The main component to the air conditioning system, the air conditioner, controls the compression of the refrigerant oil and gas inside the system. Without a properly operating compressor, the air conditioning system simply won't function. Most novice mechanics can change the air conditioning compressor after properly evacuating the air conditioning system. It takes approximately a hour from start to finish.
Transport the vehicle to a professional service center and have the air conditioning system evacuated. You should not evacuate the system, because of high pressure in the system and the danger of inhaling refrigerant, by disconnecting any of the refrigerant lines.
Place a 3/8-inch drive ratchet wrench into the square hole on the center of the drive belt tensioner. Rotate the ratchet wrench counterclockwise to loosen the tension on the drive belt, while slipping the drive belt from the tensioner pulley. Slip the belt from the other pulleys and remove it from the engine compartment.
Slide a hydraulic vehicle jack under the bottom of the vehicle. Pump the handle to lift the vehicle, placing jack stands under the frame rail on each side of the vehicle to support it while removing the air conditioning compressor.
Remove the splash shield, near the bottom of the front of the vehicle, held in place with a retainer on each side. Turn the retainers with pliers until you can remove them.
Detach the electrical connection from the air conditioning compressor. Separate the clip on the connection from the tab on the compressor with a small standard screwdriver.
Detach the two lines at the rear of the compressor. Remove the bolt retaining the plate that attaches the two lines to the compressor with a socket wrench.
Unscrew the air conditioner compressor mounting bolts with a socket wrench and remove the compressor from the engine compartment.
Pour the refrigerant oil from the old compressor into a measuring container. Add the same amount of refrigerant oil to the replacement compressor. Many new compressors already come with refrigerant oil, so be sure to check with the manufacturer or retailer before adding any refrigerant oil to the replacement compressor.
Position the replacement air conditioning compressor in place and install the mounting bolts with a socket wrench to hold the compressor in place.
Attach the two refrigerant lines to the rear of the air conditioning compressor. Hold the plate attaching the two lines to the rear of the compressor and install the mounting bolt with a torque wrench.
Attach the electrical connection to the air conditioning compressor. The sides of the plastic connection harness slide over the tabs on the sides of the connection on the compressor.
Replace the splash shield, tightening the two retainers with pliers to hold it in place.
Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Turn the handle on the hydraulic vehicle jack to lower the vehicle and slide the jack from under the vehicle.
Place a 3/8-inch drive ratchet wrench into the square hole on the center of the drive belt tensioner. Rotate the ratchet wrench counterclockwise to loosen the tensioner. Guide the drive belt over the engine accessory pulleys, using the belt diagram on the radiator support to properly route the belt. Route the belt over the tensioner after routing the belt over the other pulleys, then remove the ratchet wrench from the tensioner to create tension on the belt.
