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What Causes High Low Pressure in an Automotive Compressor?

5 Answers
MiaLynn
07/29/25 6:12am

Reasons for high low pressure in an automotive compressor: Compressor damage; Excessive opening of the expansion valve (refers to excessive opening caused by valve body failure, such as loose adjustment spring, faulty temperature sensing bulb, etc.); Poor system design, such as an undersized compressor, oversized expansion valve selection, excessive flow resistance in the evaporator, excessive flow resistance in the low-pressure pipe, etc.; Poor heat dissipation in the condenser, lack of subcooling before refrigerant enters the evaporator leading to poor heat exchange efficiency in the evaporator. Relevant information about turbochargers is as follows: 1. Introduction: A turbocharger is essentially an air compressor that increases air intake by compressing air. 2. Working Principle: It utilizes the inertial force of exhaust gases from the engine to drive the turbine in the turbine chamber, which in turn drives the coaxial impeller. The impeller compresses air delivered through the air filter pipe, pressurizing it into the cylinders. When the engine speed increases, the exhaust gas velocity and turbine speed also increase synchronously, allowing the impeller to compress more air into the cylinders. The increased air pressure and density enable the combustion of more fuel, thereby increasing fuel supply and adjusting the engine speed, which enhances the engine's output power.

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DiJourney
08/12/25 9:19pm

As a veteran driver with thirty years of experience, I've seen plenty of cases with high low-pressure in car air conditioning. It's usually because the refrigerant is overfilled—many car owners think more is better, but it actually causes pressure imbalance. Another common issue is when the condenser gets dirty and blocks heat dissipation, or when the fan stops working, leading to poor heat dissipation and increased low pressure. Air or moisture entering the system can also contaminate the refrigerant and cause problems. Once, I ignored it, and the AC gradually stopped cooling, eventually damaging the compressor internally, which cost a fortune to repair. Now, during every maintenance check, I make sure to have the condenser cleaned and the fan inspected. My advice: address it early to save trouble later.

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ArianaFitz
10/04/25 2:25am

When working at the auto repair shop, I encountered the issue of high low-side pressure in the compressor, which has several potential causes. The most common reason is overcharging of refrigerant, often due to incorrect DIY refills by car owners. A stuck or damaged expansion valve can restrict refrigerant flow, causing a drop in high-side pressure and a consequent rise in the low-side pressure. Poor condenser cooling due to faulty fans or clogged fins can also lead to inefficient refrigeration and pressure imbalance. Air infiltration or improper refilling after a system leak can cause similar symptoms. During diagnosis, use professional pressure gauges to measure both high and low pressures—if the low side is high while the high side is low, it likely indicates a valve issue. It's advisable to visit a professional shop for a comprehensive inspection to avoid long-term damage to compressor components and increased repair costs.

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VonWalter
11/17/25 4:01am

I always feel the air conditioning isn't cooling well? It might be due to high low pressure in the compressor. Possible causes include overcharged refrigerant or severe pipeline leaks. During maintenance, mechanics often remind me to clean a dirty condenser or replace a faulty fan causing insufficient heat dissipation. When parking, be careful not to block the air intake, and regular cleaning can prevent many issues. Ignoring it can lead to compressor overheating and accelerated wear, making repairs troublesome and costly. I always pay attention to AC performance and get it checked promptly if problems arise.

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LukeRose
01/07/26 5:37am

I'm passionate about DIY car maintenance, and there are several possibilities for high low pressure in the compressor. Excessive refrigerant is the most common issue, so be careful to control the amount when adding it yourself. Alternatively, a blocked condenser with poor heat dissipation or a non-working fan can exacerbate the pressure rise. You can purchase an AC pressure testing tool to check the high and low pressure values—high low pressure might indicate too much refrigerant or a failed expansion valve. However, avoid disassembling the system carelessly, as improper handling could damage the compressor seals and cause leaks. If you lack experience, it's best to visit a professional shop for precise machine diagnostics—safety first.

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