Honda A/C Compressor

The last thing you want to happen is to have a damaged air conditioning or A/C compressor. However, once the damage has been done, immediate replacement is required. Installing a new compressor is thankfully not too difficult for the average car-savvy motorist. It takes about two hours or so for someone to replace their busted compressor on most Hondas out there.

Difficulty Level:Hard

What You'll Need

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Line wrenches
• Freon fill kit with Freon

Step 1: Go to an authorized Freon facility in order to evacuate the A/C system. The Freon should be vented not to the open air but through professional equipment found in oil change stations and certain garages (they get compensated for any Freon they collect).

Step 2:The Freon can also be recycled after your compressor has been repaired. However, it's recommended that you have fresh coolant for the sake of lubricant refreshment. Also, disconnect the battery by loosening the positive terminal and setting it aside.

Step 3:Firmly push on the tension pulley and take off the belt from the compressor pulley wheel by sliding it from the idle pulley (serpentine belt systems only). After freeing the belt from the idle pulley, remove it from the grooved compressor pulley wheel for good measure.

Step 4:If you have a single-belt system, loosen the compressor mount's adjustment bolt until you can get the compressor to slide off its mount. This releases belt tension, so now you can take the slack belt off of the pulley.

Step 5:Pull the adapter plug from the compressor terminal to disconnect it from the wiring harness. Take off the Freon lines by removing their line bolts. Expect hissing to occur. If you have a pressurized system, don't uncouple the lines.

Step 6:Remove the stock compressor by loosening the mounting bolts then grabbing the unit from the mount arms, removing it from the assembly altogether. Place a new replacement compressor by inserting it into the empty mount arms then tightening the mount bolts.

Step 7:Tighten the line bolts of the Freon lines until they're snug in order to connect them back. Inspect the gaskets for damage prior to line reconnection. From there, replace the drive belt over the compressor pulley wheel.

Step 8:To place back the serpentine belt, loop it over the compressor's pulley wheel and press the tension pulley arm while sliding it underneath the idle pulley. After releasing the tension pulley, the belt will be pulled tight.

Step 9:Meanwhile, single-belt systems require you to put the belt over the pulley then pull the compressor while tightening the adjustment bolt by turning it clockwise or to the right. There should be half an inch of play left for the belt.

Step 10:Press the adapter plug into the terminal in order to reconnect the wiring harness. As for the batter, just turn the positive terminal bolt clockwise to turn it on. Use the Freon kit to refill the A/C or just use the old Freon you removed earlier.

A Honda vehicle's air conditioner or A/C compressors typically utilize a motor-powered pulley to spread and circulate Freon through the whole air conditioning system. The compressors need a constant supply of lubricant to keep themselves from wearing out and leaking precious coolant out of your car (which will make it likelier for your car's interior to feel like an oven and the components under your hood to overheat).