Fred,
No, I did not drain the reservoir of fluid. I had a good amount leak from the switch when it failed then when I removed the switch (it looked like the car was bleeding), by unscrewing it from the pump, the remainder of the fluid drained from the reservoir. If ever I needed to do the switch again (hopefully not) I would have a catch pan in place. Less than a quart of fluid drained. I am by no means a mechanic, but I can change a
part. To be quoted over $500 to do what I did in my garage leaves me with two assumptions....one, I saved myself $500...two, maybe I should have become a mechanic! Take care and time...unplug the electrical connection then decide how to approach the switch with the right tool. I used a deepwell socket, I can't recall the size. You will determine the size needed after receiving the
replacement part. By the way, I purchased my
part for $32 at my local
Auto Zone parts store. Once the switch started to spin on the threads it was then easy to remove with small progress with fingers. As you will find, the switch seats on an "O" ring. Reinstall opposite as removed. Small finger movements and a final seating with the deepwell socket. You will find yourself approaching the switch from inside the hood and from the bottom laying on the floor. Once done, refill the reservoir, turn the wheel from stop to stop and top off to the fill line. I re-read your post...it is not necessary to remove or relocate the air conditioner
compressor to gain the little access you need. From the bottom you will find a couple tubes in the way but you can work around. Good luck. Write me back and let me know how it gos.
Regards,
Steve
