A/C Compressor - Installation

A/C COMPRESSOR

CAUTION: If the A/C compressor is being replaced, be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level 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 receiver/drier must be replaced if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred A/C Receiver Drier - Removal . Failure to replace the A/C Receiver Drier can cause serious damage to the replacement A/C compressor.

NOTE: When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be removed from the new A/C compressor Refrigerant Oil Level .

NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets may result in a refrigerant system leak.

NOTE: 2.8L engine shown in illustrations. 3.8L engine similar.





1. If the A/C compressor (2) is being replaced, the refrigerant oil in the old compressor must be first drained and measured. Then the oil in the new A/C compressor must be drained. Finally, the new compressor must be refilled with the same amount of new refrigerant oil that was drained out of the old compressor. When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system 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. Loosely install the three bolts (1, 3 and 4) that secure the A/C compressor to the engine. Tighten each of the fasteners to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.) using the following sequence:
- The upper bolt at the front of the compressor.
- The lower bolt at the front of the compressor.
- The bolt at the rear of the compressor.

4. On 2.8L equipped models, install the splash shield onto the left front fender Splash Shield - Removal.





5. Connect the engine wire harness connector (5) to the A/C coil connector (6).
6. Remove the plugs or tape from the opened refrigerant line fittings and compressor ports.
7. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them and new gaskets onto the discharge and suction 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.
8. Connect the A/C discharge line (1) and A/C suction line (3) to the A/C compressor (4).
9. Install the nuts (2) that secure the A/C discharge and suction lines to the A/C compressor. Tighten the nuts to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
10. On 2.8L equipped models, install the generator Generator - Installation.
11. Install the accessory drive belt Serpentine Accessory Drive Belt - Installation.
12. On 2.8L equipped models, install the charge air cooler outlet hose to the throttle body.
13. On 3.8L equipped models, install the coolant recovery container Coolant Recovery Bottle - Installation.
14. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
15. Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Charge.