Climate Control
AC Compressor
The AC compressor pressurizes refrigerant and pumps it through your air conditioning system. Our catalogue has 145 AC compressors priced from $129 to $1217 for 1985-2023 vehicles, including new and remanufactured units. Ford and Chevrolet lead the list, with many options for the F150, Silverado 1500, Equinox, Explorer and Ram 2500.
Shop ac compressor by vehicle
Signs of compressor trouble
The compressor is driven by the engine belt through an electromagnetic clutch. When you turn on the AC, the clutch engages and the compressor starts moving refrigerant.
Common signs of a worn compressor include warm air from the vents, a clutch that will not engage, grinding or squealing when the AC is on, and refrigerant or oil leaking from the compressor body or shaft seal. A clutch that cycles on and off quickly can point to low refrigerant rather than a bad compressor, so check pressures before you buy.
Unit or kit
You can buy a compressor alone or as a kit. Some kits include the compressor with clutch, PAG oil, an accumulator and an orifice tube, which covers the parts most shops replace together. Others include O-rings, sealing washers and an instruction sheet.
Look at the compressor type in the listing, such as H6, V5 or reciprocating, and confirm the connector type and refrigerant, which is R134A for most of these listings. Remanufactured units cost less than new and are a common choice for older vehicles.
Install and fitment notes
AC work involves pressurized refrigerant, so the system must be recovered with proper equipment before you open any line. After installing the new compressor, replace the accumulator or receiver drier, add the correct oil amount, then pull a vacuum before recharging.
If the old compressor failed internally, debris may have spread through the system. Flushing lines and replacing the orifice tube or expansion valve helps protect the new unit. Check the fitment table for engine size, as V6 and V8 versions of the same truck often use different compressors.
AC Compressor questions
Should I replace the accumulator with the AC compressor?
Yes, this is standard practice. The accumulator or receiver drier holds desiccant that absorbs moisture, and it is saturated once the system has been opened. Many compressor kits include one for that reason.
What is the difference between new and remanufactured AC compressors?
A new compressor is built from all new parts. A remanufactured one is a used core rebuilt with new wear parts and tested. Remanufactured units usually cost less.
How much oil goes in a new AC compressor?
It depends on the vehicle and compressor. Some units ship with oil already inside and some do not. Check the instruction sheet and your system capacity before charging.