🔧 A/C Compressor - Replacement

The A/C compressor on your Equinox is the heart of the air conditioning system. Replacing it requires recovering the refrigerant first, then removing the belt drive components, lines, and compressor before installing the new unit and refilling the system correctly.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Have the refrigerant professionally recovered before opening the A/C system. Do not vent refrigerant to the air.
• The A/C system is under pressure even when the engine is off.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Refrigerant can cause frostbite.
• Keep dirt and moisture out of the open A/C lines.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting work.
• Use caution around the serpentine belt and pulleys.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Serpentine belt tool (specialty)
• Line wrench set
• Drain pan
• Trim clip removal tool
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• A/C compressor - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor sealing O-ring set - Qty: 1
• A/C refrigerant oil - Qty: 1 bottle
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Receiver drier or accumulator - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Recover the refrigerant with approved A/C recovery equipment before opening the system.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• If the old compressor failed internally, replace the receiver drier or accumulator and consider flushing contaminated lines.
• Keep the replacement compressor sealed until you are ready to install it.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Recover refrigerant and disconnect battery

• Have the refrigerant recovered by an A/C service machine before opening any lines.
• Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover and access components

• Remove the engine cover if equipped.
• Use a trim clip removal tool if any splash shields or undercovers block access.
• Keep hardware organized.

Step 3: Remove the serpentine belt

• Use a serpentine belt tool (specialty) to relieve tension from the belt tensioner.
• Slip the belt off the A/C compressor pulley and remove it from the engine.
• Inspect the belt and replace it if worn or cracked.

Step 4: Unbolt the A/C compressor

• Use a 13mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the compressor mounting bolts.
• Support the compressor as you remove the last bolt.
• Do not let it hang by the lines.

Step 5: Disconnect the refrigerant lines

• Use a line wrench set to remove the A/C line fittings.
• Cap or tape the open lines immediately to keep out moisture and dirt.
• Remove and replace the sealing O-rings on the line connections.

Step 6: Remove and prepare the new compressor

• Drain and measure the oil from the old compressor if it is still holding oil.
• Add the correct amount of fresh A/C refrigerant oil to the new compressor.
• Install new O-rings with a light coat of clean refrigerant oil.

Step 7: Install the new compressor

• Position the new compressor in place.
• Use a 13mm socket to install the mounting bolts finger-tight first.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) unless your replacement compressor instructions specify otherwise.

Step 8: Reconnect the refrigerant lines

• Install the lines using the line wrench set.
• Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs) for the line fittings unless the fitting label specifies a different value.
• Make sure the line seats evenly and the O-rings are not pinched.

Step 9: Reinstall the belt

• Route the new or reused serpentine belt according to the belt diagram.
• Use the serpentine belt tool (specialty) to move the tensioner and slip the belt into place.
• Check that the belt sits fully in every pulley groove.

Step 10: Evacuate, recharge, and test

• Have the system vacuumed to remove air and moisture.
• Recharge the system with the exact refrigerant amount listed on the underhood label.
• Start the engine and turn the A/C on max.
• Check for leaks, strange noises, and cold air output.

---

✅ After Repair

• Verify compressor engagement and stable belt tracking.
• Check for refrigerant leaks at both line fittings and the compressor body.
• Confirm vent temperature drops after several minutes of operation.
• If the old compressor failed badly, replace the receiver drier or accumulator and inspect for debris.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $350-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $750-$1,100 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.