

Problems with the AC system that are related to the AC compressor include: The AC compressor is not the only component that goes bad. If the clutch does not engage, or if it makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs to be serviced. When you turn the AC on, the clutch can make a momentary click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. With the AC off, the clutch does not spin. Looking at the face of the compressor, the clutch appears as a plate on the front of the pulley. When you switch on the AC, the clutch attached to the pulley on the compressor should engage. So, any damage – whether something is bent, broken, corroded, or leaking – should be evaluated to make sure your AC system is in working order. Oil leaks will lead to a compressor breakdown. Moisture is the enemy of your car’s AC system, so corrosion on the outside could be an indication of a problem on the inside. Physical damage to the compressor or its clutch could be an indication of an internal problem. Failure is likely to happen if the compressor oil used for lubrication becomes contaminated (usually with water vapor), is not in sufficient supply, or is of the wrong type. Compressor noises result from either a faulty clutch or a seizing shaft. Sometimes the commotion only erupts when you engage the AC switch. If, on inspection, you hear chattering, whining, squealing, chirping, or rattling sounds coming from the AC compressor, it is time for AC service. A squealing belt, a whining power steering pump, a worn out pulley, brake pads in need of replacement. Noises coming from the engine compartmentĪll sorts of culprits can be blamed for strange sounds near the engine. You can have the air temperature tested to determine if it is indeed higher than it should be.

There are other issues related to the AC system that could cause the air to be warmer than normal, but a bad compressor is certainly one option.

If you notice that the air coming from the vents with the AC switched on is not as cold as you remember it to be, you could have a problem with the AC compressor. Here are some signs that your AC compressor is about to fail – or has failed already. The compressor is the only part of the system that does much moving, so if it stops, so does your AC.

To do its job effectively, the compressor relies on a special oil for lubrication to keep itself cool, keep sealed, and keep moving.
COMPRESSOR FOR CAR SERIES
Driven by the serpentine belt on the engine, the AC compressor creates high pressure in the system by “compressing” the refrigerant to kick off a series of events in the condenser, receiver/drier, and evaporator, all to keep you cool. As the main mechanical component in the system, it serves as the heart that pumps refrigerant to and through all of the other AC components. The AC compressor is one of the problems that could cause your AC to fail.
COMPRESSOR FOR CAR WINDOWS
Sweltering heat that even the open windows can’t ease and a fan blowing nothing but warm, stuffy air is unpleasant. With summer heat pressing in, it is nice to know that you can count on the air conditioner to keep you cool.īut the AC in your car can let you down. “Don’t touch the stovetop! It’s …” Or, “My boyfriend (or girlfriend) is …!” “Listen to this hot new recording artist.” “Don’t talk to the boss right now, he’s hot under the collar.” And naturally, we complain how “hot it is outside.” What you do not want that word to reflect is the temperature inside your car. That word is used to describe a lot of things.
