🔧 Kicks - A/C Compressor Replacement

Replacing the A/C compressor on your Kicks involves safely recovering the refrigerant, removing the drive belt and compressor, replacing the sealing O-rings, then evacuating and recharging the A/C system. The compressor moves refrigerant through the air-conditioning system, so a failed compressor can cause no cold air, noise, or metal contamination in the system.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Refrigerant must be recovered with an A/C recovery machine before any A/C line is opened. Do not vent refrigerant to the atmosphere.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and gloves. Liquid refrigerant can cause frostbite on skin or eyes.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the compressor electrical connector.
• ⚠️ If the old compressor failed internally or sent metal debris through the system, the condenser, receiver/drier, expansion valve, and lines may need extra service before installing the new compressor.
• ⚠️ The A/C system must be vacuumed before recharge. Air or moisture left inside can damage the new compressor.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• A/C refrigerant recovery machine (specialty)
• A/C manifold gauge set R-134a (specialty)
• A/C vacuum pump 3 CFM minimum (specialty)
• Digital refrigerant scale (specialty)
• Serpentine belt tool 14mm (specialty)
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench
• 6-inch extension 3/8-inch drive
• Flat trim clip remover
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• A/C compressor assembly - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor line O-ring seal kit - Qty: 1
• PAG A/C compressor oil - Qty: As required by compressor instructions
• R-134a refrigerant - Qty: Charge by under-hood label specification
• Serpentine drive belt - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Kicks on level ground, shift to Park, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• ❄️ Have the refrigerant professionally recovered before opening the A/C system. A recovery machine removes refrigerant safely and stores it instead of releasing it.
• 🔋 Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable, then move the cable where it cannot spring back onto the battery post.
• 📸 Take a photo of the drive belt routing before removal. This makes reinstalling the belt much easier.
• 🧼 Keep all A/C line openings capped after removal. Dirt and moisture can quickly damage the system.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Recover the Refrigerant

• Use an A/C refrigerant recovery machine to recover the refrigerant from the high-side and low-side service ports.
• Use an A/C manifold gauge set R-134a to verify both sides read 0 psi after recovery.
• Never open a charged A/C system.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Front of the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front of your Kicks at the approved front jacking point.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the front support points.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and shake the vehicle lightly to confirm it is stable.

Step 3: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Use a flat trim clip remover to remove the plastic clips from the lower engine splash shield.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove any lower splash shield bolts.
• Pull the splash shield down and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the Serpentine Drive Belt

• A serpentine belt is the single rubber belt that spins the alternator, A/C compressor, and other pulleys.
• Use a serpentine belt tool 14mm on the belt tensioner to rotate the tensioner and release belt tension.
• Slide the belt off the A/C compressor pulley first, then remove it from the remaining pulleys.
• Slowly release the belt tensioner. Do not let it snap back.
• Match the belt routing photo.

Step 5: Disconnect the Compressor Electrical Connector

• Locate the A/C compressor low on the front side of the engine.
• Use your fingers to press the locking tab and unplug the compressor electrical connector.
• If the connector is stuck, use a flat trim clip remover gently under the connector body. Do not pull on the wires.

Step 6: Remove the A/C Lines from the Compressor

• Place a clean rag under the compressor line connections to catch any leftover oil.
• Use a 10mm socket or 12mm socket, depending on the installed bolt head, to remove the A/C suction and discharge line retaining bolts.
• Pull the line blocks straight away from the compressor.
• Remove and discard the old O-rings from the line fittings.
• Cap or cover the open A/C lines immediately.
• On installation, tighten the A/C line retaining bolts to Torque to 7-10 Nm (62-89 in-lbs).

Step 7: Remove the Old Compressor

• Support the compressor with one hand.
• Use a 14mm socket, 6-inch extension 3/8-inch drive, and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the compressor mounting bolts.
• Lower the compressor carefully from the engine compartment.
• Keep the old compressor level so you can compare oil amount if needed.

Step 8: Prepare the New Compressor

• Compare the old and new compressors side by side. Check the pulley, connector, mounting ears, and line ports.
• Check the compressor instructions for oil fill. Some replacement compressors are shipped pre-filled, and some require oil adjustment.
• If oil must be added, use the correct PAG A/C compressor oil and add only the required amount.
• Turn the compressor clutch plate by hand 8-10 full turns before installation to distribute oil inside the compressor.

Step 9: Install the New Compressor

• Lift the new compressor into position by hand.
• Start all compressor mounting bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the compressor mounting bolts evenly.
• Tighten the compressor mounting bolts to Torque to 40-50 Nm (30-37 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the A/C Lines

• Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean PAG A/C compressor oil.
• Install the new O-rings onto the suction and discharge line fittings.
• Push each line block straight into the compressor port. Do not twist or pinch the O-rings.
• Use a 10mm socket or 12mm socket and 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the line retaining bolts.
• Tighten the A/C line retaining bolts to Torque to 7-10 Nm (62-89 in-lbs).

Step 11: Reconnect the Compressor Connector

• Push the electrical connector onto the compressor until it clicks.
• Gently tug the connector by hand to confirm it is locked.

Step 12: Reinstall the Serpentine Belt

• Route the belt around the pulleys using your photo as a guide.
• Use the serpentine belt tool 14mm to rotate the belt tensioner.
• Slip the belt over the final pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Check that the belt ribs sit fully inside every pulley groove.
• If replacing the belt, install the new serpentine drive belt now.

Step 13: Reinstall the Lower Splash Shield

• Raise the splash shield into place by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the splash shield bolts.
• Use a flat trim clip remover or your fingers to reinstall the plastic clips.
• Tighten splash shield bolts snugly. Do not overtighten plastic panels.

Step 14: Evacuate the A/C System

• Connect the A/C manifold gauge set R-134a to the high-side and low-side service ports.
• Connect the A/C vacuum pump 3 CFM minimum to the manifold gauge set.
• Run the vacuum pump for at least 30-45 minutes.
• Close the manifold valves and verify the system holds vacuum for at least 10 minutes.
• If vacuum drops, stop and find the leak before charging.

Step 15: Recharge the A/C System

• Use a digital refrigerant scale to charge the exact refrigerant weight shown on the under-hood A/C label.
• Charge with R-134a refrigerant through the low-side service port using the A/C manifold gauge set R-134a.
• Start the engine only when the charging process calls for it, then set A/C to Max Cool and blower to high.
• Do not overcharge the system. Too much refrigerant can damage the compressor.

Step 16: Reconnect the Battery and Final Check

• Use a 10mm socket to reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Start your Kicks and let it idle.
• Turn A/C on Max Cool and confirm the compressor engages and cabin air gets cold.
• Use the A/C manifold gauge set R-134a to verify pressures are stable and appropriate for outside temperature.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Listen for abnormal compressor noise with the A/C on and off.
• ✅ Check the compressor line connections for oily residue, which can indicate a leak.
• ✅ Confirm the serpentine belt tracks straight and does not squeal.
• ✅ Test vent temperature after 5-10 minutes of driving.
• ✅ If cooling is still poor, the system may need leak testing, condenser service, expansion valve inspection, or pressure sensor diagnosis.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $850-$1,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$750 (parts only)

You Save: $500-$750 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.5-4.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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