GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

    Object Number: 885983  Size: SH

    Notice: PAG oil charge can be identified by locating the label on the rear of A/C compressor. (220 cc oil charge in the total system for the model year serviced.) Improper quantity of oil charge in the system will degrade performance.

  1. Remove the A/C compressor from the vehicle. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement .
  2. Important: During the oil removal procedure, the condition of the oil should be evaluated. Compressor oil never breaks down unless something is wrong with the compressor or A/C system. If one or more of the following conditions exist, replace the compressor and receiver-dehydrator.

    • The color of the oil is dark brown or black
    • There is a presence of foreign substances, metal fillings, etc. in the oil
    • If the receiver-dehydrator is not replaced damage to A/C compressor will occur

    Object Number: 861614  Size: SH
  3. Drain the oil into a clean container.
  4. 2.1. Position the A/C compressor to drain from the high side port first.
    2.2. Move the A/C compressor to different positions to remove all the oil possible.
    2.3. Turn the A/C compressor over to drain the oil from the low side port.
    2.4. Rotate the A/C compressor drive plate in both directions to remove the oil from the A/C compressor chambers.
    2.5. Stop the oil draining when the oil coming from the low and high side ports becomes only drops.
    2.6. Measure and record oil removed from A/C compressor.
    2.7. Discard the removed oil.

    Object Number: 892652  Size: SH
  5. Place a new A/C compressor on a clean work bench with the high and low side ports in an upright position.
  6. With the A/C compressor high and low side ports in an upright position, slowly remove the high side cap retaining bolt to release the nitrogen (N2) charge.
  7. Remove the high and low side caps. Install high and low side caps on the A/C compressor removed from vehicle, to prevent any oil from leaking out when the A/C compressor is being shipped.

  8. Object Number: 861614  Size: SH

    Important: The oil drained from the new A/C compressor can be installed if drained into a clean, dry container.

  9. Drain the oil from the new A/C compressor into a clean, dry container.
  10. 6.1. Position the A/C compressor to drain from the high side port first.
    6.2. Move the A/C compressor to different positions to remove all the oil possible.
    6.3. Turn the A/C compressor over to drain the oil from the low side port.
    6.4. Rotate the A/C compressor drive plate in both directions to remove the oil from the A/C compressor chambers.
    6.5. Stop oil draining when the oil coming from the low and high side ports becomes only drops.
  11. Add the recorded amount of oil drained from the removed A/C compressor measurement amount was obtained in step 2.6, and the amount of oil lost during the recovery process to the new A/C compressor.
  12. Install A/C compressor into vehicle. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement .