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A/C Compressor, Removing And Installing: Installing

-- If the A/C compressor is replaced, check the ribbed belt for damage and if necessary replace. Refer to RIBBED BELT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING (2.0L) / RIBBED BELT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING (3.6L) .

Install in the reverse order of removal while noting the following:

-- Initiate the "A/C compressor first start" function in Guided Fault Finding using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

-- Clean the surfaces on the A/C compressor and bracket.

-- Insert the alignment sleeves -1- in the A/C compressor -2-.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Compressor
GWWN87-11346Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTE:

Incorrectly installed alignment sleeves and dirty or damaged contact surfaces can cause alignment irregularities between the A/C compressor and engine. Alignment irregularities damage the A/C compressor over time.

If the A/C compressor is replaced because of specific complaints (for example, internal damage), then clean the refrigerant circuit. Refer to COMPONENTS, REPLACING or Refrigerant R134a Servicing.

There is an unspecified amount of refrigerant oil in a removed A/C compressor; therefore, observe the information about replacing the A/C compressor. Refer to COMPONENTS, REPLACING or Refrigerant R134a Servicing.

For A/C Systems with Refrigerant R1234yf

If the A/C compressor is replaced, the following tables says if the refrigerant circuit must be flushed before the new A/C compressor is installed.

If flushing is necessity depends on the method of delivery and the refrigerant oil used before this.

  Replacement A/C compressor method of delivery
Denso Mahle/Delphi Sanden
Method of delivery of A/C compressors installed in the vehicle Denso Do not Flush Flushing Flushing
Mahle/Delphi Flushing Do not Flush Do not Flush
Sanden Flushing Do not Flush Do not Flush

-- If the table states that a refrigerant circuit flush is required. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CLEANING .

All Vehicles

CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the A/C compressor. Refrigerant oil may accumulate in the compression chamber when the A/C compressor is removed.

- After installing a new A/C compressor or filling with fresh refrigerant oil, turn the A/C compressor 10 times by hand before installing the ribbed belt.

Pay attention to the following when starting the engine for the first time after charging the refrigerant circuit:

-- Follow the information on operating the A/C system after installing the A/C compressor. Refer to A/C System with Refrigerant R134a.

-- Start the engine with the A/C compressor already turned off (indicator lamp button A/C  is off) and wait until the idle RPM stabilizes.

-- Open the instrument panel vent.

-- Select for example the temperature preset "Lo" on the Heater and A/C Controls -EX21-.

-- Switch on the A/C compressor (indicator lamp in the A/C  button turns on) and let the engine idle for at least five minutes.

NOTE:

The A/C compressor is driven by the ribbed belt pulley (there is no solenoid coupling).

If the A/C compressor is blocked, the compressor shaft overload protection is activated. The blockage is mostly recognized by deformations/bumps on the ribbed belt pulley. In addition, the blockage can be recognized by the abraded rubber in the area of the ribbed belt pulley.

The A/C compressor is supplied with a specific amount of oil that prevents the A/C compressor from becoming damaged when the refrigerant circuit is empty. This means that approximately 40 to 50 cm3 of refrigerant oil remains in the A/C compressor.

Only start the engine when the refrigerant circuit is charged.

Only start the engine if the refrigerant circuit was correctly installed. If, for example, the refrigerant lines are not connected to the A/C compressor and the engine is started and runs, then the A/C compressor may be destroyed by the build-up of internal heat.

A/C Compressor Regulator Valve -N280- is not activated when the refrigerant circuit is empty and the A/C compressor idles with the engine.

If it is necessary to start the engine with a discharged refrigerant circuit.

The refrigerant circuit must be fully assembled.

At least a quarter of the prescribed refrigerant oil quantity must be in the A/C compressor.

The engine speed must not exceed 2000 RPM.

The engine should only run as long as absolutely necessary, maximum 10 minutes.

-- Coat the new seals with refrigerant oil before installing the refrigerant lines.

CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the A/C compressor if the refrigerant circuit is empty.

- Never start the engine with the refrigerant circuit empty.

Vehicles with Refrigerant R134a

-- Fill the refrigerant circuit. Refer to the appropriate service information .

-- Perform the leak test on the refrigerant circuit line connections that were closed again. Refer to the appropriate service information .

Vehicles with Refrigerant R1234yf

-- Charge the refrigerant circuit. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, CHARGING .

-- Perform the leak test on the closed line connections of the refrigerant circuit. Refer to LEAKS, FINDING .