This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC compressor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, compressor replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Compressor × 1 — Use OEM specification (88310-06400 or equivalent)
• AC line O-rings (set) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil for AC system × 1 — ND-11 or equivalent (60-90ml)
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — 14-16 oz total system capacity
• AC compressor drive belt × 1 — Use OEM specification (recommended replacement)

Fluids

• PAG oil (ND-11 for Toyota AC systems) — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer jack points
5. Remove engine splash shield (multiple 10mm bolts) for access to compressor
6. Connect AC recovery machine and recover all refrigerant from system according to machine instructions
7. Measure and record amount of oil recovered for replacement calculation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt
   Locate the belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a 14mm socket on the tensioner bolt, rotate tensioner counterclockwise to release tension. Slide belt off compressor pulley first, then remove from other pulleys. Inspect belt for wear and replace if cracked or glazed.
2. 2

   Disconnect compressor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the rear of the compressor clutch assembly. Press the locking tab and pull connector straight off. If connector is corroded, spray with electrical contact cleaner first.
3. 3

   Remove AC line fittings from compressor
   Using a 17mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the discharge line (smaller line) fitting at the top of the compressor. Then loosen the suction line (larger line) fitting. Remove both fittings completely. Cap open ports immediately to prevent contamination. Discard old O-rings from both lines.
   ⚠Verify system is fully depressurized before loosening fittings. Even small amounts of residual pressure can spray oil.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove compressor mounting bolts
   Locate the three compressor mounting bolts accessible from below and through the wheel well. Using a 19mm socket, remove the upper mounting bolt first. Support the compressor weight while removing the two lower mounting bolts. The compressor may be heavy, so maintain firm grip.
   ⚠Compressor weighs approximately 12-15 lbs. Support weight before removing final bolt to prevent dropping.
5. 5

   Remove compressor from vehicle
   Carefully lower the compressor down and maneuver it out from under the vehicle. Tilt as needed to clear frame rails and suspension components. Drain any residual oil from old compressor into drain pan and measure quantity.
6. 6

   Prepare new compressor
   Remove shipping plugs from new compressor ports. Drain shipping oil from new compressor and measure. Calculate required PAG oil: add amount recovered from system plus amount drained from old compressor, subtract amount drained from new compressor. Typical total is 60-90ml. Pour measured PAG oil (ND-11) into suction port of new compressor and rotate shaft 10 times by hand to distribute oil.
   ⚠Use only ND-11 PAG oil specified for Toyota systems. Wrong oil type will cause compressor failure.
7. 7

   Install new compressor
   Maneuver new compressor into position from below, aligning mounting holes with brackets. Thread all three mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque mounting bolts in sequence: upper bolt first, then lower bolts in star pattern.
8. 8

   Install new O-rings and connect AC lines
   Lubricate new O-rings with small amount of PAG oil and install into both discharge and suction line fittings. Carefully thread fittings onto compressor ports by hand until snug. Using flare nut wrench, tighten both fittings to specification. Do not over-tighten as this can damage O-rings.
   ⚠Cross-threading AC fittings will damage threads and cause leaks. Ensure fittings thread smoothly by hand before using wrench.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push electrical connector onto compressor clutch terminal until locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection.
10. 10

    Install serpentine belt
    Route new or inspected belt around all pulleys except compressor pulley, following belt routing diagram on radiator support. Rotate tensioner counterclockwise and slip belt onto compressor pulley last. Release tensioner slowly to apply tension. Verify belt is seated properly in all pulley grooves.
11. 11

    Vacuum and recharge AC system
    Connect AC manifold gauges to service ports. Use vacuum pump to pull system down to 29 inches of mercury vacuum. Hold vacuum for 30 minutes minimum to verify no leaks (vacuum should not drop). If vacuum holds, recharge system with 14-16 oz of R-134a refrigerant according to specifications on compressor label. Add refrigerant slowly through low-side port with engine running and AC on maximum.
    ⚠If system will not hold vacuum, there is a leak that must be repaired before charging with refrigerant.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield with all retaining bolts
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Verify belt alignment is correct and belt is not rubbing on any components

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with fan on high
• Verify compressor clutch engages (audible click and pulley/clutch plate spin together)
• Check AC manifold gauges: low side should be 25-45 PSI, high side 175-250 PSI at idle with 95°F ambient temperature
• Verify cold air output from vents reaches 40-50°F within 5 minutes
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of oil leakage indicating refrigerant leak
• Listen for abnormal compressor noise (grinding, squealing, or rattling indicates problem)
• Test AC operation through full range of temperature settings and fan speeds

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