What Causes Car Compressor Overheating?
3 Answers
The causes of compressor overheating are: compressor wear leading to abnormal operation. Blocked refrigeration lines increase pressure, causing the compressor to fail and triggering overcurrent or overheating protection. Abnormal voltage, either too high or too low, prevents the compressor from starting or causes it to operate under excessive pressure, both resulting in overheating and failure. Below is relevant information: A compressor is a driven fluid machine that converts low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas, serving as the heart of the refrigeration system. It draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas through the suction pipe, compresses it via piston movement driven by an electric motor, and then discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge pipe, providing power for the refrigeration cycle.
Last time my car's air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, the mechanic said it was due to compressor overheating. Common causes include: issues with the cooling system, such as the condenser fins being blocked by dust or willow catkins, the cooling fan getting stuck or the motor burning out, preventing heat dissipation; lack of refrigerant or air mixed in, causing abnormal pressure rise in the system; compressor failure itself, such as internal bearing wear leading to excessive friction heat, or clutch slippage causing high temperatures from idle rotation; and also pipe blockages, with the dryer filter mesh clogged affecting refrigerant flow. It is recommended to regularly clean the condenser, check the fan, test refrigerant pressure every two years, and avoid turning on the air conditioning at full blast immediately after the car has been exposed to summer sun.
I've found that compressor overheating most frequently occurs in older vehicles. Imbalanced AC system pressure directly leads to overheating: the compressor overworks when refrigerant is insufficient due to leaks, while overcharging causes temperature spikes in high-pressure lines. Poor heat dissipation is another major cause - whether it's a thick layer of insect debris trapped between the radiator and condenser, or faulty wiring connections in the cooling fan. Mechanical failures are also common, especially during continuous traffic jams when excessive friction heat builds up from overtightened compressor belts or oil-starved bearings. Regular maintenance is key: listen for unusual AC noises and schedule immediate inspection when cooling performance declines.
