2001 Dodge Caravan A/C compressor replacement

[fatjoey666]

I need to replace my A/C compressor and drier. How easy is this for a shade tree mecanic like me? Mechanic wants $700 to do it and the parts, for me to buy, are about $150. So you see why I want to do it myself. I have the haynes manual, just trying to see if anyone has any secrets to make the job easier. Thanks for the help!

Also: anyone know where the heater blower resistor is?

[earlyrizr]

Blower resister is located behind the glove box, a few screws and disconnect the electrical plug that's it. 10 min job at most.
I did replace the compressor myself, not too hard a job but I had it professionally discharged and then replaced the parts and they did the recharge on it. There was no internal damage to the compressor, otherwise the whole system would have needed the be flushed out.I was told metal particles from faulty bearings could plug/damage the condenser. I also had a leaking condenser prior to this and replaced that as well.

[fatjoey666]

Thank You for that info! If you don't mind, how much did it cost you to have the compressor discharged? I already have a charging kit at home, so I think I could do that myself. I guess my best bet is to just pull the compressor and go from there as it may not even be the compressor. It could be the clutch or clutch bearing--which are a heck of a lot cheaper problems to fix.

[wafrederick]

If it is the clutch,you can get that part from the dealer.It comes with new parts including the shims.Do not buy a reman A/C compressor,they are junk and fail right away.Go to the auto wrecking yard and get an used compressor.The used compressors hold up better than the remans.

[autotech234]

REMOVAL - labor time 1.1hr

WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.


Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. Refer to: "Service and Repair" See: Service and Repair
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the nut that secures the suction line fitting to the top of the compressor.
Disconnect the suction line fitting from the compressor suction port.
Remove the seal from the suction line fitting and discard.
Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suction line fitting and the compressor suction port.
Remove the nut that secures. the discharge line fitting to the top of the compressor.
Disconnect the discharge line fitting from the compressor discharge port.
Remove the seal from the discharge line fitting and discard.
Install plugs in, or tape over the opened discharge line fitting and the compressor discharge port.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the serpentine accessory drive belt from the front of the engine. "Engine, Cooling and Exhaust : Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories : Drive Belts : Service and Repair" See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust\Engine\Drive Belt\Service and Repair
Fig.2 Compressor


Disconnect the engine wire harness connector for the compressor clutch coil from the coil pigtail wire connector on the top of the compressor or.
On models with these engines, disengage the retainer on the engine wire harness compressor clutch coil take out from the bracket on the top of the compressor.
On models with these engines, remove the three screws and one nut that secure the compressor to the engine.
Remove the compressor from the engine compartment. NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being installed, be certain to drain and measure the refrigerant oil contained in the removed compressor. This will determine how much oil the replacement compressor must contain before it is installed.
INSTALLATION

NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being installed, be certain to check the refrigerant oil level. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.


Position the compressor into the engine compartment.
On models with these engines, loosely install the three, screws and one nut that secure the compressor to the engine. Tighten each of the fasteners using the following sequence to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) .
The upper screw at the rear of the compressor.
The lower screw at the rear of the compressor.
The lower screw at the front of the compressor.
The upper nut at the front of the compressor.
On models with these engines only, engage the retainer on the engine wire harness compressor clutch coil take out with the bracket on the top of the compressor.
Reconnect the engine wire harness connector for the compressor clutch coil to the coil pigtail wire connector on the top of the compressor.
Reinstall the serpentine accessory drive belt onto the front of the engine.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor discharge port and the discharge line fitting.
Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it on the discharge line fitting.
Reconnect the discharge line fitting to the compressor discharge port.
Install and tighten the nut that secures the discharge line fitting to the compressor. Tighten the nut to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.) .
Remove the tape or plugs from the compressor suction port and the suction line fitting.
Lubricate a new rubber O-ring seal with clean refrigerant oil and install it on the suction line fitting.
Reconnect the suction line fitting to the compressor suction port.
Install and tighten the nut that secures the suction line fitting to the compressor. Tighten the nut to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.) .
Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Evacuate the refrigerant system. Refer to: "Service and Repair" See: Service and Repair
Charge the refrigerant system.

[fatjoey666]

Man! Thanks for that detailed walkthrough. I sure appretiate the help!