A/C Compressor replacement

[supernasro]

Hello everyone !

I was out of the country this last 2 months, and my sister was driving my PT.
Before I left, the A/C wasn't working properly:
- When the engine is idling, there is no Cold at all. I had to drive 5 or 10min before having some cold.
- When the engine was idling for 3 or 5 min with the A/C ON, I had a noise (Engine Hot - after driving few miles)... it was like a gas was escaping under pressure [a noise like that: Pshhhhhht!!] And a small amount of white smoke was escaping under the hood at the same time. And during those 2 or 3 seconds of noise: Loss of engine power (100 rpm drop), and A/C doesn't blow cold.
- This happened after I had a small frontal collision with another SUV. I took it to a mechanic and they replaced the Radiator because it was leaking a lot. The hood and bumper wasn't hurt (it was a small hit...)


- After I came back, I discovered that the A/C is not working at all now!
And driving without A/C in Florida is burning some times !
My sister already took it to a mechanic for a diagnostic before I came back, and he told her that the A/C compressor is out, and need to be replaced.

- When I turn the A/C ON, there is no compressor noise at all (As it does usually when working) so I guess the mechanic is right. The Fan speed are working properly, and when switching the Air positions, it's working properly.


I made some research online to try to find out how to replace the A/C compressor.
I didn't find something that explain how to do it.

What I found so far, was the price of the A/C compressor:
02 03 PT CRUISER AC COMPRESSOR W/O TURBO AT | eBay

How to recharge the A/C refrigerant:
AC recharge port for 2005 classic
-And I didn't understand exactly how to do it, because some people are talking about a lower port hard to find... I don't get it

There is this good video also:

How to Install Auto Car AC Compressor - DiscountACparts.com - YouTube

And other posts said that I have to remove the Front Right wheel to be able to access to the A/C compressor, But after replacing it you end up .... But that I have to contain the old refrigerant... and adhere to all state and federal laws regulations ...


Questions:
- So, does someone knows how to replace the A/C compressor?
- How to contain the old refrigerant?
- What state and federal laws do i have to adhere? (FLORIDA)

2003 PT Cruiser 2.4L 150hp AT 5doors


I go back to my research! Thank you !

[heifetz17]

Have the system evacuated at any shop. You cannot legally do this yourself without the proper machine, because you'll leak freon into the air.

Simply remove the right front wheel, splash shield, and belt shield, and the compressor is right there. Disconnect the lines and connector, remove the belt, and remove the four bolts.

[supernasro]

Thanks for the answer!
ok, so i will check with a garage to evacuate te system.
But I never replaced the accessory belt on the PT, how can I remove it ?

[supernasro]

Is the tensioner the one between the alternator and the ac compressor ?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by supernasro

Is the tensioner the one between the alternator and the ac compressor ?

Maybe these will help.

[supernasro]

Oh yes! This help a lot !!!
Thank you!

So, after removing the drivebelt
I have to remove 4 screws that maintain the compressor ? is that right ?

[CREWZIN]

Looks like 4 bolts in the picture.

[supernasro]

OK.
by the way... some people says that after removing the compressor, it can be pressurized...
any idea?

thanks

[wanetta]

Hi guys my bro is in the middle of trying to get my ac compressor out of my 2003 pt cruiser gt 2.4L w turbo. He's having problems getting the bolts out that hold the compressor on. Do u know any easy way of getting these out?

[CREWZIN]

What has your bro tried so far? What tools are being used? The bolts should come loose with a decent 1/2 socket wrench.