What causes car AC compressor failure?

What causes car AC compressor failure?

Indeed, some issues can cause an air conditioner to stop working. But they’re not all expensive to fix. Sometimes their problem could be just a loose wire that’s caused a power failure in your air conditioner. Also, it could have a clogged air filter that’s impeding the airflow to the system.

However, when AC compressor failure causes your system to breakdown, you can contact a service provider. A compressor is an important and expensive component, and whenever it goes, you may find yourself spending a lot of cash on a new AC unit.

But the truth is that 90 percent of the causes of AC compressor failure is preventable. However, the problems leading to the failure should be corrected promptly. This is because these problems can be detected and eliminated during regular AC preventative maintenance.

So What Is The Compressor?

As you already know, the air conditioner compressor is often called the heart of the system. Although this could be a good analogy for a few reasons:

  • Compressor is one of the key components without which the system can’t function.
  • Compressor is very reliable, and if it’s failed before its expected lifespan (10 to 15 years), it’s probably because of an underlying cause that’s often preventable.
  • Compressor does fail, and it’s expensive and sometimes impossible to fix it.
  • Just like your heart pumps blood via your body, the compressor’s job is to compress the refrigerant gas and pump it via the system so that it can remove heat and humidity from the air.
  • We believe you understand why it’s so vital to keep your compressor in good shape. So let’s look at some things that cause AC compressor failure and what you can do to avoid them.

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So What Cause Car AC Compressor Failure

  • A Poor Airflow

When cranking up an AC, if you observe a weak airflow from the blowers and no or low cooling, it’s a sign that your AC needs repairs.

The reason: This may be because of a lack of refrigerant, a clogged expansion tube, a broken compressor, a broken blower motor, etc. Sometimes this symptom may need small maintenance or a major repair, it depends on what’s causing it.

  • A Loud Noise while the AC is on

The reason: This could be a Faulty AC Compressor. Just like other accessories driven by the engine’s belts, the AC compressor has many interior components and uses a sealed bearing to turn. But if any of the interior part breaks, or the compressor’s internal bearings fail, then all sorts of noises can be produced as a result.

  • Noticing Foul Odor In The Cabin

Whenever you enter your car, you get a whiff of musty, pungent, moldy smell. The reason: The HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) filter or cabin air filter might be dirty or worn. So you need to have this cleaned first, or perhaps a replacement is necessary. A regular changing of air cabin filters will help you to prevent long-term damage to your air conditioning system. This will also help you to reduce your fuel consumption. Meaning your health is at risk because mold can cause an allergic reaction to some people. So a regular cleaning of the evaporator case and the air vent will help fix this issue.

  • Having Water Inside The Cabin

Whenever you park your car after a long day drive with the AC on, you will have observed, a puddle of water underneath the car. This is normal and in fact, another sign of a completely healthy AC system. However, when you see water inside the cabin that is when the trouble begins.

The reason: Seeing a condensed water from the evaporator needs to drain out, but because of a clogged drain hose, it seeps into the cabin. So we advised you to get the car to a garage as soon as possible. Any water inside can cause significant damage to your car’s electrical system and can even pose a shock hazard.

  • Your AC Getting Cool; Then It Suddenly Gets Warm

Here is another common complaint we’ve heard from customers who go for AC repairs. Whenever you turn on the AC, it will be well for a few minutes and after which, you will begin to feel warm air blowing from the vents. It could also be a cause of a damaged compressor clutch which prevents the compressor to maintain the correct pressure. This can also be a sign of a blown fuse or leaks.

  • A Burning Odor From The AC

Whenever you switch on your AC, you get a sharp burning smell. A damaged compressor wiring prevents the vehicle’s air conditioning system from functioning properly. Though this will need a complete wiring replacement immediately to avoid any electrical issues.

  • You Switch On The AC, And Nothing Happens

Whenever you press the AC button, the blower throws air, but not cold air.

The reason: This means that the compressor clutch is not moving. A clutch compressor is what allows your car pulley to engage and disengage from engine power.  Note that the clutch can seize, which permanently keeps the compressor activated. Though it can also break, which means the compressor will not be able to receive engine power.

Conclusion on what causes car AC compressor failure

As said earlier, your air conditioning system is an important component of your vehicle that makes your ride more comfortable. So getting a regular car maintenance check-up is important to keep the A/C system in its best condition. This is because prevention is better than cure.