Attention! The air conditioning system is constantly under high pressure. Never disconnect refrigeration lines or remove any system components without first discharging the system. The discharge of the air conditioning system must be carried out by an experienced specialist in a car service workshop. Always wear safety goggles when disconnecting refrigerant lines!
When replacing air conditioning system components, a certain amount of replacement refrigerant oil will be required to fill the volume of the new assembly. Use only oil suitable for use in R-134a systems (read the label on the container carefully).
The A/C compressor is not among the components subject to refurbishment and, in case of failure, must be replaced in tandem with the receiver-drier.
Withdrawal
1. Discharge the air conditioning system in a specialized workshop.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Attention! If the stereo system installed in the car is equipped with a security code, before disconnecting the battery, make sure that you have the correct combination to activate the audio system!
3. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Jack up the front of the car and place it on jack stands.
4. Remove the drive belt (see chapter Settings and ongoing maintenance).
5. On V6 models, remove the alternator (see chapter Engine electrical equipment) and A/C condenser fan with casing (see Section Checking the condition of the cooling system fans and their switching circuits; fan replacement).
6. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the compressor clutch.
7. Disconnect the refrigeration lines from the compressor. Seal open ends of tubing and fittings immediately to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the system.
8. Unbolt the compressor from the support bracket and remove it from the vehicle.
Installation
1. The clutch must be removed and transferred to a new compressor.
2. The calculation of the amount of refrigerant required to fill the volume of a new compressor is as follows:
- a) Drain the refrigerant oil from the compressor removed from the car into a measuring container through the suction fitting;
- b) Subtract the measurement result from the value of 160 ml;
- c) The amount of refrigerant obtained as a result of subtraction should be poured into a new compressor.
3. Further installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Don't forget to replace the O-rings on the refrigeration line fittings.
4. Have the system charged and checked for leaks at a specialist workshop.