Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

Vehicles equipped with the 2.0 L and 2.4L Turbo engine use the Sanden TRS - 090 A/C compressor. Vehicles equipped with the 2.4L NA and 2.7L engines
use the Visteon HS-15 A/C compressor.

Both A/C compressors are fixed displacement type compressors and use a high pressure relief valve to protect the A/C system from excessive refrigerant pressures. The Sanden TRS - 090 A/C compressor uses an integral thermal limiter switch to protect it from overheating and the HS-15 A/C compressor has a replaceable compressor manifold which contains
the fittings for the refrigerant lines and the high pressure relief valve.

CAUTION: The refrigerant oil in the R-134a A/C system is unique depending on the A/C compressor used. Use only PAG oils that are designed to work with R-134a refrigerant and the A/C compressor in the vehicle. Always refer to the underhood A/C System Specification Label for the correct oil designation.

Both A/C systems uses polyalkylene glycol synthetic wax-free refrigerant oil PAG (refer to the underhood A/C system label for the correct oil type for the A/C compressor used in the system (depending on engine application).

The A/C compressor is driven by the engine through an electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement. The A/C compressor is lubricated by refrigerant oil that is circulated throughout the refrigerant system with the refrigerant.

The A/C compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the A/C evaporator through its suction port. It then compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor. The A/C compressor pumps the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to the A/C condenser through the compressor discharge port.

The A/C compressor cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire compressor assembly must be replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley and clutch coil are available for service.