My 2007 Mercury Grand marquis has a bad ac compressor in it along with a hole in the accumulator. I am planning on replacing them at my shop, however, I do not have the proper equipment to pull a vacuum and to fill the system. My buddy has this equipment but not the tools or space to replace my system. My question is, if I replace the compressor, could I drive to get my system charged with out turning the system on without damaging anything? Or do I need to try and persuade him to bring his pump out to my place?
With no refrigerant in the system, it won’t even activate the compressor. But if you want extra insurance, just disconnect the electrical connector to the compressor clutch.
As long as you don’t energize the clutch, the compressor won’t turn.
You can drive it. In addition to just not turning on the ac/defroster, the system has pressure switches that won’t allow it to come on without a charge.
The pumps clutch shouldn’t even engage without pressure in the system so it should be safe to drive. If there is refrigerant in the system though you should have it evacuated first. Stuffs not that great for you or the environment. But if it’s all gone you should be good to put the new compressor in and drive to wherever you need to get it vacuumed and recharged.