- New A/C compressor
- A/C compressor oil
- Refrigerant (R-134a)
- A/C manifold gauge set
- Wrenches
- Socket set
- Screwdriver
- Safety glasses
Instructions:
1. Park your car in a shady spot and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down completely before beginning work.
2. Locate the A/C compressor. The A/C compressor is typically located on the front of the engine, near the radiator. It is a cylindrical-shaped object with a pulley attached to it.
3. Remove the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is the belt that drives the A/C compressor, alternator, and other accessories. To remove the serpentine belt, loosen the tensioner pulley and then slip the belt off of the pulleys.
4. Disconnect the electrical connections to the A/C compressor. There will be two or three electrical connectors attached to the A/C compressor. Disconnect these connectors by unplugging them.
5. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C compressor. There will be two refrigerant lines connected to the A/C compressor. To disconnect the refrigerant lines, loosen the flare nuts that hold the lines in place and then pull the lines off of the compressor.
6. Remove the mounting bolts for the A/C compressor. The A/C compressor is typically held in place by four bolts. Remove these bolts and then lift the A/C compressor out of the engine bay.
7. Clean the mounting surface for the new compressor. Use a degreaser and a brush to clean the mounting surface for the new compressor. Make sure that the surface is clean and free of any debris.
8. Install the new A/C compressor. Place the new compressor on the engine mounting surface and then install the mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
9. Reconnect the refrigerant lines to the compressor. Connect the refrigerant lines to the compressor by threading the flare nuts onto the ports and then tightening the nuts until they are snug.
10. Reconnect the electrical connections to the compressor. Plug in the electrical connectors that you disconnected earlier.
11. Install the serpentine belt. Slip the serpentine belt back onto the pulleys and then tighten the tensioner pulley.
12. Charge the A/C system with refrigerant. Use an A/C manifold gauge set to charge the A/C system with refrigerant. Follow the instructions on the refrigerant can to determine how much refrigerant to add.**
Once you have completed these steps, the new A/C compressor should be installed and working properly. Test the A/C system by turning on the ignition and setting the climate control to "cool." The A/C should start blowing cold air within a few minutes.
Tips:
- If you are not comfortable working on your own car, you can have the A/C compressor replaced by a qualified mechanic.
- Be sure to wear safety glasses when working with refrigerant.
Refrigerant is a hazardous substance and can cause injury if not handled properly.
Follow all of the instructions on the refrigerant can carefully.
- If the A/C compressor is seized, you may need to remove the engine or transmission in order to access the compressor.
