Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor - 3.0L, 3.5L





NOTE: 3.0L shown, 3.5L similar.










Removal and Installation

NOTICE: If installing a new Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor due to an internal failure of the old unit, the following procedures must be carried out to remove contamination from the A/C system. Failure to remove contamination from the A/C system, if present, will result in poor A/C performance and/or damage to the new A/C compressor and other components.
- If A/C flushing equipment is available, carry out flushing of the A/C system prior to installing a new A/C compressor.
- If A/C flushing equipment is not available, carry out filtering of the A/C system after a new A/C compressor has been installed.
- Install a new Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV), as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.
- Install a new receiver/drier cartridge as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.


NOTE: A new A/C compressor may come equipped with an A/C clutch disc and hub, A/C compressor pulley and A/C clutch field coil already installed. If these components are not pre-installed, it will be necessary to transfer these parts from the old A/C compressor to the new compressor prior to installation of the A/C compressor if suitable for reuse.

NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier cartridge is not required when repairing the A/C system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier cartridge. Damage to the receiver/drier cartridge includes physical damage or moisture contamination. Moisture contamination results only from a complete loss of refrigerant, and equalization of the refrigerant system pressure with atmospheric pressure for a period longer than one hour. If even a slight amount of positive refrigerant pressure is present in the refrigerant system before repairs are carried out, the receiver/drier cartridge does not need to be replaced.

All vehicles

1. If flushing of the A/C system has not been carried out, recover the refrigerant.

2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

3. Remove the lower engine splash shield (if equipped).

4. Remove the drive belt from the A/C compressor pulley.

5. Remove the A/C compressor manifold bolt.
- Discard the gasket seals.

- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

6. Disconnect the field coil electrical connector.

3.0L vehicles

7. Remove the 3 A/C compressor bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

3.5L vehicles

8. Remove the 2 A/C compressor bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

9. Remove the A/C compressor stud.

1. Remove the A/C compressor nut.

2. Remove the A/C compressor stud.
- To install, tighten the stud to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

- To install, tighten the nut to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).





All vehicles

10. Remove the A/C compressor.

11. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- If a new A/C compressor is to be installed, the clutch assembly may need to be transferred from the old unit to the new unit. For additional information, refer to Clutch and Clutch Field Coil Service and Repair.

- Install new gasket seals.

- If filtering of the A/C system is not to be carried out, lubricate the refrigerant system with the correct amount of clean PAG oil.

12. If filtering of the A/C system is not to be carried out, evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system.