GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant from the system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the right front tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Remove the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  7. Remove the right fascia extension. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Extension Replacement in Body Front End.
  8. Remove the brake line retaining clips from the engine frame in order to allow the brake lines to move during removal of the A/C compressor.
  9. Important: Seal the compressor suction and discharge ports after the hoses are removed in order to keep contaminants from entering the compressor and oil from draining out of the compressor during removal.


    Object Number: 474776  Size: SH
  10. Remove the discharge hose nut (2) from the compressor.
  11. Remove the discharge hose (3) from the compressor.

  12. Object Number: 474774  Size: SH
  13. Remove the suction hose nut (2) from the compressor.
  14. Remove the suction hose (1) from the compressor.
  15. Remove and discard the sealing washers from the discharge hose and the suction hose.

  16. Object Number: 284223  Size: SH
  17. Disconnect the electrical connector from the compressor.

  18. Object Number: 527502  Size: SH
  19. Remove the compressor mounting fasteners (1, 2, 3, 4).

  20. Object Number: 493706  Size: SH
  21. Remove then compressor (2) mounting stud (1).

  22. Object Number: 493704  Size: SH
  23. Rotate the compressor in order to allow the compressor to exit through the wheelhouse opening.
  24. Remove the compressor from the vehicle.
  25. Important: If replacing the compressor, balance the compressor oil. Refer to Compressor Oil Balancing .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 493704  Size: SH
  1. Install the compressor through the wheelhouse opening.

  2. Object Number: 493706  Size: SH
  3. Position the compressor (2) on the mounting surface.
  4. Install the compressor mounting stud (1) through the appropriate compressor mounting boss.

  5. Object Number: 527502  Size: SH
  6. Install the compressor mounting fasteners (1, 2, 3, 4) and hand tighten the fasteners.
  7. 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.

  8. Tighten the fasteners in the following sequence:
  9. Tighten

    1. Tighten the compressor mounting stud (1) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the compressor mounting stud nut (1) to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
    3. Tighten the upper rear compressor mounting bolt (3) to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
    4. Tighten the front compressor mounting bolt (2) to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
    5. Tighten the last lower rear compressor mounting bolt (4) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

    Object Number: 284223  Size: SH
  10. Connect the electrical connector to the compressor.

  11. Object Number: 474774  Size: SH
  12. Install new sealing washers to the discharge hose and the suction hose. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .
  13. Install the suction hose (1) to the compressor.
  14. Install the suction hose nut (2) to the compressor.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 474776  Size: SH
  16. Install the discharge hose (3) to compressor.
  17. Install the discharge hose nut (2) to the compressor.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  19. Install the brake line retaining clips to the frame.
  20. Install the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  21. Install the fascia extension. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Extension Replacement in Body Front End.
  22. Install the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  23. Reinstall the right front tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  24. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  25. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  26. Recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  27. Test the affected A/C joints for leaks usingJ 39400-A .