Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

Replacement
1. If the compressor still works, run the engine at idle for a few minutes with the A/C on, then shut the engine off and disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

2. Use a refrigerant recovery system 10 discharge the refrigerant from the system.





3. Disconnect the compressor connector.

4. Raise the car on a hoist. Make sure it's properly supported.

5. Remove the front beam.





6. Disconnect the suction and discharge hoses from the compressor. Cap the open fittings immediately to keep moisture and dirt out of the system.





7. Loosen the idler pulley center nut and adjusting bolt, then remove the belt from compressor.





8. Remove the four compressor mounting bolts and compressor.





9. If necessary, remove the compressor bracket 14 bolts, plus 1 from the idler pulley bracket).





10. If necessary remove the idler pulley (2 more bolts).





- Check the idler pulley bearing for play and drag. Replace it with a new one if it's noisy or has excessive play or drag.

11. Install in the reverse order of removal.
If you're installing a new compressor, drain all the refrigerant oil out of the old compressor and measure its volume. Subtract the volume of old oil from 80 CC 12 1/3 fl.oz); the result is the amount of oil you should drain from the new compressor (through the suction fitting).

12. Adjust the compressor belt.
After adjusting the belt, tighten the pulley center nut. Then tighten the adjusting bolt securely.

13. Charge the system.

14. Test system performance.