A/C Compressor - Removal and Installation


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If your air conditioning system is not supplying enough cool air to your car, truck, SUV or van's passenger compartment, it may be time to replace your air-conditioning compressor. Have a professional auto technician check it. If s/he determines your a/c compressor is faulty, you can install a new OEM or used unit yourself. Caution: if you have any questions or doubts about your ability to work on your vehicle's air-conditioning system, consult with an automotive professional for assistance. Abandon your plan to update your a/c system if no help is available.

Note: The following are general air-conditioning compressor replacement instructions. Always refer to a repair manual written specifically for your car, truck, van or SUV when performing any type of maintenance work.

Warning: The air-conditioning system is under high pressure. Do not loosen any fittings or remove any components until after the system has been discharged. Air-conditioning refrigerant must be properly discharged into an EPA-approved container at an automotive air-conditioning repair facility or dealer service department. Always wear eye protection when disconnecting air-conditioning system fittings.

Note: When replacing the compressor, you must also replace the receiver-drier. (See instructions below.)

  • Have an automotive air-conditioning repair facility or dealer service department discharge the air-conditioning system.
  • Remove the drivebelt as directed in your vehicle-specific repair manual.
  • Raise the vehicle and secure it on jackstands. Caution: always use extreme care when jacking up your vehicle. Put it in gear (or in Park for automatic transmission vehicles) and set the parking brake.
  • Remove any splash shields as directed in your vehicle-specific repair manual.
  • Disconnect the electrical connector from the compressor.
  • Disconnect the compressor outlet and inlet lines from the compressor. Remove and discard the old O-rings.
  • Remove the compressor mounting bolts and the compressor.
  • If you are installing a new compressor, follow the instructions that come with it with regard to the draining of excess oil before installation.
  • If needed, transfer the clutch from the old compressor to the new unit.
  • Before reconnecting the outlet and inlet lines to the compressor, replace all manifold O-rings and lubricate them with refrigerant oil.
  • Installation of the new unit is basically the reverse of removal.
  • Have the same shop that discharged you're a/c system evacuate, recharge, and leak test the system.
  • Have an automotive air-conditioning repair facility or dealer service department discharge the air-conditioning system.
  • Replace all old O-rings. Before installing new O-rings, lubricate them with refrigerant oil.
  • Add the prescribed amount of refrigerant to the receiver-dryer (refer to your repair manual).
  • Installation of the new unit is basically the reverse of removal.
  • Have the same shop that discharged you're a/c system evacuate, recharge, and leak-test the system.

A/C Receiver-Drier Removal and Installation

  • Follow all Warnings and Cautions above.
  • Remove the condenser as directed in your vehicle-specific repair manual.
  • Disconnect the condenser line from the receiver-drier.
  • Disconnect the evaporator line.
  • Remove and discard the old O-rings from both lines.
  • Loosen the receiver-drier mounting bracket bolt and remove the receiver-drier.