INSTALLATION
A/C COMPRESSOR
CAUTION: If the A/C compressor is being replaced, be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.
CAUTION: The A/C accumulator and the A/C liquid line must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred. Failure to replace the A/C accumulator and the A/C liquid line can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor.
NOTE: When replacing multiple A/C system components, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be removed from the new A/C compressor (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL).
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is opened. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.
NOTE: Typical A/C compressor shown in illustrations.
1. If the A/C compressor (1) is being replaced, 70 milliliters (2.4 oz.) of refrigerant oil must first be drained from the new A/C compressor (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL for more information). When replacing multiple A/C system components, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL). Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
2. Position the A/C compressor into the engine compartment.
3. Install the three bolts (2) that secure the A/C compressor to the engine. Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 ft. lbs.).
4. Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor ports and the refrigerant line fittings.
5. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and new gaskets onto the refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
6. Connect the A/C discharge line (5) and the A/C suction line (6) to the A/C compressor (3).
7. Install the nuts (4) that secure the A/C suction and discharge lines to the A/C compressor. Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 ft. lbs.).
8. Connect the engine wire harness (1) to the compressor control valve (2).
9. Install the accessory drive belt (refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLATION).
10. Install the splash shield onto the right side frame rail (refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/SPLASH SHIELD-RIGHT SIDE RAIL - INSTALLATION).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
CAUTION: Do NOT run the engine with a vacuum pump in operation or with a vacuum present within the A/C system. Failure to follow this caution will result in serious A/C compressor damage.
13. Evacuate the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
14. Charge the refrigerant system (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).