This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC compressor on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including refrigerant recovery, compressor replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Compressor × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1.5T engine
• AC line O-ring set × 1 — Honda AC O-ring kit
• Serpentine belt × 1 — Recommended replacement if worn
• PAG 46 compressor oil × 1 — Honda PAG oil for R-1234yf systems

Fluids

• R-1234yf Refrigerant

Preparation

1. Verify AC system uses R-1234yf refrigerant (label under hood)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
5. Raise and secure front of vehicle on jack stands
6. Remove engine splash shield and passenger side wheelwell liner for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports. Follow machine instructions to completely recover all R-1234yf refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference. This step must be completed before any AC lines are disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove serpentine belt
   Locate the belt tensioner on the passenger side of the engine. Using a serpentine belt tool or 14mm wrench, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide the belt off the AC compressor pulley, then carefully release tensioner. Remove belt from remaining pulleys and note routing pattern for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect AC compressor electrical connector
   Locate the AC compressor clutch electrical connector on the front of the compressor. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. If equipped with a connector mounting bolt, remove it using the specified torque value upon reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Clutch Connector Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect AC refrigerant lines
   Using appropriate wrenches, disconnect the suction line (larger diameter) and discharge line (smaller diameter) from the AC compressor. Cap all open fittings immediately to prevent moisture and debris entry. Inspect the O-rings and discard them. Have drain pan ready to catch any residual compressor oil that may drain from lines.
   ⚠Small amount of refrigerant may escape if system was not fully recovered. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
5. 5

   Remove AC compressor mounting bolts
   The compressor is secured by three mounting bolts accessible from below and the front of the engine compartment. Remove all compressor mounting bolts. Support the compressor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove AC compressor from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the AC compressor down and out from the engine bay through the passenger side wheel well area. The compressor is heavy and awkward to handle. Keep unit upright during removal to minimize oil spillage.
7. 7

   Drain and measure compressor oil
   Drain all oil from the old compressor into a clean measuring container by rotating it slowly and pouring from the suction port. Record the amount recovered. Check for metal particles or debris in the oil which would indicate internal system contamination requiring additional service.
8. 8

   Prepare new AC compressor
   New compressors typically come with shipping oil that must be drained. Drain the new compressor completely. Add fresh PAG 46 oil in the amount equal to what was drained from the old compressor. If less than 90ml (3 oz) was recovered, add 90ml. If old compressor was empty or significantly low, inspect system for leaks and add 120ml (4 oz) total. Rotate compressor pulley 10 times by hand to distribute oil internally.
9. 9

   Install new AC compressor
   Position the new compressor into the mounting location, maneuvering it up through the wheel well area. Align the compressor with all mounting holes. Install all mounting bolts hand-tight first, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern.
10. 10

    Install new O-rings on AC lines
    Install new O-rings on both the suction and discharge line fittings. Lightly coat the new O-rings with fresh PAG oil before installation to ensure proper seal and prevent damage during connection. Do not reuse old O-rings.
11. 11

    Reconnect AC refrigerant lines
    Connect the suction line and discharge line to the new compressor. Hand-tighten the fittings first to ensure proper thread engagement, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Do not over-tighten as this can damage the O-rings and cause leaks.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the AC compressor clutch electrical connector until it clicks into place. If equipped with a connector mounting bolt, install and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Clutch Connector Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the routing diagram (typically on radiator support or engine cover). Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise and slide the belt onto the AC compressor pulley last. Carefully release the tensioner to apply proper belt tension. Verify belt is seated correctly in all pulley grooves.
14. 14

    Evacuate and recharge AC system
    Connect AC evacuation equipment to service ports. Evacuate the system for minimum 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. System should hold vacuum for 10 minutes without loss. Recharge with the amount of R-1234yf refrigerant recovered earlier, typically 425-475 grams total system capacity. Add any makeup refrigerant as needed per specifications.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall passenger side wheelwell liner and engine splash shield
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Clear any AC-related diagnostic codes that may have set during the repair

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold setting with fan on high
• Verify AC compressor clutch engages and disengages properly
• Check for cold air output from vents within 2-3 minutes (should reach below 50°F)
• Inspect all AC line connections for refrigerant leaks using leak detector
• Verify no unusual noises from compressor during operation
• Monitor system pressures: low side should be 25-35 PSI, high side 200-250 PSI at idle with 80°F ambient
• Test AC performance during a road test to ensure proper cooling under load

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