Hey everyone, my ac does not work on my car. I want to replace the Ac and any other parts that I should while I'm at it.

Does anyone have any suggestions what to replace so I can do it all at the same time? Also do the Ac's come with oil or do I have to purchase some? Any info to get this done right is appreciated. I'm looking to buy the Denso 471-1293,, unless there's a better one?

Hi George,
Have you checked what is not working? Is the system leaking? Is the compressor dead? Mine didn't hold the charge until a leak test with dye revealed that the condenser was shot. Replaced, recharged and still going good several years later. Good idea to change the dryer capsule at the same time.

Hey Daniel, yes the compressor is dead. I can't check for leaks until I get everything working. Thanks for the suggestions. Do you know if the compressor will have oil inside or do I have to buy it?

Also, once I install all the parts, I can turn the car and not damage anything of I don't turn on the AC, correct?

Don't think it has oil inside, but it's lubricated with the cooling gaz which flows in the system as it contains oil. The compressor will not turn on if you don't have sufficient gaz or pressure inside, so you can be safe.

So all I do is buy the compressor and install and it's done? Don't need to buy oil for it correct? Just making sure because I see websites stating I need to buy oil.

I think that is really dependent on where you source the compressor. If the website indicates that you'll need to add oil, then I would plan to add oil to the system when you're charging it.

The AC system is so precise, specific, and costly to work on that I spent weeks researching it before I bothered working on mine. I will start with a very big piece of advice: make sure you diagnose correctly.

How do you know its the compressor?

If you are doing the compressor it makes sense to do the dryer and condenser at the same time. Many would also suggest replacing the expansion valve. It's easier to get the compressor out w/ the condenser removed and anytime the system is exposed to air it should get a new dryer. The condenser is also the most likely source of a leak as it is exposed to road debris, rocks, etc. The compressors typically come with oil but you still need to get a vacuum applied and then charged w/ R-134. If you think using the small cans from the autoparts store is sufficient you are wasting your time/money...the result will be subpar. Since the radiator, fans, etc all need to come out - good time to do anything else needed at the front of the engine - so much easier with all the extra room - water pumps, seals, belts, pulleys, etc.

Couldn't agree more
I also changed the water pump when in there, as all the front space was empty. I even removed the aux fans at the same time to get even more access

Thank you all for the information. I dont actually know if the ac is bad. But I have changed all the sensors/parts that came up. I had the car checked and serviced and ac still didn't come on. With the prices for the ac so reasonable now I figured why now install a brand.new part along with all the other parts suggested.

Thanks again, I have good info to get this done now.

Have you reset the HVAC in the climate control unit? If there was a previous low gas or error code fixing the problem still requires the code to be cleared. If my memory is correct the econ button would be lit w/ the red light also and won't turn off until codes cleared.

How do I reset?

Rule number 1: don't just assume compressor.

These Bosch compressors are excellent and rarely fail. Even if leaking at the compressor, it's probably a $1 O-ring failure.

You need to know whether the compressor is failing to turn on or if the compressor cannot compress. Important difference.

You need AC manifold gauges to know whether the compressor is compressing or not

Hold the Econ button down to reset.

Ok thanks!

Any progress, George?

I reset the codes and only 2 stayed. Pressure switch 232 and the aux water pump 416.
Bought both parts and now only get 232 still the ac will not turn on. Sent an email to fcp and they haven't sent me a replacement yet. Still waiting to see if the new switch will work.

Where are you located?

I'm in Bolingbrook Illinois.

Anyone know where this pressure switch is located? Im checking to make sure I bought the right switch...

Not 100% sure but it could be on the top of the dryer cartridge

Yes, pressure switch is attached directly to the receiver drier behind driver side headlight (US models)

Thank you guys!

I'm replacing AC components on my Eurovan right now (compressor, dryer, and expansion valve) and assuming success there, I'm hoping to take on the AC on my C43. The o-rings are by far the most annoying part as there are some sizes that are super close and it can be hard to distinguish in comparison to what you pull out of the car to replace.

So it's the same on all versions