Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN THE FRONT BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.

1. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Remove the serpentine drive belt.
4. Disconnect the compressor clutch coil wire harness connector.

Compressor And Lines - 2.4L Shown, 4.0L Typical:

5. Depending on the engine usage, remove the bolts or nuts that secure the suction and discharge line fittings to the compressor. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings and compressor ports.

A/C Compressor - 2.4L Engine:

A/C Compressor And Brackets - 4.0L Engine:

6. Remove the bolts and nuts that secure the compressor and brackets.
7. Remove the A/C compressor from the engine compartment.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being installed, be certain to check the refrigerant oil level. See Refrigerant Oil Level in this group for the procedures. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.

1. Position the A/C compressor into the engine compartment.
2. Install the bolts that secure the compressor.
- Tighten the 4.0L bolts fastening the compressor to the cylinder block to 45-65 Nm (35-50 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the 4.0L bolts fastening the rear brace to the compressor and cylinder block to 40-55 Nm (30-40 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the 2.4L bolts fastening the compressor to the cylinder block to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).
3. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and compressor ports.
4. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them on the discharge and liquid line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
5. Install the suction line and discharge line fittings onto the compressor.
6. Install the bolts or nuts (depending on engine application) that secure the suction and discharge line fittings to the compressor. Tighten the bolts or nuts to 25.4 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
7. Connect the wire harness connector to the compressor clutch coil.
8. Install the serpentine drive belt.
9. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
10. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
11. Charge the refrigerant system.