Removing and installing desiccant bag or cartridge: VW Touareg II

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Touareg II (7P, 2010–2018)

• Opens: refrigerant (A/C)
• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job

Don't miss

• Observe risk category of high-voltage system 93General warning instructions for work on the high-voltage system.
• Lightly moisten new O-rings (C) of new sealing cap (A) with refrigerant oil before installing.
• It is absolutely necessary to assure the high-voltage system is switched to "no voltage" when charging the refrigerant circuit.

🔩 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. Observe safety precautions when working on the high-voltage system Safety precautions when working on high-voltage system.
2. Observe safety precautions when working in the vicinity of high-voltage components Safety precautions when working in the vicinity of high-voltage components.
3. Observe risk category of high-voltage system 93General warning instructions for work on the high-voltage system.
4. Comply with notes Working on refrigerant circuit.
5. Extract refrigerant with air conditioning service station. Comply with notes .

6. Remove upper right charge air hose Power unit21Charge air cooling.
7. Now de-energise the high-voltage system Electric drive93De-energising the high-voltage system.
8. Detach coolant expansion tank and lay it aside Power unit19Cooling system: Cooling system - locations.
9. Remove centre air intake grille (3) and, if fitted, number plate holder (2)General body repairs, exterior63Front bumper cover; Front bumper cover, add-on parts.
10. Fold back air guide on left and right of air guide aperture (arrow) and remove bolts (A) (25 Nm) located underneath. — 25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. Push radiator module towards engine compartment and release and pull out clips (arrows) of air guide on top of radiator.
12. Release locking pins (B) of both upper radiator mountings (A), by pressing in (direction of arrow), and pull out upwards.
13. Carefully push radiator module in direction of engine room and secure using suitable means.
14. Evacuate refrigerant circuit using air conditioner service station before opening refrigerant circuit.
15. Unscrew sealing cap (1) (12 ± 2 Nm). — 2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
16. Pull out dryer bag (2), in (direction of arrow), using long nose pliers.
17. If necessary, clean upper area of interior of fluid reservoir (B) and lightly moisten with refrigerant oil.
18. Renew sealing cap (A) with O-rings (C)Parts catalogue.
19. Lightly moisten new O-rings (C) of new sealing cap (A) with refrigerant oil before installing.
20. Remove new dryer bag (D) from package and install it Parts catalogue. [Note: It is absolutely necessary to assure the high-voltage system is switched to "no voltage" when charging the refrigerant circuit.] [Note: Do not install a dryer bag which has been unpacked longer than absolutely necessary and has consequently absorbed moisture (e.g. one which was stored without packaging or of which the packaging was damaged). Refer to workshop manual Air conditioning system with refrigerant R134a00Renewing components.A dryer bag which has been exposed to air will be saturated with moisture in a short time and can no longer be used.]
21. A second mechanic is required when inserting the bolts for the radiator module mounting.
22. The remaining steps for installation are carried out in reverse order.

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