What are the reasons for the car air conditioning compressor not engaging?
2 Answers
Reasons for the car air conditioning compressor not engaging: 1. Faulty compressor clutch. 2. Issues with the compressor control circuit. 3. Damaged temperature control sensor in the car air conditioning system. 4. Insufficient or no refrigerant in the compressor. The following are precautions for using car air conditioning: 1. Regularly add refrigerant: The refrigerant used in car air conditioning is R134a, and it needs to be replenished periodically. Failure to add refrigerant for a long time can result in reduced cooling efficiency and slower cooling speed. 2. Regularly clean the car air conditioning: The air conditioning system can harbor many bacteria. When cleaning the air conditioning or adding refrigerant, it is essential to go to a professional institution and have experts perform the operation using professional equipment.
I've been repairing cars for nearly twenty years, and it's particularly common to encounter situations where the air conditioning compressor fails to engage. The main reasons could be refrigerant leakage causing the pressure to drop too low, triggering the system's protection mechanism to prevent the compressor from starting; or a blown fuse cutting off the power supply. Electrical circuit issues are also quite frequent, such as relay failure or loose wiring, leading to unstable current. I once worked on a car where, during the summer heat, the belt was too loose and slipped, preventing the compressor from engaging—the owner complained about dying from the heat. When diagnosing, start by checking the fuse box for headlight or air conditioning-related fuses and replace them if necessary. Then, inspect the refrigerant pressure; if it's insufficient, you'll need to fix the leak and recharge the system. Safety tip: Avoid forcing the compressor to start, as it may damage more components. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system, including checking belt tension and electrical connections, is recommended to save on repair costs and avoid travel inconveniences.