What are the reasons for the car air conditioning compressor not working?
2 Answers
Reasons for the car air conditioning compressor not working are as follows: 1. Severe internal wear of the compressor, leading to inability to function properly. 2. It's important to know that the compressor plays a crucial role in the air conditioning system. Its main job is to compress and deliver cold air, which means the compressor operates at high speeds for prolonged periods. This is also a reason why the compressor may fail to work normally. Fault inspection and troubleshooting methods for a car air conditioning compressor not working: 1. Both high and low-pressure gauges indicate values lower than normal. This may be due to insufficient refrigerant. During inspection, you might find the high-pressure pipe slightly warm and the low-pressure pipe slightly cold, but the temperature difference is minimal. The sight glass may show bubbles appearing every 1-2 seconds. First, check for any leaks, repair them, and then replenish the refrigerant. 2. The low-pressure gauge shows a value much lower than normal. In this case, the sight glass may display a misty flow, with no temperature difference between the high and low-pressure pipes, and the cold air is not cold, indicating a severe leak. 3. The low-pressure gauge indicates near zero, and the high-pressure gauge shows a value lower than normal. The air conditioning system may blow air that is not cold, with frost forming on the pipes before and after the expansion valve. The cause could be frost blockage in the expansion valve, preventing refrigerant circulation in the system. In this case, repeatedly vacuum the system and replenish the refrigerant. Another possibility is damage to the expansion valve's temperature sensing bulb, preventing the valve from opening. Check the temperature sensing bulb. 4. Both high and low-pressure gauges indicate lower than normal values. This may indicate an internal fault in the compressor, such as damaged valve plates or gaskets, requiring compressor replacement. 5. Both high and low-pressure gauges show higher than normal values. The compressor's suction pipe surface temperature is lower than usual, appearing damp and icy. This is due to an excessively open expansion valve, causing an oversupply of refrigerant in the evaporator, which affects evaporation and reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system.
Last time when I helped my neighbor check his car's air conditioning, the compressor wasn't working, and I found there could be several reasons. The most common is a blown fuse, which can be easily replaced by checking the fuse box under the dashboard. Relay failure is also quite common—it controls the compressor's on/off switch, and if it's faulty, the signal won't pass through. A loose or broken belt can prevent the compressor from turning, especially in older cars. Refrigerant leakage causes low system pressure, triggering the compressor's automatic protection to shut off—a safety mechanism. The compressor itself might have internal damage, such as a stuck piston or electromagnetic clutch issues. Problems with the AC switch or short circuits in the wiring can also hinder operation. When checking, it's advisable to listen for sounds or check indicator lights first, and repair early to avoid the dangers of driving in high temperatures. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues, such as cleaning the condenser and checking refrigerant levels.