🔧 A/C Compressor - Replacement

The A/C compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. On your Accord, replacing it means recovering the refrigerant, removing the drive belt and compressor, then installing the new unit with the correct oil and sealing components.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Refrigerant must be recovered by proper equipment before any A/C line is opened.
• Do not vent refrigerant to the atmosphere.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves; refrigerant can cause frostbite.
• Keep dirt out of the open A/C system at all times.
• If the compressor failed internally, the system may need flushing and a condenser replacement.
• Battery disconnect is recommended before removing the compressor wiring.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• R-134a recovery/recharge machine
• Manifold gauge set
• Vacuum pump
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extensions
• Torque wrench
• Serpentine belt tool
• Flat trim tool
• Drain pan
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Jack stands
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• A/C compressor - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor clutch coil gasket/seal kit - Qty: 1
• Receiver drier or desiccant bag - Qty: 1
• O-ring seal kit for A/C lines - Qty: 1
• Honda-spec PAG refrigerant oil - Qty: 1 bottle
• R-134a refrigerant - Qty: 1 service amount
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Have the refrigerant recovered before opening the system.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging compressor wiring.
• If the old compressor was noisy or seized, plan on flushing contaminated lines and replacing the receiver drier.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Recover the refrigerant

• Use the R-134a recovery/recharge machine to evacuate the system completely.
• Do not remove any A/C line until the system is empty.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery cable.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the terminal.

Step 3: Remove the splash shield if needed

• Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support it with jack stands.
• Use a 10mm socket or trim tool to remove the lower shield fasteners if they block access.

Step 4: Remove the serpentine belt

• Use a serpentine belt tool to relieve tension from the belt tensioner.
• Slip the belt off the A/C compressor pulley and remove it from the engine bay.
• Take a quick belt routing photo first.

Step 5: Disconnect the compressor

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the compressor electrical connector if equipped.
• Use a 12mm socket to remove the A/C line retaining bolts.
• Carefully separate the lines and cap or tape the openings right away.

Step 6: Remove the compressor mounting bolts

• Use a 14mm socket with extensions to remove the compressor mounting bolts.
• Support the compressor with one hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Remove the compressor from below or from the wheel well, depending on access.

Step 7: Transfer oil and prepare the new compressor

• Drain and measure the oil from the old compressor if it is not seized.
• Add the correct amount of Honda-spec PAG refrigerant oil to the new compressor.
• Replace all disturbed O-rings with new ones lightly coated in clean refrigerant oil.

Step 8: Install the new compressor

• Position the new compressor in place and start the mounting bolts by hand.
• Use a 14mm socket to tighten the bolts.
• Torque to 22 Nm (16 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the A/C lines using a 12mm socket.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical connector.

Step 9: Reinstall the belt and shields

• Use the serpentine belt tool to reinstall the belt on the correct pulleys.
• Inspect belt alignment on every pulley before releasing the tensioner.
• Reinstall any splash shields with a 10mm socket or trim tool.

Step 10: Evacuate and recharge the system

• Use the vacuum pump and manifold gauge set to evacuate the system for at least 30 minutes.
• Hold vacuum and check for leaks before charging.
• Recharge with the exact factory-specified amount of R-134a refrigerant.

Step 11: Restore power and test

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and turn the A/C on MAX.
• Check compressor engagement, vent temperature, and line temperatures.

---

✅ After Repair

• Verify cold air output and stable compressor operation.
• Check all line fittings and the compressor body for leaks.
• Listen for abnormal belt noise or pulley noise.
• If cooling is weak, recheck refrigerant charge by weight, not pressure alone.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,100-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$800 (parts only)

You Save: $750-$1,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.