Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor













Removal and Installation

NOTICE: If installing a new Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor due to an internal failure of the old unit, the following procedures must be carried out to remove contamination from the A/C system. Failure to remove contamination from the A/C system, if present, will result in poor A/C system performance and/or damage to the new A/C compressor and other components.

- If A/C flushing equipment is available, carry out the A/C system flushing procedure prior to installing a new A/C compressor. For additional information, refer to Climate Control System - General Information and Diagnostics Air Conditioning (A/C) System Flushing.
- If A/C flushing equipment is not available, carry out the refrigerant system filtering procedure following A/C compressor installation. For additional information, refer to Climate Control System - General Information and Diagnostics Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging.
- Install a new evaporator core orifice, as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.
- Install a new suction accumulator as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.


NOTE: Installation of a new suction accumulator is not required when repairing the A/C system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the suction accumulator. Damage to the suction accumulator includes leaks in the suction accumulator, physical damage to the suction accumulator shell or desiccant, or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant, and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present, and physical evidence of contamination from an A/C compressor failure is not present in the system before repairs are carried out, a new suction accumulator should not be installed.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Jacking and Lifting Service and Repair.

2. Recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to Climate Control System - General Information and Diagnostics Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging.

3. Remove the 2 drive belt shield bolts and the shield.





4. Release the drive belt tensioner and remove the drive belt from the A/C compressor pulley.





5. Remove the compressor-to-condenser discharge line bracket nut from the lower rear A/C compressor stud-bolt.

6. Remove the power steering line bracket nut at the transmission.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

7. Remove the A/C compressor suction and discharge fitting nuts and disconnect the fittings.
- Discard the O-ring seal and gasket seal.

- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

8. Disconnect the clutch field coil electrical connector.

9. Remove the 2 A/C compressor bolts and the A/C compressor stud-bolt.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

10. Remove the A/C compressor.

11. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install new gasket seals and O-ring seals.

- Add the correct amount of clean PAG oil to the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding procedure in Climate Control System - General Information and Diagnostics Refrigerant Oil Adding.

12. Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to Climate Control System - General Information and Diagnostics Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging.