The air conditioning compressor is a vital piece of equipment that has the potential to fail and make your life behind the wheel uncomfortable.

The air compressor plays a critical role in pumping refrigerant gas around the air conditioning system and should it fail in the middle of a hot day, you'll be left sweltering.

Should you have any issues with your car's ac compressor, there may be the potential for harmful gases to be released. Often, the refrigerants are harmful to the environment if released. Handling the gases used for refrigeration and air conditioning is heavily regulated by the Australian Government.

There are a number of reasons why your car's air conditioning compressor might fail.

Improperly filled refrigerant levels

This can cause the system to fail to pump enough air conditioning refrigerant gas and damage several interior components, leading to premature AC compressor failure.

Incorrect pressure valve operation

The expansion valve or orifice tube is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate refrigerant in the system at all times. If this valve becomes stuck or fails to function properly, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip and lead to increased operating pressures and overheating in the compressor.

Air leaks within the system

A small leak in one of the hoses or pipe connections connecting your Air Conditioner system components can result in low refrigerant levels and damaged equipment over time. The air leak can be due to damage in the compressor shaft seal. This leads to high energy consumption in the car which could be known by the loud noise when the car is on. They are hard to notice and usually need the help of an electronic leak detector.

Bad AC compressor clutch

If the car's air conditioning isn't blowing cold air, you might want to visually inspect the AC compressor clutch as it keeps the compressor activated and if it gets damaged, it can prevent the compressor from receiving engine power. The faulty clutch is a leading reason for faulty AC compressor parts. Sometimes the clutch might also need lubrication for the oil pump to aid the smooth running of the AC compressor clutch.

Blocked suction lines

Your refrigerator's suction lines may eventually get holes and cracks in the evaporator core, which will obstruct the flow of refrigerant throughout the system. Your compressor will be under strain as a result of having to utilise more power to push adequate refrigerant through the device, which will eventually cause a breakdown.

Age and wear

Most air conditioner compressors have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the components and how well they are maintained. The compressor uses a sealed bearing which Over time, the system will begin to degrade and eventually fail, leading to increased operating costs and regular AC repairs. You can delay the wear by regular cleaning of the HVAC or cabin air filter or dirty coils as dirt is the leading cause of wear.

Electrical problems

An electrical failure or burnout could lead to damaged wiring which can impair the AC functioning.

If you want to avoid costly car air conditioner compressor failures, it's important to keep your system well-maintained and properly serviced by a professional mechanic. This can help prevent common issues like poor refrigerant levels or leaky seals from developing over time, minimizing your risk of failure. Additionally, regular inspections can help identify any signs of damage or wear before the compressors fail finally, check that the cooling fans and running. With proper care and attention, you can prevent AC compressor failure If you suspect that your car's air conditioning compressor is failing, it is important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage and ensure that your car stays cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.

What causes AC compressor failure in a car?

One cause of a bad AC compressor in a car is a refrigerant leak which happens when the refrigerant line develops leaks. This substance, which is used to keep the inside of your car cool, contains chemicals that are harmful to both you and your environment. Refrigerant leaks make it get worse over time and eventually cause damage to other parts of the Air Conditioner system.

There are also situations where faulty or broken components in your vehicle can cause a faulty compressor to fail. For example, if a belt becomes worn out or breaks, it can disrupt the airflow through your air conditioner system and prevent it from cooling down properly. As a result, this may cause overheating in some parts of your car and even lead to damage to the compressor itself.

Overheating HVAC system can also be due to dirty condenser coils, which result in AC compressor failure. The condenser coil is the part of the system that helps remove heat to the atmosphere. So, any problem with it could mean insufficient heat transfer.

To prevent AC compressor premature failure, it is important to keep your car well-maintained and regularly inspect all of its components for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, you should always use high-quality refrigerant in your system and be sure to have your vehicle serviced by a trained professional if you suspect that there may be a compressor issue with the AC system. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure that your car remains cool, comfortable, and safe on the road for many years to come.

How long should a car AC compressor last?

Factors that can affect the longevity of your AC compressor include the quality of refrigerant used in your system, the condition and age of other components in your vehicle, and how well you maintain your car overall. Most modern AC compressors should last for several years with proper care and routine maintenance. To help prolong the life of your new compressor and prevent issues from developing over time, it is important to have your car regularly serviced by a qualified mechanic and always use high-quality refrigerant when recharging your system. Additionally, monitoring the condition of all parts in your vehicle and replacing any worn or damaged components as necessary can also help improve the performance and longevity of your AC compressor.

How does a car AC compressor work?

The car AC compressor is a crucial part of the car's air conditioning system in your vehicle. It works by compressing a gas called refrigerant and channelling it through the blower fan and other parts of the system, which helps to cool down the air inside your car. The compressor is driven by either a drive belt or an electric motor, depending on the type of A/ C system that you have in your vehicle. To start the process, refrigerant is drawn into the compressor through one of its intake valves at high pressure. The air conditioning refrigerant then passes through a set of chambers in the compressor, where it is compressed to cause increased pressure and temperature. Once it reaches the other side of these chambers, it expands back into a gas and flows out into other parts of the AC system, such as the condenser or evaporator coils. At low temperatures and low pressure, the pressure becomes vapour liquid. As this refrigerant travels throughout the system, heat is transferred from the passenger compartment to outside air and the warm air is transformed into cool air that can be distributed throughout your vehicle. The AC compressor is responsible for refrigerant flow Overall, the AC compressor is essential in keeping you comfortable on hot days by cooling down the air inside your car. A bad AC compressor affects the whole AC functioning. To ensure optimal performance and longevity for your compressor, it is important to keep your vehicle well-maintained and seek service from a trained professional if you notice any issues with your AC system.

Can I buy a reconditioned air conditioning compressor?

Yes, you can purchase a reconditioned air conditioning compressor to replace the bad ac compressor in your car. Many stores and mechanics offer reconditioned AC compressors as an alternative to new parts, which can be more affordable than brand-new AC unit but still provide reliable performance. Using reconditioned parts may also help reduce the total cost of service.

However, before purchasing a reconditioned AC compressor for your vehicle, it is important to research the part and ensure that it has been properly refurbished to meet all your needs. Also, when the compressor's internal bearings fail, it is best to know what is wrong before doing an unnecessary compressor replacement. Additionally, you should also check that your chosen compressor has been matched with compatible hoses and fittings so that everything will work together correctly for optimal performance.

Where is the AC compressor located on an engine?

The AC compressor is typically located near the front of the engine. In many vehicles, you can identify the location of your compressor by identifying an additional pulley or bracket on your engine that is used to drive it. Once you have determined where your compressor is located in relation to other parts, you can easily check its condition and perform routine maintenance on it as needed. If you are having trouble locating your AC compressor or need assistance with any aspect of its care and maintenance, it is best to consult a trained mechanic who can help ensure that everything is working properly with your vehicle's AC system. Through regular servicing and care for all components in your car, you can improve its performance and help extend the life of your AC compressor.