🔧 A/C Compressor - Replacement

The A/C compressor circulates refrigerant through the system so the cabin can cool properly. On your Accord, this repair requires refrigerant recovery first, then removal of the drive belt, lines, and compressor from the front of the engine.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Refrigerant must be recovered with proper equipment before any A/C line is opened. Do not vent refrigerant.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Refrigerant can cause frostbite and eye injury.
• Keep dirt out of the open A/C system. Cap or plug every line immediately after removal.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting work.
• The compressor clutch and belt area can trap fingers. Keep hands clear when rotating the engine by hand.
• If the compressor failed internally, the condenser, expansion valve, and receiver/drier may also need flushing or replacement.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Belt tensioner tool
• Trim clip removal tool
• Drain pan
• A/C line cap set (specialty)
• R-134a recovery/recharge machine (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• A/C compressor - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor clutch coil O-ring set - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor line O-ring set - Qty: 1
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Refrigerant oil (PAG) - Qty: 1 bottle
• R-134a refrigerant - Qty: 1 system fill

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Recover the refrigerant with an approved machine before opening the system.
• If the old compressor seized, inspect the belt and all A/C hoses for contamination.
• Label every connector and bolt as you remove it.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Recover refrigerant and disconnect battery

• Use an R-134a recovery/recharge machine to remove all refrigerant from the system.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover and intake ducting

• Use a 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool to remove the engine cover and any intake pieces blocking access.
• Set the hardware aside in order.

Step 3: Remove the serpentine belt

• Use a belt tensioner tool to relieve tension on the belt.
• Slip the belt off the compressor pulley and remove it from the engine bay.
• Take a belt-routing photo first.

Step 4: Disconnect the compressor electrical connector

• Press the lock and unplug the compressor connector by hand.
• Inspect the connector for heat damage or oil contamination.

Step 5: Remove the A/C lines from the compressor

• Use a 12mm socket to remove the line retaining bolts.
• Pull the lines straight off and immediately cap both open ports with A/C line cap set (specialty).
• Remove and discard the old O-rings.

Step 6: Remove the compressor mounting bolts

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the compressor mounting bolts.
• Support the compressor with one hand as you remove the last bolt.
• Lift the compressor out from the engine bay.

Step 7: Prepare the replacement compressor

• Add the correct amount of refrigerant oil (PAG) to the new compressor if it is not prefilled.
• Install new O-rings on the line fittings using clean refrigerant oil.
• Use only clean, correct PAG oil.

Step 8: Install the new compressor

• Position the compressor and start all mounting bolts by hand.
• Use a 14mm socket to tighten the mounting bolts.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reconnect the A/C lines and connector

• Install the lines with new O-rings and tighten the retaining bolts with a 12mm socket.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 10: Reinstall the belt and removed parts

• Install the serpentine belt using the belt routing you recorded.
• Use the belt tensioner tool to slip the belt fully onto the pulley.
• Reinstall the intake ducting and engine cover with a 10mm socket and trim clip tool.

Step 11: Evacuate, leak test, and recharge

• Use an R-134a recovery/recharge machine to vacuum the system.
• Hold vacuum to check for leaks.
• Recharge the system with the correct refrigerant amount for your Accord.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and turn the A/C on max cold.
• Check that the compressor engages smoothly and the vents blow cold air.
• Inspect all fittings for oil or refrigerant leaks.
• Listen for abnormal pulley noise or belt squeal.
• If cooling is weak, the system may still have air, low charge, or another component issue.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $450-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 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.