Compressor Oil Drain Procedure - Variable Displacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Be certain to adjust the refrigerant system oil level when replacing an A/C compressor. The refrigerant oil in the variable A/C compressors can only be drained using the procedure described below. Failure to properly drain the refrigerant oil from the A/C compressor can prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and cause serious compressor damage.

If a variable displacement A/C compressor is being replaced, some refrigerant oil must first be drained from the replacement A/C compressor. The A/C compressor is filled with 100 milliliters (3.4 oz.) from the factory. Drain 50 milliliters (1.7 oz.) of refrigerant oil from the replacement compressor. Use the following procedure to drain and measure refrigerant oil from a variable displacement A/C compressor.

Fig 1: A/C Compressor Drain Plug

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

NOTE:

Denso variable A/C compressor shown in illustration. Valeo A/C compressor similar.

Place the replacement A/C compressor (2) on a workbench and remove the drain plug (1).
CAUTION:
The A/C compressor is filled with 100 milliliters (3.4 oz.) from the factory. Drain 50 milliliters (1.7 oz.) of refrigerant oil from the new A/C compressor when replacing only the compressor.

NOTE:
When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be removed from the replacement A/C compressor (example: a new A/C compressor and receiver/drier requires 80 ml. (2.7 oz.) of oil to be added to the system. 100 ml. (3.4 oz.) of oil is in replacement compressor. 100 ml. (3.4 oz.) minus 80 ml. (2.7 oz.) equals 20 ml. (0.7 oz.) oil to be drained from replacement compressor).
Position the replacement A/C compressor so that the refrigerant oil can drain out of the drain port into a suitable clean measured container. Hold the replacement A/C compressor in this position until the required amount of refrigerant oil is drained from the compressor.
CAUTION:
Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level prior to installation of a replacement compressor can prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and cause serious compressor damage.
Reinstall the drain plug. Tighten the drain plug securely.
Install the replacement A/C compressor onto the engine. Refer to COMPRESSOR, A/C, INSTALLATION .