Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

COMPRESSOR

REMOVAL




1. Disconnect negative battery cable.

IMPORTANT: Verifying the purity of the refrigerant with a purity identifier before recovery is recommended.

2. Recover refrigerant using an approved refrigerant recovery system. Measure the amount of oil lost during recovery and record.

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE HOSES OR LINES BEFORE SYSTEM IS FULLY DISCHARGED.

3. Remove accessory drive belt from tensioner pulley by rotating belt tensioner counter-clockwise.

NOTE: When servicing the compressor, keep dirt and foreign material from getting on or into the compressor parts and system. Clean tools and clean work area are important for proper service. The compressor should be cleaned before any on-vehicle repairs, or before removal of the compressor. The parts must be kept clean at all times and any parts to be assembled should be cleaned with a non-petroleum based solvent and dried with air. Use only lint free cloths to wipe parts. Do not allow solvent to enter compressor or hoses.




4. Remove suction pipe-to-compressor bolt.
5. Remove suction pipe and seal washer from compressor.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON THE HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.




6. Raise vehicle.
7. Remove lower cradle splash shield to cradle and wheelhouse fasteners and remove splash shield.




8. Disconnect compressor clutch electrical connector.




9. Remove discharge line to compressor bolt.
10. Remove discharge line and seal washer from compressor.
11. Install capon discharge hose to prevent oil spillage and moisture entry.




12. Install cap on suction pipe to prevent oil spillage and moisture entry.
13. Install caps on compressor suction and discharge ports to prevent loss of oil during removal.
14. Remove three compressor-to-engine bolts.
15. Remove compressor.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Compressor oil must be balanced before installation. Failure to balance compressor oil may result in reduced A/C performance and higher system pressure.

Refer to "Balancing Compressor Oil".




1. Install caps onto compressor suction and discharge ports to prevent oil spillage during installation.
2. Install compressor to engine block.
3. Hand start rear and bottom compressor to engine block bolts.
4. Install upper bolt through wiring harness bracket and then hand start.

NOTE: Make sure wiring harness bracket does not rotate as upper bolt is tightened.

5. Torque all bolts.

Torque:
Compressor-to-Engine Block Bolts: 20 N.m (15 ft-lbs)

NOTE: Do not lubricate seal washers.

IMPORTANT: Always install new seal washers to prevent refrigerant leaks.




6. Remove cap from suction pipe and install new seal washer.
7. Install suction pipe to compressor and band start bolt.




8. Remove cap from discharge line and install new seal washer.
9. Install discharge line to compressor and hand start.

Torque:
Discharge Line-to-Compressor Bolt: 16 N.m (12 ft-lbs)




10. Connect compressor clutch electrical connector.




11. Position accessory drive belt on compressor clutch pulley.
12. Install lower cradle splash shield by sliding shield (1) between wheelhouse liner (2) and wheelhouse (3). Install splash shield to wheelhouse and cradle fasteners.

Torque:
Splash Shield-to-Wheelhouse and Cradle Fasteners: 5 N.m (44 in-lbs)

13. Lower vehicle.
14. Torque suction pipe-to-compressor bolt.

Torque:
Suction Pipe-to-Compressor Bolt: 16 N.m (12 ft-lbs)




15. Rotate belt tensioner counterclockwise and install accessory drive belt.




16. Connect negative battery cable.

Torque:
Battery Terminal Bolts: 17 N.m (13 ft-lbs)

17. Evacuate, charge, and leak check the A/C system.
18. Run A/C performance test.