Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Compressor, Replacing without Flushing Refrigerant Circuit
2009 Audi A6 BaseSECTION Compressor, Replacing without Flushing Refrigerant Circuit
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 17 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
- Cleaning refrigerant circuit means flushing it with refrigerant R134a → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Refrigerant R134a or blowing through with compressed air and nitrogen → Refrigerant Circuit, Flushing with Compressed Air and Nitrogen ).
For example, in the event of external damage following an accident
- Discharge refrigerant circuit.
- Remove compressor.
- Remove oil drain plug from compressor.
NOTE:
- The oil drain plug of "Denso" (Nippondenso) compressors is equipped with an oil seal instead of an O-ring and this is always to be replaced.
→ Electronic Parts Catalog ETKA
- To accelerate drainage of refrigerant oil, rotate compressor by way of clutch plate of A/C clutch for example.
- Pour old refrigerant oil out of compressor (disposal → Audi-ServiceNet, Handbooks, HSO Environment 2 ).
- Remove oil drain plug from replacement compressor, pour out refrigerant oil and only add a quantity of fresh refrigerant oil equal to the amount poured out of the malfunctioning compressor.
NOTE:
- If, for example, 70 cm 3 of refrigerant oil has been poured out of the malfunctioning compressor and 220 cm 3 out of the replacement compressor (a small quantity of refrigerant oil remains in the compressor), fill the compressor to be installed with 70 cm 3 of refrigerant oil (use can be made of oil poured out of replacement compressor).
- Use different refrigerant oils and quantities for the various compressors → Refrigerant R134a/Refrigerant Oil Capacities and Specifications .
- If a greater quantity of refrigerant oil (more than approx. 80 cm 3 ) has been poured out of the malfunctioning compressor, the remaining refrigerant oil can also be added to the evaporator or reservoir/receiver → Refrigerant R134a/Refrigerant Oil Capacities and Specifications .
- Replace restrictor.
- Assemble, evacuate and charge refrigerant circuit.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.