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
For example, because of noise or no A/C compressor output
If there is damage on the A/C compressor electronics, for example on the A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- on a mechanical A/C compressor or on the A/C Compressor Control Module -J842- of the electrical A/C compressor, then the refrigerant circuit does not have to always be cleaned. Here it is usually acceptable to replace the A/C compressor without cleaning the refrigerant circuit (adapt the amount of refrigerant oil). Refer to Refer to A/C COMPRESSOR, REPLACING WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FLUSHING REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT .
If a faulty A/C compressor is replaced with an A/C compressor from another manufacturer, check if the same refrigerant oil is approved for the A/C compressor to be installed as the one that is already in the refrigerant circuit (from the removed A/C compressor). If a different refrigerant oil is approved for the A/C compressor to be installed than the one in the removed A/C compressor, the refrigerant circuit must be flushed. Refer to Refer to APPROVED REFRIGERANT OILS .
-- Discharge the refrigerant circuit.
-- Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to A/C Compressor (vehicle-specific service information).
-- Clean the refrigerant circuit (flush with refrigerant R134a). Refer to Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CLEANING (FLUSHING) WITH REFRIGERANT R134A .
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 Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CLEANING (FLUSHING) WITH REFRIGERANT R134A to flush with refrigerant R134a) and replace the refrigerant hoses if necessary.
In vehicles with two evaporators, the refrigerant oil quantity in refrigerant circuit may be greater than the quantity which is found in the replacement compressor, if necessary add the remaining refrigerant oil quantity to the refrigerant circuit. Refer to Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CLEANING WITH COMPRESSED AIR AND NITROGEN .
-- Replace the dryer cartridge, receiver/dryer or reservoir and restrictor. Refer to Refrigerant Circuit (vehicle-specific service information).
-- Check the expansion valve for dirt or corrosion; replace if necessary. Refer to Refrigerant Circuit (vehicle-specific service information).
-- Assemble, evacuate and charge the refrigerant circuit.
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.