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Home >> Acura >> 2003 >> MDX Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) >> HVAC Control Systems >> Climate Control System >> A/C Compressor Replacement
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A/C Compressor Replacement

  1. If the A/C compressor is marginally operable, run the engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioning work for a few minutes, then shut the engine off.
  2. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
  3. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
  4. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/ charging station (see REFRIGERANT RECOVERY  ).
  5. Remove the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
  6. Remove the A/C compressor clutch connector (A) from the A/C condenser fan shroud (B), then disconnect the connector. Disconnect the A/C condenser fan connector (C), then remove the wire harness clips (D) from the A/C condenser fan shroud. Loosen the lower mounting bolts, then remove the upper mounting bolts and the A/C condenser fan shroud. Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the A/C condenser fan shroud.
    Fig 1: Removing Upper Mounting Bolts And A/C Condenser Fan Shroud
    G03641919Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch connector (A) remove the bolt and the nut, then disconnect the suction line (B) and discharge line (C) from the A/C compressor. Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Suction Line And Discharge Line From A/C Compressor
    G03641920Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  8. Remove the mounting bolts and the A/C compressor. Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the A/C compressor.
    Fig 3: Removing Mounting Bolts And A/C Compressor
    G03641921Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. Install the A/C compressor in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
    • If you're installing a new A/C compressor, you must calculate the amount of refrigerant oil to be removed from it (see A/C REFRIGERANT OIL REPLACEMENT  ).
    • Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
    • Use refrigerant oil (DENSO ND-OIL 8) for HFC-134a DENSO piston type A/C compressor only.
    • To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refrigerant oils.
    • Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
    • Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately.
    • Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when installing the A/C compressor or the A/C condenser fan shroud.
    • Charge the system (see SYSTEM CHARGING  ).
    • Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
    • Reset the power window control unit (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT ).
    • Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio, and the navigation system then enter the customer's radio station presets.
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