Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair
COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT1. If the compressor is marginally operable, run the engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioner work a few minutes. Then shut the engine off, and disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
NOTE: The original radio has a coded theft protection circuit. Be sure to get the customer's code number before disconnecting the battery. After service, reconnect power to the radio and turn it on. When the word "CODE" is displayed, enter the customer's 5-digit code to restore radio operation.
2. Recover the refrigerant with a Recovery/Recycling/Charging System.
3. Disconnect the condenser fan connector. Disconnect the compressor clutch connector from the condenser fan shroud. Loosen the lower mounting bolt, then remove the two upper mounting bolts and the condenser fan shroud.
NOTE: Do not damage the radiator fins when removing the condenser fan shroud.
4. Remove the nuts, then disconnect the suction line and the discharge line from the compressor.
NOTE: Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
5. Remove the three mounting bolts and the compressor.
NOTE: Do not damage the radiator fins when removing the compressor.
6. If necessary, remove the three mounting bolts and the compressor bracket.
7. If necessary, remove the idler pulley.
- Check the idler pulley bearing for excessive play and drag. Replace it with a new one if it's noisy or has excessive play or drag.
8. Install in the reverse order of removal. Make note of the following items.
- If you're installing a new compressor, drain all the refrigerant oil from the removed compressor, and measure its volume. Subtract the volume of drained oil from 130 ml (4 1/3 fl.oz, 4.6 Imp.oz); the result is the amount of oil you should drain from the new compressor (through the suction fitting).
NOTE: Even if no oil is drained from the removed compressor, don't drain more than 50 ml (4 1/3 fl oz) from the new compressor.
- Replace the 0-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them.
NOTE: Be sure to use the right 0-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
- Use refrigerant oil (SP-10: P/N 38899-P13-A01) for R-134a Sanden spiral type compressors only.
- To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refrigerant oils.
- Immediately after using the oil, replace the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
- Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the car; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately.
- Do not damage the radiator fins when installing the condenser fan shroud and the compressor.
- Adjust the A/C compressor belt.
- Charge the system, and test its performance.