What Causes a Car Air Conditioning Compressor to Lock Up and How to Fix It?
2 Answers
Immediately turn off the power to the compressor clutch and check the system for any leaks. Discharge all the refrigerant from the system, replace the oil relief valve, and clean all valves (POA valve, STV valve, VIR valve, EPR valve).
The car air conditioning compressor seized up, which I've personally experienced on my own vehicle. The usual causes are insufficient lubricant in the compressor or refrigerant leakage leading to internal dry friction damage. Sometimes, dirt buildup clogs the system, or the compressor becomes excessively worn and stiff. The compressor is the heart of the entire air conditioning system—once it seizes, the whole system shuts down. At the time, I immediately pulled over to inspect and found that the refrigerant had completely leaked out, compounded by a lack of regular maintenance, ultimately causing the compressor to fail. To handle this, don’t force the AC to start, as it could damage other components. I recommend turning off the AC switch immediately and taking the car to a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection. The mechanic will check refrigerant pressure and oil levels—if it’s a minor issue, adding lubricant might solve it; in severe cases, a new compressor may be needed. Personally, I make sure to schedule regular maintenance, checking the AC system annually and topping up refrigerant to avoid such problems. Safety first—don’t skimp on small expenses and risk bigger issues.
