A/C - New Compressor for Hybrid Vehicles

SOURCE: Honda Service News

TITLE: Accord Hybrid Has New Type A/C Compressor

APPLIES TO: 05 Accord Hybrid

SERVICE TIP:

The '05 Accord Hybrid comes with a new type of A/C compressor that lets the A/C run while the vehicle is in Auto Idle Stop. It's actually two compressors in a single case. One compressor is the conventional type driven from the crankshaft by the drive belt. The other compressor is driven by a high-voltage, three-phase electric motor.

Since the electric motor is inside the compressor case and it's in contact with the compressor oil, make sure you use only Sanden SE-10Y. This compressor oil has unique electrical insulating qualities that protect you from dangerous electrical shock by the electric motor.

If you put in the wrong compressor oil, you'll also contaminate the A/C system. Just how bad the damage gets depends on whether you run the A/C afterwards. If you don't run the A/C, you'll need to replace only the compressor. If you run the A/C, you'll need to replace not only the compressor, but also the condenser, the evaporator, and all the lines.

And here's another important thing to remember:
Once you open the can of compressor oil, you need to use all of its contents right then. You can't store an open can for later use.