Symptoms of a Faulty Car Compressor and Clutch?
3 Answers
Air conditioning not cooling is the most obvious sign of a compressor failure. Clutch failure manifests as reduced vehicle power and difficulty engaging gears. Below is a related introduction: 1. Clutch Overview: The clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch serves as the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. 2. Compressor Working Principle: The compressor draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas through the suction pipe. The motor drives the piston to compress the gas, which is then discharged as high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge pipe, providing the power for the refrigeration cycle.
I usually drive to and from work. One summer, when I turned on the air conditioning, hot air suddenly blew out, and it wasn’t cool at all. Then, I heard a ‘buzzing’ or ‘clicking’ noise under the hood, especially noticeable when parked. The car felt sluggish when starting, and fuel consumption also increased. After checking online, I suspected it might be due to a worn compressor clutch, causing the compressor to stop working. I immediately drove to the repair shop for inspection. The mechanic said to first check the fuses and relays, and if they were fine, replace the faulty parts. After the repair, everything returned to normal, costing a few hundred yuan. I’d like to remind everyone not to ignore similar issues—high temperatures inside the car in summer can affect driving safety, especially during long trips, as it can lead to fatigue and distraction. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is crucial to avoid minor issues turning into costly repairs.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I recall an incident when the air conditioning failed. The engine noise increased and it started shaking when the compressor wouldn't engage. A faulty clutch manifests as no response when pressing the AC button, or inconsistent cooling. In severe cases, the pulley rotates but the compressor doesn't, producing sharp friction sounds. This issue not only affects comfort but also increases engine load, causing sluggish acceleration. After confirming the fuses were intact with a multimeter, I took it to a professional shop where replacing the faulty components solved the problem. AC problems should be repaired promptly as prolonged neglect may lead to refrigerant leaks and additional malfunctions. Develop a habit of seasonal AC checks, such as cleaning the evaporator in spring.
