Parts for your 2015 Subaru Forester-Receiver driers

Receiver Driers on the 2015 Subaru Forester: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the air conditioning system in the 2015 Subaru Forester, some might wonder if a receiver drier is part of the setup. After checking technical sources and automotive repair guides, it turns out the 2015 Forester does not actually use a receiver drier in its air conditioning system. Instead, this model is fitted with an accumulator, which serves a similar purpose but is designed specifically for the Forester's type of A/C system.

So why is there no receiver drier on the 2015 Forester? The answer lies in the type of air conditioning system the vehicle has. The Forester uses what is called a "suction accumulator" system rather than a "receiver drier" system. These two components both act as moisture and contaminant traps, but their placement and function vary depending on whether the system is a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube type system.

Receiver driers are typically found in systems that use a thermal expansion valve. They are positioned right after the condenser and before the expansion valve to act as a storage and drying chamber for refrigerant, ensuring that only clean, dry refrigerant reaches the expansion valve. On the other hand, accumulators are located on the low-pressure side of the system - between the evaporator and compressor - and are more common in systems using an orifice tube as the metering device, like the one found on the 2015 Subaru Forester.

The Forester's system is designed this way to better protect the compressor from liquid refrigerant and moisture inside the system. The accumulator also makes sure that refrigerant is delivered properly to the compressor and helps filter out debris and moisture before it gets to the sensitive compressor parts. This is crucial for extending the life of the A/C system.

Even though the 2015 Subaru Forester does not have a receiver drier, understanding the role that component plays in A/C systems is helpful in general. For cars that do use receiver driers, they play a vital role in maintaining system health by:

• Removing moisture that can cause ice build-up and corrosion
• Filtering out contaminants and debris
• Providing a storage buffer for refrigerant to ensure steady flow through the expansion valve

So what does this mean for Forester owners when it comes to maintenance? Since the 2015 Forester uses an accumulator, the focus should be on that component instead of the receiver drier. The accumulator performs similar functions and requires replacement during major A/C servicing, especially when the system has been opened for repairs such as compressor replacement or refrigerant recharging.

If moisture gets into the A/C system, it can cause bigger problems like corrosion and blockages. Over time the desiccant inside the accumulator can become saturated and lose its ability to absorb moisture. That is why it's recommended to replace the accumulator whenever the air conditioning system is opened up for repairs, or if the A/C performance starts to drop due to contamination.

A common recommendation from Subaru and other manufacturers is to replace the accumulator every time the compressor is replaced or any other major A/C system work is carried out. This helps avoid damage to the new parts and keeps the system running as efficiently as possible. Leaving old or saturated accumulators in the system can lead to costly repairs down the line.

In addition to replacement, regular system inspections during scheduled servicing are a good idea for Forester owners. Technicians can check refrigerant levels, look for leaks, and test A/C system pressure to make sure everything is working correctly. Poor performance or unusual noises may be symptoms that the accumulator or other components need attention.

Another handy tip for 2015 Subaru Forester drivers is to keep an eye out for any warning signs like unpleasant smells, weak cooling, or excessive moisture inside the cabin. While these aren't definitive signs of accumulator problems, they can hint at issues within the A/C system that may eventually impact the accumulator's function.

In short, while the 2015 Subaru Forester does not use a receiver drier like some other vehicles, the accumulator fills that role effectively in its air conditioning system. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of the accumulator are key to keeping the Forester's A/C system running smoothly, providing comfortable cooling no matter the Australian heat outside.