Removing and installing desiccant bag, Modine condenser: VW Golf VII Variant / Golf VII

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Golf VII Variant (BA), VW Golf VII (5G, 2012–2020)

Don't miss

• The protective cap, seals and desiccant bag are always to be renewed after opening the receiver Electronic Parts Catalogue.
• Moisten seal of protective cap with refrigerant oil before installing.

📋 Procedure

1. Extract refrigerant using air conditioner service station before opening refrigerant circuit.
2. Observe safety precautions Safety precautions when handling refrigerants.
3. Comply with notes Working on refrigerant circuit.
4. Depending on engine fitted, remove parts of charge air system 21Charge air system; Assembly overview - charge air system.
5. General body repairs, exterior66Radiator grille/front panel; Removing and installing radiator grille.

6. Have a second mechanic release retaining clips (1) on left and right in (direction of arrow A) and remove condenser (3) upwards out of mountings in (direction of arrow B).
7. Tip condenser as far forwards as possible.
8. Unscrew protective cap (1) using socket insert T50.
9. Press sealing cap (1) in slightly.
10. Remove circlip (arrow).
11. Screw a M12 bolt into cap and pull it carefully out of receiver (2).
12. Pull desiccant bag out of receiver using a commercially available claw grip.
13. Manufacture tool from welding wire (2 mm in diameter) according to following dimensions.
14. Carefully pull strainer (2) with welding wire (1) out of receiver.
15. If repair work is interrupted, seal open receiver with plug (1) to prevent ingress of dirt and moisture. [Note: The protective cap, seals and desiccant bag are always to be renewed after opening the receiver Electronic Parts Catalogue.]
16. Through the opening, check threads and sealing surfaces of receiver at condenser for contamination or damage.
17. Insert filter element (with strainer) (2) in correct installation position into receiver of condenser. [Note: Keep the air-tight transport bag in which the desiccant bag is delivered sealed as long as possible. Open transport bag only immediately before inserting the desiccant bag into the condenser. After the transport bag has been opened, the desiccant bag will become saturated with moisture within a short time and is then unusable.]
18. Take desiccant bag out of transport bag and insert it into receiver of condenser.
19. Insert sealing cap (1) and press it downwards until circlip (arrow) can engage in groove. [Note: Moisten seal of protective cap with refrigerant oil before installing.]
20. Screw in protective cap (1) using socket insert T50.

Other VW procedures

• Removing engine · 41 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshaft – VW Golf Cabriolet · 47 torque figures
• Adjusting valve timing – VW Passat B5 · 83 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshafts – VW Passat B6 · 39 torque figures
• Removing and installing coolant pump · 53 torque figures
• Installing brackets
• Removing and installing shock absorbers – VW Passat B8 CLPA
• Removing and installing engine control unit with protective housing, Passat, CC and Golf Cabriolet
• Removing and installing middle rear seat belt buckle – VW · 1 torque figures
• Removing and installing torsion rod