How to Determine if a Car Compressor is Good or Bad?
2 Answers
To determine if a car compressor is good or bad, follow these steps: 1. Start the engine and maintain the speed between 1250 to 1500 RPM; 2. Connect the manifold pressure gauge to the air conditioning refrigeration system, turn on the AC switch, and set the fan to the maximum position; 3. Touch the compressor's intake and exhaust ports. A good compressor will have a cold intake and a hot exhaust with a significant temperature difference between them. If not, it is likely damaged. The working principle of a car compressor: It draws refrigerant from the low-pressure area, compresses it, and sends it to the high-pressure area for cooling and condensation. The heat is dissipated into the air through the radiator, and the refrigerant changes from a gaseous to a liquid state, increasing its pressure.
I think there's a practical way to judge whether a car's air conditioning compressor is working properly. First, start the vehicle and turn on the AC, then listen for any abnormal noises near the compressor. Normal operation should produce a slight humming sound. If you hear metal grinding or clicking noises, that's a red flag. Next, observe the cooling effect. In summer, the vent temperature at idle should be around 10°C. If there's no cool air after five minutes, the compressor might be faulty. Finally, check the pulley. When the engine is running, the compressor clutch should engage and disengage regularly. If the pulley isn't turning or the compressor is frequently cycling on and off, you can pretty much confirm a compressor failure. These simple checks can be done at home without professional tools. Also, remember to regularly check the refrigerant pressure, as abnormal pressure can accelerate compressor wear.
