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.
2005 Subaru Outback F6-3.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair
Compressor
REMOVAL
1. Perform the compressor oil return operation.
2. Turn the A/C switch to OFF and stop the engine.
3. Using the refrigerant recovery system, discharge refrigerant.
4. Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
5. Remove the V-belts.
6. Remove the generator.

7. Remove the bolt and remove the low-pressure hose and high-pressure hose.
8. Disconnect the compressor harness from body harness.

9. Remove the bolts and remove compressor bracket.

10. Remove the bolts, and then remove the bracket from compressor.
INSTALLATION
1. Install in the reverse order of removal.
2. Replace the O-rings on low-/high-pressure hoses with new ones, then apply compressor oil.
3. When replacing the compressor, adjust amount of compressor oil.
4. Charge refrigerant.
Tightening torque:
T1: 7.5 N.m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
T1: 23.0 N.m (2.35 kgf-m, 17.0 ft-lb)
T2: 10 N.m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.4 ft-lb)
T2: 28.9 N.m (2.95 kgf-m, 21.3 ft-lb)
T3: 5 N.m (0.5 kgf-m, 3.7 ft-lb)
T3: 36 N.m (3.7 kgf-m, 26.6 ft-lb)
REMOVAL
1. Perform the compressor oil return operation.
2. Turn the A/C switch to OFF and stop the engine.
3. Using the refrigerant recovery system, discharge refrigerant.
4. Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
5. Remove the V-belts.
6. Remove the generator.
7. Remove the bolt and remove the low-pressure hose and high-pressure hose.
8. Disconnect the compressor harness from body harness.
9. Remove the bolts and remove compressor bracket.
10. Remove the bolts, and then remove the bracket from compressor.
INSTALLATION
1. Install in the reverse order of removal.
2. Replace the O-rings on low-/high-pressure hoses with new ones, then apply compressor oil.
3. When replacing the compressor, adjust amount of compressor oil.
4. Charge refrigerant.
Tightening torque:
T1: 7.5 N.m (0.76 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
T1: 23.0 N.m (2.35 kgf-m, 17.0 ft-lb)
T2: 10 N.m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.4 ft-lb)
T2: 28.9 N.m (2.95 kgf-m, 21.3 ft-lb)
T3: 5 N.m (0.5 kgf-m, 3.7 ft-lb)
T3: 36 N.m (3.7 kgf-m, 26.6 ft-lb)
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
