5 Symptoms of a Bad Car A/C Compressor
Every vehicle’s air conditioning system relies on a steady flow of coolant circulating through the system. This coolant allows the A/C system to produce cool air through your dashboard vents.
This coolant can only keep flowing properly if it has a component called an air conditioning compressor (also known as an AC compressor). This component creates pressure to push the coolant forward, keeping the coolant flowing evenly. It also heats the coolant, which plays a vital role in producing cooler interior air. As long as your air conditioning compressor is working, it should provide a constant flow of cool air through your vents when needed. But like anything else, your air conditioning compressor can fail.
How an air conditioner works
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system works similarly to a refrigerator. This is the driving force behind the cycle that moves hot and cold coolant.
Compressor
The compressor pressurizes (and heats) the gaseous refrigerant it receives from the evaporator. It then sends the hot gas to the condenser.
Condenser
An evaporator valve at the end of the condenser further cools the refrigerant vapor and turns it back into a liquid.
Evaporator
The cool liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, where a fan blows warm air over it. Because the evaporator is under low pressure, its boiling point is much lower. The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, boiling and evaporating into a relatively cool gas.
Symptoms of a failing car air conditioner compressor
Air conditioner compressors have to withstand high loads. Because car air conditioning systems are constantly turning on and off, these fluctuations in performance can put a lot of strain on the compressor. Over the years, this stress can cause the compressor to wear out and eventually fail.
1) Strange noises
If your air conditioner makes a lot of strange noises when you turn it on, your air conditioner compressor may be malfunctioning.
Compressors rely on sealed bearings and a number of other components to spin. If the internal bearings or components become damaged or worn, it will be difficult for the compressor to function properly. Strange noises are only the beginning of the problems.
2) Hot Air from the Vents
If you turn on your air conditioner and after a few minutes, only hot air comes out of the vents, it’s a clear indication that your air conditioner compressor is broken.
When a broken compressor stops the refrigerant from circulating inside your air conditioner, you won’t get the cool air you need. Instead, you’ll get hot air.
This is a gradual process, and at first, the cool air will feel a little warmer. After a while the air gets hot and not cool at all.
3) Leaking Fluid
Air conditioner compressors have their own bearings that prevent fluid leakage when pressurizing the refrigerant. When these bearings become worn or damaged, they are prone to leaking fluid.
It is important to quickly eliminate refrigerant leaks because the most common type (Freon) is very harmful to the atmospheric ozone layer when released into the environment and evaporates.
4) Belt jumping or squeaking
This noise can be heard when trying to start your air conditioner if your air conditioner compressor has failed and the belt won’t rotate properly.
5) A/C Compressor Clutch Stuck
The A/C compressor clutch ensures that the compressor can use engine power only when needed.
If the clutch is stuck or completely jammed, it won’t be able to properly transfer power from the engine to the compressor. Your A/C may get stuck in the “on” position (eventually causing premature wear on your A/C components) or stuck in the “off” position and not work at all.