GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Remove the upper tie bar support brace bolts at the upper tie bar.
  3. Loosen the upper tie bar support brace bolts at the headlamp and bumper fascia mounting panel and position the braces out of the way.

  4. Object Number: 420666  Size: SH
  5. Remove the upper radiator seal.

  6. Object Number: 420661  Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper radiator mounting brackets.

  8. Object Number: 419278  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the compressor hose from the condenser.
  10. Remove the front headlamps. Refer to Headlamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  11. Remove the evaporator hose nut.

  12. Object Number: 419230  Size: SH
  13. Disconnect the evaporator hose from the condenser.

  14. Object Number: 539666  Size: SH
  15. Remove the lower hood latch support bolts (1).

  16. Object Number: 422276  Size: SH
  17. Remove the fasteners (1) from the left and right sides of the front fascia support.
  18. Lift and pull forward on the headlamp and bumper fascia support to obtain access to the condenser mounting bolts.
  19. Important: The bolt retaining the condenser to the radiator end tank is a special length and should be the ONLY bolt used upon reinstallation. The use of a longer bolt will damage the radiator end tank.

  20. Remove the two condenser to radiator mounting bolts.
  21. Separate the condenser from the radiator by lifting out of the lower mounting tabs.

  22. Object Number: 419271  Size: SH
  23. Remove the A/C condenser side seals (1).
  24. Remove the condenser from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Add the proper amount of refrigerant oil to the new condenser. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .
  2. Important: Install the condenser into the lower radiator mounting tabs.

  3. Install the condenser into the vehicle.
  4. Notice: The bolt retaining the condenser to the radiator end tank is a special length and should be the ONLY bolt used upon reinstallation. The use of a longer bolt will damage the radiator end tank.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the condenser mounting bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the boltsto 6 N·m (53 lb in).


    Object Number: 419271  Size: SH
  7. Install the new A/C condenser side seals (1).

  8. Object Number: 422276  Size: SH
  9. Reposition the headlamp and bumper fascia support and install the fasteners (1).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and the nut to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 539666  Size: SH
  11. Install the lower hood latch support bolts (1).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

    Important: Inspect the seal washers for damage before reinstalling the A/C lines and hoses.

    If any damage is noted during inspection, the suspect seal must be replaced.

    Flat washer type seals do not require lubrication.


    Object Number: 419230  Size: SH
  13. Install the evaporator hose to condenser.
  14. Install the evaporator hose nut.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 419278  Size: SH
  16. Install the compressor hose to the condenser.
  17. Install the condenser nut.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 420661  Size: SH
  19. Install the upper radiator mounting brackets.
  20. Install the upper radiator mounting bracket bolts.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (7 lb ft).


    Object Number: 420666  Size: SH
  22. Install the upper radiator seal.
  23. Install the headlamp and bumper fascia mounting panel support bracket bolts.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  25. Install the front headlamps. Refer to Headlamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  26. Recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  27. Leak test the fittings of the component using the J 39400-A .