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 A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Important: The A/C compressor is accessed through the right wheel opening.

    Turn the steering wheel to the right before lifting the vehicle.

  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Remove the RH engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.

  5. Object Number: 368807  Size: SH
  6. Release the drive belt tensioner.
  7. Remove the drive belt from the compressor pulley.


    Object Number: 125807  Size: SH
  8. Remove the air baffle bolts.
  9. Remove the air baffle.

  10. Object Number: 791142  Size: SH
  11. Disconnect the electrical connector from the compressor.
  12. Disconnect the engine harness electrical connector.
  13. Reposition the engine harness away from the compressor.


    Object Number: 791144  Size: SH
  14. Remove the suction hose to compressor nut.
  15. Important: Cap or tape the open A/C hoses immediately to prevent system contamination.

  16. Disconnect the suction hose from the compressor.
  17. Remove the discharge hose to compressor nut.
  18. Disconnect the discharge hose from the compressor.
  19. Remove and discard the sealing washers.
  20. Cap or tape off the suction hose.
  21. Cap or tape off the discharge hose.

  22. Object Number: 629122  Size: SH
  23. Remove compressor mounting bolts.
  24. Remove the compressor.
  25. Important: Replacement compressors are partially precharged with PAG oil. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .

  26. If replacing the compressor, balance the compressor oil. Refer to Compressor Oil Balancing .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 629122  Size: SH
  1. Install the compressor.
  2. 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.

  3. Install the compressor mounting bolts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 791144  Size: SH
  5. Remove cap or tape from the discharge hose.
  6. Install a new sealing washer to the discharge hose. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .
  7. Connect the discharge hose to the compressor.
  8. Install the discharge hose to compressor nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  10. Remove cap or tape from the suction hose.
  11. Install a new sealing washer to the suction hose. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .
  12. Connect the suction hose to the compressor.
  13. Install the suction hose to compressor nut.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 791142  Size: SH
  15. Connect the electrical connector to the compressor.
  16. Connect the engine harness electrical connector.
  17. Install the air baffle.

  18. Object Number: 125807  Size: SH
  19. Install the air baffle bolts.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 368807  Size: SH
  21. Release the drive belt tensioner.
  22. Install the drive belt on to the compressor pulley.

  23. Install the RH engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
  24. Lower the vehicle.
  25. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  26. Leak test the fittings of the component using J 39400-A .