Although some may disagree, the AC has become an absolute need when driving, second only to the radio. A traffic bottleneck may be terrible in the heat of summer, with dozens of automobiles and asphalt heating the air around you.
But what if you turn on the AC and nothing happens when you press the switch?
In this guide, you will learn how to diagnose and repair an AC compressor problem that may be preventing your AC from working properly.
When an AC compressor fails, it’s usually because of an electrical issue, a poor compressor clutch, or a completely faulty compressor.
AC Compressor Problems & Solutions
Air conditioning problems can have many causes, but by pinpointing the problem’s origin, we can eliminate many of them.
Powered by a serpentine belt and a pulley, the AC compressor transfers power into the unit. Compressors are designed with a clutch to allow unrestricted rotation of the pulley even when the AC is not running.
To activate the air conditioning, an electrical signal is sent to the electro magnetic compressor clutch. The outer clutch disc is pulled towards the compressor by a magnetic field created by the compressor portion.
Pulleys begin to send power to the compressor as the discs join with the compressor shaft.
Examining the clutch disc and compressor pulley will reveal this. This indicates that the compressor is receiving power and that the clutch is functioning properly. In other words, if the pulley spins while the clutch disc remains stationary, the clutch isn’t working properly.
Electrical Problem
The best-case scenario is that there is an electrical fault. Repairing an AC compressor problem is usually more expensive than a blown fuse or relay, as well as a loose power socket.
Blown Fuse
Fuses are an ingenious safety measure that separates an electrical connection from causing catastrophic damage. The exact location of each electric module’s fuse is determined by the arrangement of the fuse box in your car.
It’s easier to check every fuse than it is to find your way around the fuse box. It is possible to inspect each one by hand, or you can use a test lamp or an electronic multimeter to do it more quickly.
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Ground the test lamp on the nut that holds the driver’s door in place if the fuse box is located beneath the steering wheel. There are many suitable places to look under the hood; all you need is a solid piece of metal.
On the back of each fuse, there are two exposed metal spots. A good fuse can be tested by tapping it with the test lamp and seeing if it lights up. Take a test drive to see if the compressor works after replacing the fuses with those from a fuse kit.
Bad Relay
When a button or switch within the car is pressed, an electromechanical switch called a relay closes the circuit. In order to keep things simple, relays are also placed in the fuse box so that power can flow from the relay to an electrical system.
If you can’t find the AC compressor relay in your vehicle’s fuse box or owner’s manual, check at the diagram on the back. It can be tested by turning the ignition to the On position, placing your finger on the relay, and then turning on the AC control switch.
When the electromagnetic force closes the circuit, you’ll hear a distinct clicking sound and feel the relay move. If the fuse box is under the hood, get a friend to help you switch the AC settings.
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All you need to do is acquire the correct replacement, remove the old one, and re-install the new one in its place. Try out your vehicle once more to check whether the issue has been fixed.
Wiring and Power Plugs
You should inspect the power plug and the cables connecting to the compressor to see if anything is loose or damaged before moving on to more significant causes of compressor failure.
Compressor or Clutch Failure
When the clutch engages, power is transferred to the compressor through the compressor pulley, which is always spinning. Start the engine and switch on the air conditioning to see if the pulley and the clutch disc are moving in unison.
The refrigerant, on the other hand, will cause a great deal of trouble even if the compressor or clutch are replaced. Even though the R134A refrigerant used in newer cars is less dangerous than the older R12 refrigerant, proper recycling is still required.
Let a professional or another guide handle the refrigerant discharge and recharge, so that we can concentrate on the mechanical work at hand. To replace the entire compressor or simply the compressor clutch, follow these procedures.
Tools You’ll Need
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How To Remove The AC Compressor
How To Replace The Compressor Clutch
FAQs
How do I manually engage my AC compressor clutch?
Shorting the AC compressor’s control relay can restart it. To get the system to work, you’ll also need to give the AC fan and condenser a jump start. Replacing the relay is more simpler and safer than trying to manually start the AC if the fault is with the relay.
Can AC run without a compressor?
Because of the compressor’s critical role in the AC, it’s not possible.
Summary
There is a problem with the AC compressor’s clutch compressor and an electrical problem that prevents it from engaging.
Work your way up to the clutch from the simplest problems, such as blown fuses or faulty relays. Refrigerant must be safely drained out of the system by a professional mechanic using specialized equipment before you can work on the compressor or clutch.
