Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

A/C Compressor:

The A/C compressor used on this vehicle has an aluminum swash plate, teflon coated pistons and aluminum sleeveless cylinder walls. A A/C high pressure switch is located on the back cover of the compressor.

The compressor is secured to the lower front strut-to-engine bracket with four bolts. The lower front strut-to-engine bracket is located on the lower, forward skirt of the engine block which is located in the right front corner of the engine compartment.

The compressor cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire compressor unit must be replaced. The compressor clutch, pulley, clutch coil and the A/C high pressure switch are available for service replacement.

The compressor front shaft seal is not serviceable. If a leak is detected at the shaft seal, the compressor must be replaced as a unit.

The A/C compressor is driven by the engine through an electric clutch, drive pulley and belt arrangement. The 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 evaporator through its suction port. It then compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor. The compressor pumps high-pressure refrigerant vapor to the condenser through the compressor discharge port.