What are the symptoms of a bad car air conditioning pump?
2 Answers
If the air conditioning pump is faulty, the most obvious symptom is the inability of the air conditioning system to cool. Below are the relevant details: 1. There are many reasons for abnormal noises from the air conditioning pump, such as damage to the compressor electromagnetic clutch, severe internal wear of the compressor, etc. The electromagnetic clutch is a common source of abnormal noises due to its location, making it prone to exposure to rain and dirt. When the bearings inside the electromagnetic clutch are damaged, abnormal noises occur. Additionally, a compressor drive belt that is too loose or too tight, lack of lubricating oil, or repeated engagement of the electromagnetic clutch can all cause abnormal noises. 2. Leakage in the air conditioning pump is also a common issue, with the specific leakage location being the junction between the compressor and the high and low-pressure pipes. When refrigerant leaks, compressor lubricating oil is also lost, leading to poor compression by the air conditioning pump or the air conditioning system not working. 3. Moreover, there are many reasons why the air conditioning system may not work, most of which are related to electrical circuits. A preliminary check can be done by directly supplying power to the compressor electromagnetic clutch to determine if it is faulty.
When the AC compressor failed, the first thing I noticed was the sudden loss of cold air inside the car. Even when set to the coldest setting, the vents only blew natural air, with no cooling at all. Then, upon closer listening, when starting the car and turning on the AC, there was a strange clicking noise coming from under the hood, like metal grinding or a buzzing sound, which was quite unpleasant. Occasionally, there was also a faint burnt smell, especially after high-speed driving. I tried checking the AC system myself, such as looking for refrigerant leaks or oil stains on the ground, and also inspected electrical components like whether the fuse had blown. If the compressor isn't repaired, not only does driving in summer become unbearable, but it could also lead to damage in other components, like increased belt wear, which isn't worth the risk. I promptly took it to the repair shop, where they confirmed the compressor needed replacement to restore normal function.
