Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Hello everyone.

Thank you for providing this forum for help.

Vehicle 2016 Dodge Journey. R-1234yf freon system.

I need to replace the radiator. I can handle that part.

The AC system needs to be evacuated, before I can do the mechanical repairs.

Cover or plug lines to prevent contamination.

Will it damage the compressor, if I drive it home, with no freon in it? Then back to the shop.

Will pull the climate control fuses out to be safe.

Thanks
Dean

If you recover the refrigerant or have the shop do it, and then seal the open ends of the lines that you remove from the condenser, and the condenser itself, driving the car as you describe won't ruin the compressor. The compressor won't engage anyway with no refrigerant in the system. Pulling the fuses is extra insurance, but it isn't really necessary.

Remind the shop to make a note of how much oil comes out after recovery is complete because the same amount will have to be put back in later. In addition, have them replace the desiccant bag in the receiver/dryer before evacuating and recharging the A/C system.