator must be replaced. A separate A/C Accumulator is used on models through mid-2001. It's mounted near the left side of the condenser. On late 2001 and later models, the A/C Accumulator is built into the left side of the condenser and is replaced as a unit with it. Take the vehicle to a dealer service department or automotive air conditioning shop and have the air conditioning system discharged and the refrigerant recovered. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Disconnect the electrical connector at the compressor clutch cycling switch on top of the A/C Accumulator. If the A/C Accumulator is to be replaced with a new one, remove the cycling switch to transfer to the new accumulator. Disconnect the refrigerant inlet and outlet lines. Cap or plug the open lines immediately. Loosen the clamp-bolt on the mounting bracket and slide the A/C Accumulator assembly up and out of the mounting bracket. If you are replacing the A/C Accumulator, add two ounces of clean refrigerant oil to the new accumulator. This will maintain the correct oil level in the system after the repairs are completed. Place the new A/C Accumulator into position, tighten the mounting bracket bolt lightly, still allowing the accumulator to be turned to align the line connections. Install the inlet and outlet lines. Lubricate the O-rings using clean refrigerant oil and reconnect the lines. Now tighten the clamp bolt securely and reconnect the electrical connector. Connect the cable to the negative terminal of the battery. Have the system evacuated, recharged, and leak tested by a dealer service department or an air conditioning repair facility.