Inspection and Assembly Requirements - Following an A/C Compressor Failure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Windstar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: To prevent refrigerant system contamination and possible failure of the new A/C compressor, carry out the following procedures.

NOTE: A dirty A/C evaporator core orifice or a condenser to evaporator tube containing black refrigerant oil and particles indicates that the A/C compressor has failed and a new compressor must be installed.

Remove and discard the A/C evaporator core orifice. Refer to EVAPORATOR CORE ORIFICE .
Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to COMPRESSOR .
- Drain the residual refrigerant oil from the A/C compressor and measure the volume for correct system oil matching. Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL ADDING .

NOTE: Installation of a new suction accumulator/drier is not required when repairing the air conditioning system except when there is physical evidence of system contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the suction accumulator/drier.

NOTE: The suction accumulator/drier and A/C evaporator core orifice cannot be cleaned. New components must be installed.

If physical evidence of contamination exists, remove the suction accumulator/drier. Refer to SUCTION ACCUMULATOR .
- Drain the residual refrigerant oil from the suction accumulator/drier and measure the volume for correct oil system matching. Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL ADDING .

NOTE: System flushing is the preferred method of cleaning. However, if flushing equipment is not available, carry out system filtering.

Carry out an A/C system flushing or filtering procedure:
- If A/C system flushing equipment is available, clean the A/C evaporator core and the A/C condenser core by flushing. Refer to AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- If A/C system flushing equipment is not available, carry out a system filtering procedure. Refer to REFRIGERANT SYSTEM FILTERING FOLLOWING AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COMPONENT INSTALLATION .
Install the new A/C compressor. Refer to COMPRESSOR .
Install the new suction accumulator/drier. Refer to SUCTION ACCUMULATOR .
Install the new A/C evaporator core orifice. Refer to EVAPORATOR CORE ORIFICE .
Correctly oil match the system. Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL ADDING .
Evacuate and charge the system. Refer to AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM RECOVERY, EVACUATION AND CHARGING .