A/C Compressor Removal and Installation

The air conditioning system is always under high pressure. Never disconnect the refrigerant lines or remove any system components without first discharging the system. The air conditioning system must be discharged by an experienced technician in a repair shop. When disconnecting refrigerant lines, always wear safety glasses!

When replacing air conditioning system components, a certain amount of replacement refrigerant oil is required to fill the new component. Use only oil suitable for R-134a systems (carefully read the label on the container).

The A/C compressor is not a repairable component and, if it fails, must be replaced together with the receiver-drier.
REMOVAL
PROCEDURE

1. Discharge the air conditioning system in a specialized workshop.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

If the vehicle's audio system is equipped with an anti-theft code, make sure you have the correct code to reactivate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
3. Apply the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on safety stands.
4. Remove the drive belt (refer to Maintenance and Tune-Up).
5. On V6 models, remove the generator (refer to Engine Electrical) and the A/C condenser fan with shroud (refer to Cooling System Fan Condition and Circuit Check; Fan Replacement).
6. Disconnect the wiring from the compressor clutch.

7. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the compressor. Immediately plug the open ends of the lines and fittings to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the system.

8. Remove the bolts securing the compressor to the mounting bracket and remove the compressor from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION
PROCEDURE

1. The compressor clutch must be removed and transferred to the new compressor.
2. Calculate the amount of refrigerant oil required to fill the new compressor as follows:

a) Drain the refrigerant oil from the removed compressor into a graduated container through the suction port;
b) Subtract the measured result from 160 ml;
c) Add the resulting oil volume to the new compressor.

3. Install in the reverse order of removal. Be sure to replace the O-rings on the refrigerant line fittings.
4. Charge the system and check for leaks in a specialized workshop.