How to Determine if a Car Air Conditioning Compressor is Faulty?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if a car air conditioning compressor is faulty: 1. If the pipeline has not been disassembled, start the car and maintain the engine speed at 2000 RPM. Open the area where the compressor is installed and grasp the exhaust pipe (there are only two pipes, the thinnest one) with your hand. If it feels very hot, it indicates that the compressor can compress, meaning the compressor is functioning properly. Otherwise, it can be judged as faulty. Before performing this step, be sure to check whether the AC switch or the thermostat switch is turned on. You can also observe whether the compressor's clutch plate is engaged. 2. If the pipeline has already been disassembled, it is even easier to determine. Start the car and turn on the compressor switch. Use your thumb to press against the exhaust pipe. If the exhaust pipe has high pressure and cannot be pressed down, it indicates normal function. If it can be pressed down, it means the compressor's compression ability has declined and needs replacement. Note that this test method should not be performed for too long, as the compressor is running without refrigerant.
Speaking of car air conditioning compressor failures, here's my experience: Last summer, I went on a countryside drive, and after turning on the AC, it didn't cool down for a long time—only natural air came out. At first, I thought it was low on refrigerant, so I went to a shop to get it refilled, but the situation didn't improve. Later, I noticed a clicking noise coming from the engine bay and even smelled a strange burnt odor when I stopped to check. When I took it to a mechanic, he said the compressor was internally worn out, as the refrigerant flow was disrupted, causing the AC to malfunction. Actually, common signs of a failing compressor include significantly reduced cooling efficiency, unusual noises (like buzzing or squeaking) when the AC is turned on, or the compressor not engaging at all (no change in engine RPM). These could indicate clutch failure, internal leaks, or mechanical damage. It's advisable to pay attention to these details while driving and get timely repairs to avoid bigger issues that could affect driving comfort. By the way, the compressor is the core component of the AC system—if it fails, it's best to replace it rather than trying to save money or time. That repair cost me a few hundred bucks, but at least driving in summer became comfortable again.
