How to replace the AC Compressor on 2003 Expedition 5.4? Please help

[rostam8575]

Hello, I am new on this Forum. I have a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4. I've been having issues with A/C. At first, (few months ago) I heard a noise and then it started blowing warm air. I took it to 2 places and they both said Compressor is going out. However, when they added freon, it started blowing cold air again (back and front). That lasted only about 2 months and same thing happened again. This time when they checked it with their computer, they said Compressor is not responding and needs to be replaced. Any place that I took it to, they want to charge over $1200 and I can't afford it at all. So, I wanted to know:
1)Are there any instructions any where that explains the replacement process step by step to replace the compressor?
2)Besides compressor, what other parts need to be replaced, so when I go buy the parts, I make sure I have every thing?
3)I saw the compressor located all the way at the bottom under the hood. Does every thing need to come out or can it be changed from bottom?
Thank you all for your help.

 

[kilmerdone5]

it is amazing how many mechanics aren't mechanics. Number one before you add freon find the leak. In my experience usually not a leak. Relay can be bad or in my latest experience compressor will cycle on but only for a second or two. So I jumpered relay to run hot and found out compressor works and everything after relay. Which lead me to deicing switch or high or low pressure switches. I jumped deicing switch and found my problem. I believe it is actually called evaporator discharge air temperature sensor. Replace it for $500-$800 or jumper it and don't ice up the evaporator. By the way I am not a mechanic and the first two i spoke with wanted to just add freon actually telling the charge would stop when it reached the correct amount required for the system. What a bunch of crock.

 

[dcarr]

did you replace your compressor yet? how bad was it? i have to do mine this weekend on my 07

 

[Blwnl36]

anyone do this? mines goin out......

 

[BakerEdition]

Got a Gen-1 with 86k and my compressor is a little noisy and after inspecting it you can see moisture around the front of the compressor meaning the seals are bad and it is loosing a charge. Replacing it is not a bad job, has to be removed from the bottom...the most important thing is to have the system evacuated by an A/C shop..this way you are not dealing with Freon and high pressure....remove the serpentine belt and if there is not a belt diagram under your hood, draw a picture of how the belt is ran around the pulleys...Once you have the belt off slide underneath and unplug the wire connections and unbolt the lines, when you get the ends of the lines off, use some tape to close the ends of the lines so you get no contaminants into the lines...then unbolt your compressor....make sure when you get the new compressor you get the new "O" rings to put on the lines you removed. Make sure to take the old ones off and coat the new ones with a little compressor oil, you can get this at any parts store...There is a company on E-bay called 4-seasons and they sell brand new, NOT REMAN compressors, I will attach the link below...order from them they have the best prices I have seen...Once you got everything hooked back up and the belt on take it and have the system evacuated and recharged...DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN THE A/C ON BEFORE YOU HAVE IT CHARGED....when they evacuate the system this will also tell you if you have any leaks you may need to address....make sure you tell them you just did a compressor and the will need to add compressor oil with the recharge....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Four-Season...Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_1504wt_895