A/C Compressor Refrigerant Lines

A/C Compressor Refrigerant Lines

• Compressor is always driven when engine is running; there is no magnetic clutch. Engine is therefore not to be started unless refrigerant circuit has been properly assembled. For example; if the refrigerant lines are not connected to A/C compressor, when the engine is running the A/C compressor may heat up (via internal heat generation) so much that the A/C compressor will be damaged.

• The following illustration depicts a A/C compressor for a vehicle with 4 cylinder diesel engine, the allocation may deviate slightly for vehicles with other engines, however the refrigerant lines are disconnected in the same way.

• Close open lines and connections on A/C compressor using suitable caps (to prevent possible penetration of dirt and moisture).

• On 4 cylinder gasoline vehicles, the refrigerant lines are accessible from the top. The center noise insulation does not have to be removed on these vehicles.

• On vehicles with a 6 cylinder gasoline engine, for example, refrigerant lines are not accessible from above. On vehicles with this engine, center noise insulation does need to be removed.

Removing

- Discharge the refrigerant circuit.

- Remove the engine cover, depending on the engine, not necessary on all engines.

- Remove center noise insulation.

- Remove the noise insulation frame , if equipped (for example, currently on the Audi A3 Cabrio).

- On vehicles, where the screws on the refrigerant line connection are not accessible when the A/C compressor is installed, remove the A/C compressor from the bracket (for example, on 3.2L MPI vehicles). Refer to => [ Compressor, Removing From Bracket ] Compressor, Removing From Bracket.

- Remove this bracket for vehicles in which the refrigerant lines are secured by additional brackets.

- Remove bolts - A - and - D -.






- Disconnect refrigerant lines - B - and - E -.

Installing

Installation is the reverse of removal, noting the following:

- Replace O-rings seals - C - and - F -. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit O-rings ] Refrigerant Circuit O-Rings and Electronic Parts Catalog.






- Check fitted pin - H - (not installed at all connections) and sleeve - J - for damage and proper seating.

- Tighten bolts - A - and - D - to 25 Nm.

• Do not use the O-rings from the shipping caps that are installed on the connections of replacement A/C compressor when installing lines.

• Coat the O-ring seals lightly with refrigerant oil prior to installation. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit O-rings ] Refrigerant Circuit O-Rings.

• Make sure the O-ring seals are seated properly in the groove - G - on the respective refrigerant line.

• Following attachment of refrigerant pipes to compressor (and installation of compressor) check routing of pipes. They must be inserted in holders provided and not make contact with other components.

- Evacuate and re-charge refrigerant circuit.

- Operate the A/C system after filling the refrigerant circuit. Refer to=> [ A/C System, Operating After Filling Refrigerant Circuit ] Procedures.

• Note the information regarding operating the A/C system after filling.