5
The air conditioning system in your car is comprised of a compressor, condenser,
expansion valve, receiver/drier, and evaporator. Refrigerant (also known as Freon) is
compressed in the compressor and turns into a gas. In the condenser, this gas is cooled to a
liquid state and travels to the expansion valve. As the liquid refrigerant goes through the
expansion valve it rapidly cools in the evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator and cools the
air that blows out your vents. The receiver-drier separates gas and liquid.
Evaporator with Blower Fan
In order to remove the heat from the air in the vehicle, the A/C
evaporator allows the refrigerant to absorb the heat from the air passing over it. The blower fan moves cool air out into the car
interior.
Compressor
The compressor pumps and circulates the refrigerant through the system.
Condenser
The condenser is a heat exchanger mounted at the front of the vehicle. Heat drawn out of the interior of
the car is expelled here.
Receiver/Drier
The drier not only dries refrigerant, it also filters the refrigerant and stores it under certain
operating conditions.
High Pressure Switch
A pressure switch is used to shut down the system if high or low pressure is
detected, basically it acts as a safety switch.
A Basic A/C Overview
www.classicautoair.com •
866.435.7801
• OVERVIEW
Receiver
Drier
Compressor
Evaporator Unit
Expansion Valve
Condenser
Suction
Valve
Discharge
Valve
Firewall
OUTSIDE AIR
COLD AIR INTO VEHICLE
AIR FROM INSIDE VEHICLE
GROUND
POWER
SUCTION HOSE
DISCHARGE HOSE
LIQUID HOSE
1
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
COOLED AI
R
Summary of Contents for 1971-1973 Mustang A/C system
Page 1: ...Installation Manual 1971 1973 Mustang DOCUMENT 1 2028 2013 ClassicAutoAir 2 1vs b...
Page 2: ......
Page 12: ...12...
Page 38: ...38...
