What Are the Causes of Car Air Conditioning Compressor Failure?
4 Answers
Car air conditioning not blowing air can be caused by blower motor failure, clogged air filter, or control system malfunction. Car air conditioning refrigeration system: consists of compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower motor, etc. These components are connected by copper pipes and high-pressure rubber hoses to form a sealed system. When the refrigeration system operates, refrigerant circulates in different states within this sealed system. Blower motor failure: The car blower motor is a crucial component for air conditioning airflow. If the air conditioning compressor fails during operation, the car air conditioning will definitely not blow air. Overheating damage to the internal coil or capacitor failure are significant causes of blower motor failure. You can turn the car air conditioning to maximum and listen for the blower motor sound. Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter is a common and major reason for air conditioning not blowing air. During operation, the car air conditioning absorbs many impurities from the air, leading to filter clogging. If the air conditioning stops blowing air, you can remove the air filter to check if it's clean. Control system malfunction: If neither the blower motor nor the air filter is causing the air conditioning to stop blowing air, then the issue might be with the air door, air conditioning computer, or control switch. Control system switches generally don't fail easily.
I've seen many cases of compressor failures, with refrigerant leakage being the most common issue. This causes unstable system pressure, forcing the compressor to work hard without proper output, which can easily burn out internal components. Insufficient lubrication is another problem - low oil levels increase friction between pistons and bearings, accelerating wear. Electrical failures are also frequent, such as clutch coil burnout or poor wiring connections preventing the compressor from starting at all. Don't overlook system contamination either - dust or moisture ingress can cause the compressor to seize. I recommend regularly checking AC system pressure, maintaining proper refrigerant levels, and performing maintenance every two years to prevent these issues. A failed compressor is costly and time-consuming to repair, and significantly impacts driving comfort.
That time my car's AC suddenly stopped cooling, driving in summer was unbearable. The mechanic checked and said the compressor had failed, possibly due to several reasons. Too much refrigerant leakage caused low pressure, making the compressor spin without working. Lubrication system issues are also common – dried-up or dirty oil leads to internal overheating and wear. Additionally, aging or short-circuited electrical wiring can make the clutch respond sluggishly or fail completely. The compressor itself had been used for years, and extreme aging can cause mechanical damage. To solve it once and for all, I insisted on regular AC maintenance, and now it never acts up again. Sharing this to help others avoid the same hassle.
Most car air conditioning compressor failures stem from improper maintenance. Low refrigerant levels cause compressor overheating and damage. Insufficient lubrication leads to severe component friction. Electrical system shorts or loose wiring trigger startup issues. Foreign object blockages in pipes also cause compression pressure imbalance. I always emphasize checking these points during every vehicle inspection - prevention saves trouble.
