Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: If installing a new A/C compressor due to an internal failure of the old unit, carry out the following procedures to remove contamination from the A/C system. Failure to remove contamination from the A/C system, if present, will result in poor A/C performance and/or damage to the new A/C compressor and other components.

If A/C flushing equipment is available, carry out flushing of the A/C system prior to installing a new A/C compressor. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article.
If A/C flushing equipment is not available, carry out filtering of the A/C system after a new A/C compressor has been installed. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article.
Install a new thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.
Install a new receiver/drier as directed by the A/C flushing or filtering procedure.

NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier is not required when repairing the A/C system except when there is physical evidence of system contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier.

NOTE: If installing a new A/C compressor, the A/C clutch disc and hub, A/C compressor pulley and A/C clutch field coil must be inspected and transferred from the old unit to the new unit if suitable for reuse.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article.
Remove the RH lower engine splash shield.

Fig 1: Identifying Splash Shield

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Release the tensioner and remove the drive belt from the A/C compressor pulley.

Fig 2: Identifying A/C Compressor Pulley

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the A/C clutch field coil electrical connector.

CAUTION: Do not allow the A/C compressor to hang from the A/C lines or damage to the A/C lines can occur.

Remove the 3 A/C compressor bolts and lower the A/C compressor to allow access to the suction and discharge fitting nuts.
- To install, tighten the A/C compressor bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Remove the A/C compressor suction and discharge fitting nuts and disconnect the fittings.
- Discard the O-ring seals and gasket seals.
- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
Remove the A/C compressor.

NOTE: If installing a new A/C compressor, transfer the shipping caps from the new A/C compressor to the old A/C compressor after the refrigerant oil has been measured.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Install new gasket seals and O-ring seals.
- If a new A/C compressor is to be installed, the clutch assembly must be transferred from the old unit to the new unit. For additional information, refer to Clutch and Clutch Field Coil - 2.3L, 3.0L (4V) .
- If not filtering the A/C system, lubricate the refrigerant system with the correct amount of clean PAG oil. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article.
Evacuate, leak test and charge the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSTICS article.