How to Replace an Air Conditioner Compressor

Automobiles are manufactured with optional air conditioners, which use a pressurized freon coolant system to cool the interior. A compressor circulates this freon, and can fail for several reasons. The average backyard mechanic can replace a compressor in most vehicles in about an hour.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Socket set
• Line wrench

1. Evacuate the entire air conditioning system by taking the vehicle to a garage or oil change facility, as these businesses are compensated for collecting the freon coolant. Do not discharge the system into the atmosphere.

2. Disconnect the battery by turning the positive terminal bolt counterclockwise.

3. Disconnect the freon lines from the compressor by turning the line nuts at the end of each line counterclockwise. Store the lines away from the compressor, but do not disconnect them from the rest of the system.

4. Remove the drive belt from the compressor pulley wheel by pressing the tension pulley arm firmly, then sliding the belt from under the idle pulley. Release the tension pulley arm and there should now be enough slack to slide the belt off of the compressor pulley.

5. Disconnect the compressor from the wiring harness by pulling the adapter plug from the terminal on the compressor, usually between the front clutch and the main compressor casing.

6. Remove the compressor mount nuts by holding the bolts with a socket wrench, then turning the nuts counterclockwise. Slide the bolts out of the mount and manipulate the compressor out of the mount arms.

7. Replace the compressor by positioning it into the mount arms, then sliding the mount bolts into the arm holes. Hold the bolts with the socket wrench and turn the nuts clockwise until they are tight.

8. Reconnect the wiring harness by pressing the adapter plug onto the terminal.

9. Wrap the drive belt around the compressor pulley wheel, groove side down. Press the tension pulley arm and slide the belt underneath the idle pulley. Release the tension pulley arm and the belt will tighten to the proper tension.

10. Reconnect the freon coolant lines to the compressor openings by turning the nuts clockwise until they are tight. Check the gaskets in each line nut before installing them.

11. Reconnect the battery by turning the positive terminal bolt clockwise.

12. Fill the air conditioning system by using a home freon can and valve kit on the low-side nipple near the evaporator, or taking the vehicle back to the garage that evacuated the system because the freon can be reused. Some stations will fill with recycled freon for less than new freon.

Tips & Warnings

• Add the proper amount of lubricant and UV leak detection oil with the freon.
• Use extreme caution when working with freon; it can freeze skin on contact.

References

• DIY: Replace Your A/C Condenser, Vacuum & Recharge
• AC Compressor Help
• Replacing Your Auto A/C Compressor

Resources

• Replace AC Compressor

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