GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Remove the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement in Body Front End.
  3. Remove the nut holding the compressor hose to the accumulator.
  4. Remove the compressor hose from the accumulator.
  5. Remove and discard the seal washer.
  6. Remove the evaporator hose nut from the accumulator.
  7. Remove the evaporator hose from the accumulator.
  8. Remove and discard the seal washer.

  9. Object Number: 588326  Size: SH
  10. Remove the accumulator bracket bolt.
  11. Remove the accumulator with the bracket from the vehicle.

  12. Object Number: 588323  Size: SH
  13. Remove the accumulator from the insulator and the bracket.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 588323  Size: SH
  1. Add the required amount of new refrigerant oil to a new accumulator. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .
  2. Notice: Do not mix refrigerant oils. Use of incorrect refrigerant oil will cause compressor failure.

    The CVC compressor uses a low viscosity refrigerant oil, GM P/N 12378526 (Canadian P/N 88900060).

    Important: You must add refrigerant oil to a new accumulator.

  3. Install the insulator and the bracket to the accumulator .

  4. Object Number: 588326  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the accumulator bracket and bolt to the vehicle.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the accumulator bracket bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  7. Install a new seal washer.
  8. Install the compressor hose assembly to the accumulator.
  9. Install the compressor hose assembly nut to the accumulator.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  11. Install a new seal washer.
  12. Install the evaporator hose to the accumulator.
  13. Install the evaporator hose nut to the accumulator.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  15. Install the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement in Body Front End.
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Recharge the refrigerant system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  18. Leak test the fittings of the component using the J 39400-A .