2.7 AC Compressor swap

[Breeeen]

Hi All,

Took the Jeep to the shop today to have the AC looked at as it isn't blowing cold air. Blend doors seem to be ok as the temperature does change hot to cold, however the cold recently turned to cool. The mechanic advised the compressor needs replacing unfortunately. I'm keen to have a crack a replacing it myself and just get the mechanic to give it a flush once done.

Has anyone done this or can point me in the direction of some how to's?

Replacements don't look that common. Found a few Sprinter 2nd hand compressors, does anyone know if they are the same part? Looks like the Jeep part is 55116839AA but I can't find the MB equivalent.

Does the condenser need to be replaced at the same time? Or as long as the compressor outlet looks clean can this be skipped?

Thanks again!

[bodgie]

Are you 100% sure it's the compressor?

It could be another issue like a leak in the system and no gas. What was done to isolate the fault condition?

I'd expect a compressor shouldn't be too difficult to source, here are some part numbers:

Heep part number is 55116839AA the Denso part may be 10S17C

Jason

[Breeeen]

Thanks Jason. Mainly going by mechs advice, however doesn't sound like an overly common fault and the compressor only has 130,000ks (and 15 years on it). They did a leak test and checked the gas levels. Gas was on the low side, but no leaks. They said the AC clutch was still engaging, but the compressor not functioning. Anyway to self check it? The air coming out is pretty much just ambient temperature

[Mudgee hunter]

Sadly the AC condenser cops the brunt of bugs and stones etc.
And I beleive is very overlooked.
And when it comes to a full service, a stitch in time saves nine.
They have much finer/softer air cooling fins than the radiator.
Thus much more air flow restrictions.
Restriction of air flow over the AC condenser also means your engine temp will rise from starving air flow
I sacrificed looks over performance.
And threw away my grill with a custom made black SS security mesh.
This will impede air flow on the perfect average.
But.... after two years of fitting with a brand new radiator ( no AC)
It looks brand new! Without even a bug head in there or a dented fin!
So externally it is perfectly brand new in that sence performance wise.
So in my opinion.. running 3 deg hotter over its whole lifetime is better than perfect for the first year, and running 6 deg + hotter the rest of its life.
Put a bright light behind the radiator at night, and see how much air flow restriction you have.

[Breeeen]

Ok, picked up a compressor at the wreckers which no doubt has its own perils. Is it possible to do the compressor myself then drive it to the shop to be flushed and re-gased? Or should it not be running before that is done?

[JeanLuke]

Don't connect the wiring to the clutch and the compressor cannot run. You should never run it without gas. The gas also contains the oil.

Sent from my moto g( plus using Tapatalk

[JoergM]

I had a leak on mine too. In my case it was the valve on the low pressure (where you charge the refrigerant) and the evaporator itself. If your air smells a bit funny when you have the A/C on you will definitely have a problem there too. If this is the case you most likely have no other choice than going to a radiator repair shop and get it fixed. The ones you can buy online are only for Europe or US where they drive on the other side and everything is mirrored. And you have to get it out, which is a pain in the ass (complete dashboard removal). Not complicated but still a pain and you need to keep track of all the screws you take out.

I got some refrigerant in the US with UV dye so I could locate the leak and then went to a specialist to built me a new line since the valve was seized and I could not get it out. I replaced parts of it with a rubber hose which made the installation way easier. I also changed the compressor, mine was squeaking.

I guess your biggest problem is the refrigerant which you need to get sourced from somewhere. In the US you can buy it simply off Amazon for a couple of bucks, but that's not going to happen here. I assume you have to go to a mechanic and pay anything between 100 and 200 Dollars for a recharge, hoping you wont have any leak anymore elsewise you have to repeat it and pay again. You can get some dye off eBay though and add some prior to seal the system and then add the refrigerant. This would at least mitigate your efforts.
Btw: you will need also a proper vacuum compressor (also off Ebay) to avoid any kind or water in the A/C system. I got mine for 100 Dollar or so.

In my case it was a 2 year process till I finally got this sorted out (incl 2 trips to the US where I got the refrigerant)