Replacing dryer cartridge with Denso condenser: Audi A3

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012)

• Opens: refrigerant (A/C)

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• Depending on the version of the vehicle (front end module), it may also be necessary to unfasten the condenser from the front end module to remove and install the dryer cartridge
• Seal the open connection at the condenser with the plastic bolt (A) (to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture).

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Switch off ignition.
2. Remove the front bumper General body repairs, exterior63.
3. Drain the refrigerant circuit Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (air conditioner with refrigerant R134a, refrigerant circuit, working with air conditioner service station).
4. Screw out the plastic bolt (A) (tightening torque 2 Nm). — 2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
5. ⚠ The refrigerant is to be extracted from the refrigerant circuit before removing the plastic bolt (A). Renewed evaporation may create pressure in the refrigerant circuit if the plastic bolt (A) is not removed within 10 minutes. Draw off the refrigerant again. — Check the pressure in the refrigerant circuit by way of the pressure gauge of an air conditioner service station for example Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (air conditioner with refrigerant R134a, refrigerant circuit, working with air conditioner service station). [Note: Depending on the version of the vehicle (front end module), it may also be necessary to unfasten the condenser from the front end module to remove and install the dryer cartridge]

6. ⚠ Only remove the plastic bolt (A) if the pressure in the refrigerant circuit is equal to or less than the atmospheric pressure. — Lift the dryer mount (C) with the dryer cartridge (D) out of the condenser.
7. Use a commercially available claw grip for example to pull the filter element (E) upwards out of the condenser. [Note: Seal the open connection at the condenser with the plastic bolt (A) (to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture).]
8. Insert the filter element (E) in the correct position in the receiver of the condenser.
9. Remove the dryer cartridge (D) from the bag and insert it in the dryer mount (C).
10. Insert the dryer cartridge (D) together with the dryer mount (C) in the receiver of the condenser.
11. Screw in the plastic bolt (A) (tightening torque 2 Nm). — 2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
12. Install the front bumper General body repairs, exterior63.
13. Re-install the other components removed.
14. Evacuate and charge the refrigerant circuit Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (air conditioner with refrigerant R134a, refrigerant circuit, working with air conditioner service station).
15. Start up air conditioner after charging refrigerant circuit . [Note: Also observe notes on starting up air conditioner after charging Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87General information on air conditioning systems (Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a; General information on air conditioning systems). Before starting up air conditioner after fresh charging.]

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