Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Asx-Receiver driers

2016 Mitsubishi ASX receiver‑drier: what it does and when to replace it

Yes — the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX is fitted with a receiver‑drier. On this model it’s integrated into the A/C condenser’s side tank as a desiccant “bag” rather than a separate canister. Technical sources that support this: Mitsubishi Motors ASA parts catalogue for GA1W/GA2W, which lists the condenser “with receiver”, the 2015–2017 ASX/Outlander Sport workshop manual HVAC section, which shows a TXV system with a receiver in the condenser, and DENSO service literature describing late‑model condensers with built‑in receiver‑driers used by Mitsubishi during this period.

On the ASX, the receiver‑drier has three key jobs: it dries the refrigerant by trapping moisture, it filters out fine debris, and it provides a small storage buffer of sub‑cooled liquid refrigerant for the thermal expansion valve (TXV). Keeping moisture out is crucial — water reacts with refrigerant and oil to form acids, which can corrode the compressor and block the TXV. The filter side of the drier helps catch wear particles so they don’t circulate and score the compressor or clog the valve.

Because the drier’s desiccant can saturate when exposed to air, it’s considered a service item whenever the system is opened. On the 2016 ASX, that usually means replacing the condenser assembly or, where available, the desiccant bag service kit for the condenser. A regas alone won’t “dry out” a saturated drier.

• Replace the receiver‑drier (condenser or desiccant bag) when the A/C system has been open to atmosphere, after a compressor change, after a major leak, or if there’s evidence of contamination (blocked TXV, dark/acidic oil).
• Minimise air exposure: cap lines immediately, then evacuate to a deep vacuum before charging.
• Use the correct refrigerant and oil type/quantity as per the under‑bonnet label (most AU/NZ 2016 ASX models run R‑134a and a PAG oil equivalent to ND‑OIL 8). Replace O‑rings and torque fittings to spec.

Signs the drier may be past it include weak cooling at idle, rapid cycling, high head pressures, or debris found at the TXV screen. Given it’s integrated, many workshops will quote a new condenser to ensure long‑term reliability after major A/C work. It’s not a kilometre‑based replacement like a filter, it’s a “whenever opened or contaminated” item that protects the pricier bits — especially the compressor.

FAQs

Where is the receiver‑drier on a 2016 Mitsubishi ASX?
It’s built into the A/C condenser’s side tank, ahead of the TXV. You won’t see a separate silver canister. Some condensers have a removable plug to service the desiccant bag, others require condenser replacement.

Can the receiver‑drier be replaced on its own?
If the fitted condenser has a serviceable desiccant bag, yes — a bag kit can be installed. If not, the accepted repair is to replace the whole condenser. Your parts catalogue or VIN lookup will show which style your ASX has.

When should it be replaced during servicing?
Any time the A/C loop is opened, after compressor failure, or when contamination is suspected. It’s not routine at every service, but it’s cheap insurance whenever the system’s been exposed to air.