The refrigerant must be recovered before the accumulator is removed. Refer to the Service Manual, SENR3334, "Refrigerant Recovery" section in Testing and Adjusting.
Refer to the Service Manual, SENR3334, "Machine Preparation for troubleshooting" section in Testing and Adjusting before service work is performed.
Remove the accumulator. The accumulator has an internal oil drain hole which could become plugged. The oil could be trapped inside the accumulator. It is necessary to check for excessive oil when the accumulator is changed. Add the same amount of oil that was drained from the old accumulator. Add an additional 30 mL (1 fl oz) to the new accumulator before the new accumulator is installed. Do not add oil if the compressor was changed also. Evacuate the system and recharge the system. Refer to the Service Manual, SENR3334, "Refrigerant System - Evacuate" section in Testing and Adjusting. Refer to the Service Manual, SENR3334, "Refrigerant System - Charge" section in Testing and Adjusting.
Note: If the accumulator has frost on the outside, the air conditioning system still contains refrigerant.