A compressor is the part of an air conditioner that compacts the fluid to give it more energy. If the compressor is malfunctioning, it reduces the A/C's performance. If you must replace the compressor in your Dodge Neon, you also need to replace the accumulator. Working on an air-conditioning system can be highly dangerous due to pressure in the system, so having a professional work on this is highly recommended.
Have the air-conditioning system discharged before you work on any part of the system. This must be done by an air-conditioning or automotive shop licensed to do so.
Disconnect your car's negative battery terminal, then raise and secure the vehicle on jack stands and remove the passenger-side wheel. Remove the drive belt by rotating the tensioner pulley clockwise with a 17 mm wrench.
Disconnect all lines and connectors from the compressor; this includes the electrical connector for the compressor clutch, the refrigerant lines and the high-pressure cutoff switch from the back of the compressor. Plug the refrigerant lines with rubber to prevent contamination. Remove the four mounting bolts on the compressor and lift it out.
Pour out the refrigerant oil from the old compressor into a graduated container. Add the same amount of fresh oil to the new compressor. If the new compressor does not have a clutch installed, disconnect the clutch from the old compressor and install it.
Install the new compressor and all other parts in reverse order of removal. Replace any O-rings that were used on the line fittings, making sure the new O-rings are made for use with R-134a refrigerant. Lubricate the O-rings with refrigerant oil.
Remove the mounting bolts for the cruise control servo, and set the servo assembly off to the side. Don't disassemble any of the servo's components.
Remove the low-pressure cycling switch from the accumulator by unplugging its electrical connector and removing the screws. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the accumulator, and plug them. Remove the bracket screw on the accumulator's base, and remove the accumulator.
Add an ounce of refrigerant oil to the new accumulator and install it in reverse order of removal. Reinstall the pressure cycling switch and the cruise control servo.
Return the Neon to the air-conditioning/automotive shop to have your air-conditioning system evacuated, recharged and leak-tested.
