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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 code for the radio, 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 bolts, then disconnect the suction line (A) and the discharge line (B) from the A/C compressor. Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
    Fig 1: Disconnecting Suction Line And Discharge Line From A/C Compressor
    G03652960Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Remove the mounting bolts and the A/C compressor.
    Fig 2: Removing Mounting Bolts And A/C Compressor
    G03652961Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  8. 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 SERVICE TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS  ).
    • 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 (KEIHIN SP-10) for HFC-134a KEIHIN spiral 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.
    • Charge the system (see SYSTEM CHARGING  ).
    • Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure (see ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
    • Do the power window control unit reset procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT ).
    • Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.
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