This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC compressor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including refrigerant recovery, component removal, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Compressor × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Serpentine belt × 1 — Recommended replacement
• PAG oil × 1 — PAG 46 per compressor specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Per system capacity specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Recover all AC refrigerant using approved recovery machine and document amount recovered
5. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
6. Locate AC compressor on passenger side lower front of engine block

Procedure

1. 1

   Release serpentine belt tension
   Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Using a 3/8 inch ratchet or serpentine belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slip the belt off the AC compressor pulley first, then off remaining pulleys. Route the old belt out from above or below as clearance allows. Inspect belt for wear and replace if cracking or glazing is present.
2. 2

   Disconnect compressor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the compressor clutch assembly. Press the release tab and pull connector straight back to disconnect. On some models, a small bolt secures the connector bracket to the compressor body.
   Torque spec

   Clutch Connector Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect AC suction line
   Using a line wrench, loosen the suction line fitting at the compressor (larger diameter line, typically low-pressure side). Once loose, unthread by hand and remove line. Cap or plug the line immediately to prevent moisture and debris entry. Remove and discard the O-ring from the line.
   ⚠Use line wrenches to prevent rounding off AC fitting hex. Standard wrenches will damage fittings.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect AC discharge line
   Using a line wrench, loosen the discharge line fitting at the compressor (smaller diameter line, typically high-pressure side). Once loose, unthread by hand and remove line. Cap or plug the line immediately to prevent moisture and debris entry. Remove and discard the O-ring from the line.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove compressor mounting bolts
   Locate the three compressor mounting bolts securing the compressor to the mounting bracket. The bolts are accessed from the front and side of the compressor. Remove all mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Support the compressor with one hand as the last bolt is removed.
6. 6

   Remove AC compressor
   Carefully maneuver the compressor out of the engine bay. The compressor may need to be tilted or rotated to clear surrounding components. Route it downward and out from below the vehicle if necessary. Avoid striking the compressor against other components.
7. 7

   Prepare new compressor
   Check new compressor for shipping plugs in ports and remove them. Verify oil level in new compressor according to manufacturer instructions. Drain oil from old compressor into graduated container and measure. Add correct amount of fresh PAG oil to new compressor to match total system requirement minus oil remaining in system. Typical total system oil is 7-9 oz; adjust based on amount drained from old compressor.
   ℹ️Incorrect oil quantity will cause compressor failure. If unsure of system oil level, evacuate and add specified total system oil quantity.
8. 8

   Install new compressor
   Route new compressor into position in the engine bay, maneuvering as necessary to clear surrounding components. Align compressor with mounting bracket holes. Hand-thread all three mounting bolts before tightening any bolt. Tighten mounting bolts in star pattern to specified torque.
9. 9

   Install new O-rings on AC lines
   Lubricate new O-rings with fresh PAG oil and install onto both suction and discharge line fittings. Ensure O-rings are seated properly in their grooves and not twisted. Verify port openings on compressor are clean and free of debris.
10. 10

    Connect AC discharge and suction lines
    Remove caps from compressor ports and AC lines. Thread discharge line fitting onto compressor by hand until snug, then tighten to specification using line wrench. Repeat process for suction line. Ensure fittings thread smoothly without cross-threading.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push electrical connector onto compressor clutch connector until it clicks into place. If equipped with connector bracket bolt, install and tighten to specification. Verify connector is fully seated and secured.
    Torque spec

    Clutch Connector Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install serpentine belt
    Route new or existing serpentine belt around all pulleys except the AC compressor pulley, following the belt routing diagram on the engine shroud. Using belt tool or ratchet, rotate tensioner clockwise and slip belt onto AC compressor pulley last. Release tensioner slowly and verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
13. 13

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect AC manifold gauges to service ports. Connect vacuum pump to center port of manifold gauge set. Open both high and low side valves and run vacuum pump for minimum 45 minutes to achieve deep vacuum (29+ inches Hg). Close both valves and monitor vacuum for 15 minutes. Vacuum should hold steady, indicating no leaks.
    ⚠System must hold vacuum for at least 15 minutes. If vacuum drops, there is a leak that must be found and repaired before charging.
14. 14

    Charge AC system
    With system under vacuum and valves closed, connect refrigerant source to center port of manifold gauge set. Open refrigerant source valve. Slowly open low-side gauge valve only and allow system to charge. Use digital scale to add exact amount of R-134a specified for system (typically 1.75-2.00 lbs for this model). Once correct weight is reached, close low-side valve and refrigerant source.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Reinstall engine cover by pressing onto retaining clips until seated
3. Start engine and verify serpentine belt is tracking properly on all pulleys
4. Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no unusual belt noises or AC compressor sounds

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with fan on high
• Verify AC compressor clutch engages with audible click when AC is turned on
• Check that cold air is produced from vents within 2-3 minutes
• Use manifold gauges to verify system pressures are within specification (typically 25-45 PSI low side, 200-300 PSI high side at idle with 85°F ambient)
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of oil leakage while system is running
• Use electronic leak detector or soap solution to verify no refrigerant leaks at compressor connections
• Verify vent temperature reaches 40-50°F with AC at maximum
• Listen for abnormal compressor noises during operation

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