Vehicles using the V5 Compressor may require different installation procedures because of differences in the following components:

Basic overhaul procedures for compressors used on different vehicles are similar.

When servicing the compressor, prevent dirt and foreign material from entering the following areas:

Ensure that the following items are clean at all times in order to complete proper service of the compressor:

Clean the compressor connections and the outside of the compressor prior to any on-vehicle repairs or before removal of the compressor.

Use the following cleaning agents in order to clean any components that will be reassembled:

Dry the components with air. Use only lint-free cloths in order to wipe the components.

The operations described in the unit repair procedures for the V5 Compressor are based on a bench overhaul with the compressor removed from the car, except as noted.

Notice: Up to 120 ml (4 oz) of PAG Lubricant can collect in the crankcase. Therefore, it is important when replacing a compressor that the PAG Lubricant in the old compressor crankcase be drained through the drain plug and measured. Discard after recording the amount.

Following the removal of a compressor from the car for service, drain the remaining amount of the PAG lubricant from the compressor. Measure and record the amount of the PAG lubricant drained from the compressor. Discard the old PAG lubricant. Add an equal amount of new PAG lubricant to the compressor.

All replacement compressors are shipped with 270 ml (9 oz) of PAG lubricant in the crankcase. Drain and retain this lubricant. Replace the lubricant in the same amount as previously recorded from the old compressor. Replace the lubricant only with GM approved PAG lubricant.

The V5 is a variable displacement compressor. The V5 can match the automotive air conditioning demand under all conditions without cycling. The basic compressor mechanism is a variable angle wobble-plate with five axially-oriented cylinders. The control center of the compressor displacement is a bellows-actuated control valve. The control center is located in the rear head of the compressor that senses the compressor suction pressure. The crankcase-suction pressure differential controls the wobble-plate angle and the compressor displacement. When the A/C capacity demand is high, the suction pressure is above the control point. At this point the control valve maintains a bleed from the crankcase to the suction. With no crankcase-suction pressure differential, the compressor has maximum displacement. When the A/C capacity demand is lower and the suction pressure reaches the control point, the valve bleeds discharge gas into the crankcase. The valve closes off a passage from the crankcase to the suction plenum. A force balance on the five pistons controls the angle of the wobble-plate. A slight elevation of the crankcase-suction pressure differential creates a total force on the pistons. This force causes a movement about the wobble-plate pivot pin that reduces the plate angle.

The compressor has a unique lubrication system. The crankcase-suction bleed is routed through the rotating wobble-plate in order to lubricate the wobble-plate bearing. The rotation acts as an oil separator. The rotation removes some of the oil from the crankcase-suction bleed. The rotation also reroutes the oil to the crankcase in order to lubricate the compressor mechanism.

Keep the following items clean at all times in order to complete proper service of the compressor:

Remove only the components that preliminary diagnosis determines are in need of service.

Discharge the refrigerant from the system when replacing the following components:

Discharge the system even when the compressor remains on the vehicle during the above procedures.

Discharge the refrigerant from the system before any disassembly of the compressor except for clutch repair procedures.

Notice: Any attempt to use makeshift or inadequate service tools or equipment may result in damage and/or improper compressor operation.

Prepare a clean workbench covered with a sheet of clean paper. Prepare a location with clean trays for all the components being removed and replaced. Use the proper service tools. Ensure that the tools are clean.

All the components necessary for servicing the internal compressor are protected by a preservative process. All of the above components are packaged in a manner which eliminates the necessity of the following actions:

Use the components in internal assembly just as the components are removed from the service package. Do not open the seals and the protective packaging until just prior to the installation.

Drain the oil from the compressor when servicing or replacing one of the following components:

Measure the amount of oil drained. Record the measurement. Replace the drained oil with new oil.