1999 Taurus 3.0 DOHC AC Compressor

[coldstone]

I have seen several post about replacing the AC compressor on the Taurus but not on the DOHC engine. Is it better to remove the radiator and cooling fans to access it or take it out the bottom? I purchase the Chilton manual to do this job and it seems to leave out a few steps from the way it looks.

Can you help?

[shorod]

Here are the steps according to the 1998 Factory Service Manual:
3.0L (4V) Engine
Removal

1. Discharge A/C system. For additional information, refer to System Discharging and Recovery in «Section 12-00».

2. Remove battery. For additional information, refer to «Section 14-01».

3. Drain cooling system. For additional information, refer to «Section 03-03»

4. Disconnect lower radiator hose from thermostat housing and position aside.

5. Remove thermostat housing bracket bolt and position aside thermostat housing (8575).

6. Remove two lower bolts retaining A/C compressor to A/C compressor brackets.

7. Remove cooling fan motor, fan blade and fan shroud assemblies. For additional information, refer to «Section 03-03».

8. Remove retainers and position aside radiator tube assembly (08A111).

9. Disconnect electrical connector from A/C pressure cut-off switch (19D594).

10. Disconnect electrical connector from A/C compressor clutch and position harness out of the way.

11. Remove drive belt from A/C compressor.

12. Remove bolt retaining A/C manifold and tube.

13. Remove two upper bolts retaining A/C compressor to A/C compressor bracket and remove A/C compressor. Cap A/C manifold and tube to prevent moisture and dirt from entering system.

-Rod