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.
A/C Compressor, Replacing Due To Leaking Or Internal Damage
- Pay attention to the general information for replacing components. Refer to GENERAL INFORMATION FOR REPLACING COMPONENTS .
Vehicles with a High-Voltage System (Hybrid Vehicles)
-- Pay attention to the high-voltage system danger classification. Refer to High-Voltage System Danger Classification .
-- Observe the safety precautions when working on the high-voltage system. Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING ON VEHICLES WITH HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM .
-- Pay attention to safety precautions when working near high-voltage components. Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING NEAR HIGH-VOLTAGE COMPONENTS .
All Vehicles
Replacing the A/C compressor for example due to noises from the A/C compressor or no A/C compressor output.
-- Discharge the refrigerant circuit. Refer to WORKING WITH A/C SERVICE STATION .
-- Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to A/C Compressor (vehicle-specific service information).
-- Clean the refrigerant circuit (flush with refrigerant R1234yf). Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CLEANING .
If there is internal damage (to the A/C compressor), check the refrigerant hoses and condenser. If small fragments have gotten in, for example, clean the refrigerant hoses and gas cooler (condenser) (refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CLEANING to flush with refrigerant R134yf) and replace the refrigerant hoses if necessary.
On some vehicles (for example, vehicles with two evaporators), the refrigerant oil quantity in the refrigerant circuit can be greater than the quantity which is in the replacement compressor. On these vehicles, add the remaining refrigerant oil quantity to the refrigerant circuit if necessary. Refer to Refrigerant Circuit (vehicle-specific service information) and APPROVED REFRIGERANT OILS AND REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES (vehicle-specific service information).
Do not flush the refrigerant circuit if there is a fault in the electronics in the electronically driven A/C compressor (for example the A/C Compressor Control Module -J842- is defective). In this case, replace the A/C compressor without cleaning the refrigerant circuit. Refer to A/C COMPRESSOR, REPLACING WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FLUSHING REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT .
-- Replace the desiccant bag/dryer cartridge (or reservoir/receiver/dryer). Refer to Refrigerant Circuit (vehicle-specific service information).
-- Examine the expansion valve for dirt or corrosion; replace if necessary. Refer to Refrigerant Circuit (vehicle-specific service information).
-- Assemble, evacuate and fill the refrigerant circuit. Refer to WORKING WITH A/C SERVICE STATION .
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.