2003 350z with 107k miles.

AC would blow warm when at idle and at RPMS. Center vent was cooler, but doors and center driver vent was warm. Thought 134 was low so added and it did not help.

Gauges read 130-150psi on high and 70-80 at low. Both would go up at RPM.

134a appeared to be OK.

According to Nissan Service manual



REPLACE COMPRESSOR??!?!

Only part inside compressor is the Pressure Control Valve (Bellows). Are they kidding??? There is nothing else that can go bad beside a clutch and a bearing. Compressor was quiet, just not cold.




Yes $10. For $10 I'll replace it and see how it goes. Better than buying someone elses rebuild or a new china units.

Part is retained with a C-Clip and removed from bottom of compressor on drivers side. Drain AC system, Clean area with brake clean, remove C-Clip, pry out with small flat screw driver and grab PCV with pliers. Once out, wipe entry space again, oil new part, insert, and replace C-Clip, vacuum and charge.




Here is where it is, you do not have to remove anything except the bottom engine cover.

Charge to spec.





SO there ya go. Be careful not to charge with liquid as it will show a lower pressure until the gas settles, then you will have an overcharge situation and compressor will go into overcharge shut off ( and it will sound really bad ). For best results, evac to -30 then add 134a by weight.

The 350z takes 1.21 pounds or .55 kg of 134a by spec. System takes 6 oz of oil if you drain anything.

 

Nice writeup- good on ya for rebuilding the compressor.

 

Awesome write up! This will surely be handy in the future! Save dat monay!
-Icer

 

Nicely done brother.

 

Nice. my compressor is still the factory one. prob need this soon. thanks for the write up

 

Just wanted to login and say thanks for this.
I did exactly what you did and changed the compressor control valve on my stock ac compressor. Symptoms were kinda similar to yours with high low side around 70 and high side was normal around 180 to 200 with the fans turning on and off like normal. It just wouldn’t get cold. Didn’t want a China compressor either. Vacuumed and recharged. Now I have cold ac. Thermometer got down to 41f
The valve cost me $10 and snap ring pliers $10, rented the gauges and vacuum pump from autozone. Saved a ton.
Thanks soooooo much

 

Also bringing this back to say I too had great success with this fix! Similar symptoms, high Low Side, normal/lowish High Side. Didn't even need to take the compressor off as this control valve is easily accessible from underneath the car. THANK YOU