Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

Compressor Replacement

1. If the compressor is marginally operable, run the engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioning work for a few minutes, then shut the engine off.
2. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
3. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
4. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station.
5. Remove the drive belt.




6. Remove the compressor clutch connector (A) from the condenser fan shroud (B). Disconnect the condenser fan connector (C), then remove the wire harness clip (D) from the condenser fan shroud. Remove the hose (E) from the reserve tank (F). Remove the bolts and the radiator fan shroud. Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the condenser fan shroud.




7. Disconnect the compressor clutch connector (A). Remove the nuts, then disconnect the suction line (B) and discharge line (C) from the compressor. Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
8. Remove the splash shield.




9. Remove the mounting bolts and the compressor. Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the compressor.
10. Install the compressor in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- If you're installing a new compressor, you must calculate the amount of refrigerant oil to be removed from it.
- Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
- Use refrigerant oil (KEIHIN SP-10) for HFC-134a KEIHIN piston type compressor 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, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
- Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately.
- Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when installing the compressor and the condenser fan shroud.
- Charge the system.
- Do the PCM idle learn procedure.
- Do the power window control unit reset procedure.
- Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's radio station presets.