A/C Compressor Replacement Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country Minivans 2001-2007

Today we are replacing the a/c compressor in a 2006 Chrysler Town And Country, the process should be the same on Dodge Caravans as well. Years 2001 through 2007 should all be similar. This is a easy task that takes all basic hand tools (minus the refrigerant and vacuum portions). Enjoy!
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These are some of the parts I purchased for the project:
Compressor: amzn.to/2NUyFP9
Accumulator: amzn.to/3e6I8hb
To donate financially to the channel:
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Check out these other projects I've done on this van
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0:00 intro and overview
03:01 replacing the a/c compressor
18:22 final thoughts and review

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

These are some of the parts I purchased for the project: Compressor: amzn.to/2NUyFP9 Accumulator: amzn.to/3e6I8hb As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. To donate financially to the channel: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=5PRRGY4GM2CSE&item_name=To+Support+A+Guy+And+His+Projects%21&currency_code=USD&source=url

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@Acquired Cents thanks for watching and the comment! In my limited experience if it works then slowly dies and you get it recharged and the process duplicates, then typically I'd guess you are looking at a leak somewhere and you just have to find it!

[@erikedlefsen3684]

This is THE way all youtube vids should be presented! Excellent production.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for the watch and comment!

[@johnelvic845]

2 years later I’m here. Thank you for the vid. Ima replace mine 😊

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You bet! Glad I can help

[@davidayala4023]

Hi, you did a great job explaining the process step by step. Thanks.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and the compliment! I appreciate that, you are most welcome

[@michaelmorris6575]

Great video! Very helpful. Thank you.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and you are most welcome! Are you tackling the job yourself?

[@sly5176]

Great job. You made it look doable!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and glad I could help! It is indeed doable!

[@teresarios-iw4rm]

Thanks so much , now I gonna replace my ac compressor,. You are the best teacher… again thanks so much.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Glad I could help!

[@luilui03able]

I need to replace my,pulley is very noisy ,still cold air is coming in. Your video is very easy to follow, thank u.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thank you for watching and glad I can help! I appreciate the comment

[@scottbell8173]

Great vid...I'm a heavy truck mechanic so I have access to all the a/c evac and replace equip..(thanks for not telling folks to just bust a line and let it fly..DO NOT DO THAT!! DANGER DANGER!!) my caravan compressor is starting to get weak and has a rattle..not being an auto mech it was good to see what I was up against..straight forward...will replace compressor and trash can...I'll let my Robinaire pull it down and refill to specs at it's desire since it knows whether to add pag or not and what it high sides at better than I could...ahhh modern technology...lol! Thanks again...

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and the comment! When it comes to these videos with the Refrigerant I am always split on how much I want to show lol. Glad I was able to help! Keep in mind however that I am NOT a mechanic

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Awesome video, thank you

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You bet!

[@mb4lunch]

Bought to do mine. Thanks bruh!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Most welcome, let me know how it goes!

[@themachanixgarage]

That was awesome. Thanks

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You are welcome! Glad I can help

[@Thafuface]

Very nice video. Thanks

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Most welcome!

[@dalebailey1844]

Thanks for the info. My local store will only sell whole boxes of asorta O-rings I will keep trying

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yeah typically what I buy

[@saifullahsarker1121]

Great one !!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks! Hope it helped!

[@1heavyelement]

I'm fixing to do my compressor on my 06 TnC. I'm at 200K miles and have dumped about $1500 into my van since March. Now I bought the van used in 2008 with only 18k miles on it at the time. I'm replacing both expansion valves, condenser and dryer as well. Bought the complete AC kit from rock auto for $306 after shipping. I'm a technician so evacuating and recharging the system I'll do at work. I was scratching my head as to why you let the alternator hang out while removing the compressor. Easier just to pull the EGR and get it out of your way. But you covered why at the end of the video. Thanks buddy good video for the DIY guys out there.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Well hey, thanks for watching! I appreciate the compliment and hope that the video was able to help you out in some way. I think I'm going to end up digging into the rear portion of the a/c as well. The back just doesn't quite cut it

[@1heavyelement]

@@AGuyandHisProjects don't feel bad mine is the same way. If your rear evaporator is clean I'd suggest changing out the rear expansion valve. The insides have tendency to rust affecting the flow of the refrigerant. And your welcome. Was nice seeing a DIY video that was to the point. Short of replacing my engine and transmission I've been through just about all of the wear and tear components. My van has been in 4 accidents and totaled twice lol the Dodge dealers body shop loves me. But it still keeps on going. If there's anything I can help you with just send me message. My Email is [e-mail]. if your wondering yes I had a 71vista cruiser back in the 90s.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Hot dang! Sounds like your van just doesn't want to quite!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Vista cruiser huh? Never driven one but they look(ed) like boats lol.

[@1heavyelement]

@@AGuyandHisProjects yeah it's like Energizer Bunny. My goal is to get it to 300k miles. I serviced the transmission at 90k just hope the transmission will hold up to 300k.

[@SthrnShutterbug]

Thank you so much for this.. I have a 2007 T&C with 280,000 on it that i paid $1,500 for 8 years ago, its been a great vehicle, but 3 years ago the AC went out.. shop wanted $1,100 to fix it.. i couldnt justify spending almost what i spent on the car ... but the last 3 years in Georgia heat without AC has been rough... think im going to try and do it myself.. appreciate the detail on this video...

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You are most welcome! Keep in mind I am NOT a mechanic :)

[@jackburton2680]

Be aware, this vid makes it seem far easier/simpler than it is as he focuses primarily on the nut & bolt mx. The actual bolt turning/physical removal/install of the part mx for most all parts in the AC system is easy, DIY stuff for sure, however there's quite a few steps that should be taken on that this vid only hints at and several he doesn't mention. As he says, first step is to have A/C system evacuated of its refigerent, which requires a machine that will run you 300+ dollars for if you want to do it ALL yourself. So that will req a professional. Then you can replace the compressor/condensor/dryer and anything else you think should get changed out(keep in mind, when a compressor goes bad, it often will send pieces of metal and debris throughout the AC system, which is why it is commonly rec'd to replace these other components along with the compressor). After that, you should still flush the AC system to ensure there's no other debris/contaminents throughout the sys, which also requires some additional tools and equipment and know-how(and keep in mind, it's rare to come across any youtube instructional vids that include any mention of the necessity of a flush, so good luck). Then, youll need to vacuum the system as he mentions here. Be sure to look up further guidance on how to accomplish the vacuum btw, as it too will need additional equipment not mentioned here(a vacuum will run 70 bucks on amazon, unless you can find a place that will rent it out). Then, after alllll that, it will need the refigerent recharged. Just ensure you don't have the mindset that you can simply grab a wrench, change some parts out and be good to go, FAR more to this job and def not a simple bit of DIY mx.

[@SthrnShutterbug]

@@jackburton2680 very helpful post.. thank you.. i had actually ended up getting it done in town... ive done a lot of work on my vehicles.. but this one just seemed a bit too involved for me to take on DIY!

[@jackburton2680]

@@SthrnShutterbug I didn't mean to scare anyone off from it. Processes like the vacuum isn't difficult and Oreillys/Autozone do rent out the equipment(you essentially buy them but if you return them within a certain time period you get all your money back, so it's intended to be a tool loan program). It is a bit of a hassle taking it to a shop to get system evacuated, driving it back home, then back to mechanic again for recharge(unless you're brave enough to do that process on your own).

[@Kimber88LP]

The pulley on the compressor on my 2006 T&C went out over a year ago. I couldn't afford to replace the compressor (because of course you have to buy all of it--can't just replace the pulley) at the time. I was able to have a bypass pulley put on for about a third of what it would have cost to replace the compressor. Hated not having AC but gotta do what I can afford. Now that I'm in a position to get it fixed, I wanted to know how hard it was to replace and what was involved. I can't do it (live in an apt complex and my health just doesn't allow me to do things like this), so I know I'll have to get someone to do it. My ex-husband worked on vehicles and taught me some basic things, so this is why I wanted to see how all this works. Your video was informative without being boring. It was easy to follow. Really wish i could do this myself. I actually enjoyed working on vehicles, and my ex was very patient while he taught me how do the things he repaired on the cars. Makes a big difference with wanting to learn some basic mechanics.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and the comment! I'm glad I can help, even if you are unable to do it yourself I am happy that I was able to contribut to your decision :)

[@TheJayson122312]

Great audio!🙂

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks!

[@lotfidallas9565]

Nice thanks

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You are most welcome!

[@carlosbanegas7577]

thank you very much

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Most welcome!

[@ivanalcantar6841]

Awesome, I have a 2006 T&C also and I'll be replacing my old AC compressor with my pops. This video definitely helps me understand. Thanks!

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Glad I can help!

[@extremerecluse2095]

He did say Asizona. Must be nice working on corrosion free cars.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yes it is very very nice working on the rust free ones hahaha! This van here is fairly rusted as we bought it from some snow birds. Gives you an appreciation for living in the desert

[@mikespainting291]

If you take the bumper cover off,which is why easier than the alternator you can get to everything else also if you remove the cooling fans it opens up everything

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for the comment and feedback! I love finding easier ways to do things lol...and I'm sure anybody scrolling through the comments will as well. Thank you!

[@projectvagrant8197]

Should I change the accumulator with the compressor? Not sure I saw the accumulator in this video but I may have missed it skimming through

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Typically that would be the recommendation yes!

[@brianporter447]

You can find that oil at an hvacr supply house.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Great tip! I never thought to look therr

[@jackburton2680]

I've read you should always change the condensor as well when your compressor is fucked as it likely will have contaminants and debris

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

That is a good rule of thumb yes! If compressor seized otlr there is any other likelihood of it shredding itself you'll want to replace the majority of the system actually. Condenser, office tube/expansion valve, drier, and even evaporator in some cases

[@TaijiArban]

Hey man, my van starts vibrating from the engine bay when I turn on the AC, it seems to go off for 2-3 seconds occasionally and then come back on. I am thinking bad ac clutch but what do you think? The ac blows cold, not as cold as my new Camry but cold non the less.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Hard to say without being there. Could be bad clutch for sure though. Could also be motor mounts or who knows what else. Keep in mind I DIY a lot but I am not a mechanic. Thanks for watching!

[@TaijiArban]

@@AGuyandHisProjects I was considering motor mounts but they look fine and the engine barely vibrates when I shift from park to drive and back. It also runs smoothly when I leave the AC off but that's not a good way to drive around in 100°+ weather lol my mechanic is thinking ac compressor as well and suggests replacing the condenser as well.

[@BigJuicy328]

What is a cabin filter? 🤷🏾‍♀️ and do I have one in my 04 Chrysler town and country?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I do not know if you have one on your van or not. It serves the same purpose as the one on your house. "Cleans" the air inside the vehicle.

[@danielkaiser4379]

Great job e.xplaini g how to do it

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@DavidGrimes1]

Well I was gonna watch but you withheld the useful parts... I wish I could take back my page view.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for the feedback! What would you have liked to see?

[@DavidGrimes1]

A Guy and His Projects the vacuuming and charging.. I ended up seeing it in the other videos. I didn’t see the part where at the beginning where you stated you wouldn’t be showing those things...

[@DavidGrimes1]

A Guy and His Projects honestly I was aggravated my compressor locked up my bad

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I get that. Yeah I thought long and hard about showing or not showing those parts. I know most will just blow the refrigerant to the sky, but I dont want to give people the impression that I am okay with that so decided not to show it. Technically if someone has the tools to do it properly they wont need a video showing how to do it. That was the decision I came up with.

[@Gourockian1]

I'm about to change out my compressor and condenser. I've already replaced my daughter's condenser, expansion valve and drier so kinda know what I'm doing (same vehicle). I know you said you weren't showing the freon removal and I understand that.....I just had mine evacuated this morning at the auto shop. They do it for nothing and keep the freon. However, I think you need to emphasize that the system HAS to be depressurized before removing lines, etc., even if there has been a major leak. You could still have shown refilling the system, using the gauges and vaccum pump. Not everybody has these but they can be rented at no cost from autoparts stores. You pay the full price and get it refunded when you return them. It's not at all difficult if you follow the procedure correctly.

[@BigJuicy328]

I'm thinking I need this done on my 04 Chrysler town and country 3.8 I had it for 5 years now have 274,000 miles on it just got a tune up and tires my air not working 🤦🏾‍♀️🤞🏾 hope someone can fix it asap

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

It is certainly worth having your a/c working and I hope you get it fixed as well lol! 274000 is awesome!

[@shark70007000]

What? I need to replace the dryer? I don't have a new one. LOL I have to let the system enpty. It's still under pressure. Not sure if it's just the clutch coupler or the actual pump? But the rubber is toast on the coupler part of the clutch.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Best practice to replace it anytime you open the system

[@406MenaceRacecar]

Did you already have the refrigerant emptied? When I removed my line with the air ratchet, it was basically an explosion. I removed this compressor yesterday, and will pick up my new compressor from the dealer today. I have a question, will the dealer supply new seals with my compressor? It exploded off of there and I don't trust the old seals. Great video in my opinion.

[@lui3061]

you need to remove the old freon out before

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yes, if you dont have the equipment you need to take it to a shop for the recovery of the refrigerant.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for the compliment on the video. Depends on the brand of compressor. Some come with a little kit and some dont. That being said pretty much ever parts store can hook you up with the orings and such for about $10 or so

[@luilui03able]

So u don't have to remove the a.c. gas from lines and compressor before of the removing the compressor to be replaced?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

The gas needs to be removed first yes. I recommend getting your local shop to remove it legally prior to yiu beginning work.

[@kimdebusk2665]

I understand thank you but can you tell me all right cause I’m gonna be helping my daughter and so her and I will be doing that now the compressor I’m gonna order it off of that link on your page also can you tell me the other part where you took out that fluid with that gauge we don’t have that so can I just take that to have somebody take it out and then refill it

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I'm sorry I can't help you more!

[@chukandsarahpratt]

The cover photo to this video looks like "good kid mad city" by Kendrick Lamar

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Just looked ut up and you are right! Lol

[@danielkaiser4379]

How many hours does it take to remove and replace the compressor.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Depends on how familiar you are with doing that kind of work and how familiar you are with your tools. Also depends on a lot of other things

[@Biteyourownteeth]

how did you test for a bad compressor?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

There's a few ways, hopefully somebody has a diy video on that for you!

[@hl1413]

My mom has one but the ac doesn’t work do you know how to fix it?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! That is a very vague question. Your best bet it probably to take it in to a shop and have it looked at.

[@jackburton2680]

Should you not flush the ac system to ensure there's no contaminants or debris from the bad compressor you just replaced? From a LOT of what i've read, your advice here will likely lead to a short-lived new compressor as there likely will be contaminants in the ac syst that will wreck it in short order. Likely is going to be contaminants in the condensor and throughout the lines and whatnot when a compressor goes bad.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Depends on why your compressor failed. If it seized up then yes, you are likely to have a lot of debrie floating around messing up your system. If it failed electrically and not mechanically then I don't see the need to replace the entire system. If in doubt I'd recommend either replace everything or take it in for a good diag.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

This one in particular hadn't failed as of yet as I got to it in time so I risked it successfully lol.

[@jackburton2680]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Good to know. There seems to be a LOT of youtube instructional vids where people are giving outright bad advice when it comes to this specific repair, quite a few describe a compressor that has in fact siezed yet mention nothing about contaminents or best say to also replace the dryer but nothing else. Kinda shocking honestly after i started reading deeper into the system and what SHOULD go into such a repair, be interested in knowing how long these folks' new compressors have lasted.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@jackburton2680 it's a gamble with a compressor that may have sent garbage around they system. I have several videos where I replace just about everything for that very reason. This one in particular wasn't toast yet when I replaced it. But yes, to your point, any job on anything done poorly will yield poor results.

[@rebeccareynolds9255]

How do I replace my expansion valve on my 06 chrysler town and country 3.8?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I have not done a video on that specifically yet.

[@rebeccareynolds9255]

@@AGuyandHisProjects please let me know if you do. I need to replace mine and I don't want to pay $900

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@rebeccareynolds9255 I will do that! At the moment I only do repairs that I need to do. Once KZbin is paying decently I will start doing other things simply for the sake of helping people :)

[@dalebailey1844]

How much oil did you put in the compresser

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Oh shoot. I don't remember now, I've done a few more since that one lol

[@dalebailey1844]

Mine did not come with compressor oil or directions?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Interesting...might be worth getting ahold of the manufacturer

[@bethtarter5480]

What was the price for a new compressor

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I have it linked in the description to the part.

[@dalebailey1844]

Mine did not come with the o-rings either

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

The good news is, they are cheap at your local auto parts store

[@hesneyk1]

Why didn't you replace your Condenser?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! The compressor had not yet failed, it was just getting weak. If compressor has failed absolutely change the condensor

[@silenthill5794]

Boooooo on not showing how to capture the refrigerant..too many shady mechanics just release it straight into the air...

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

If you have the equipment to do it you'll probably have a license which means you'll know how. If you don't have either you need to take it to a mechanic to recover it.

[@silenthill5794]

@@AGuyandHisProjects You said yourself in these comments that you're not a mechanic. Yet you're licensed to recover refrigerant ? So you're an HVAC tech ?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I have both my EPA 608 and 609's yes.

[@zeetaino62]

Suppose it's full. But it doesn't turn on ..replace fuse relay and a line sensor

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Let me know how it goes!