What Causes Intermittent Operation of a Car's Air Conditioning Compressor?
3 Answers
The main reason for intermittent operation of a car's air conditioning compressor is a loose contactor coil in the compressor. Here are the relevant details:1. Introduction: The car air conditioning compressor serves as the heart of the vehicle's AC refrigeration system, responsible for compressing and circulating refrigerant vapor. Compressors are categorized into fixed displacement and variable displacement types. Based on working principles, AC compressors can be divided into fixed displacement compressors and variable displacement compressors.2. Causes: Refrigerant leakage in the compressor - this requires checking and repairing the refrigerant lines; Loose wiring in the compressor contactor coil causing tracking electricity - the compressor cables need to be reconnected; Insufficient compressor oil - it's important to regularly add oil to the compressor, with the optimal oil level being at 2/3 capacity.
My car's air conditioning once had an intermittent compressor issue. I remember that drive when the AC would blow cold air one moment and stop the next—it was quite frustrating. After consulting a repair shop, I learned common causes include oxidized or poorly contacting relay terminals (which tend to flicker in hot weather), as well as aged or loose compressor belts that slip and fail to transmit power. If refrigerant leaks and pressure drops, the system automatically protects the compressor by shutting it down, leading to random outages. Additionally, corroded or loose wiring connections cause unstable current, making the compressor cycle on and off. I recommend checking relays and belt tension during routine maintenance—sometimes just replacing the belt solves the problem. If refrigerant is low, top it up promptly to avoid compressor damage. Addressing these early saves you from sweating through summer drives.
My old car's AC compressor keeps acting up, sometimes blowing cold air and other times not working at all. After tinkering with it for a while, I finally figured out the issue. It's mostly electrical problems, like a worn-out electromagnetic clutch causing unstable engagement, which naturally leads to erratic operation. Refrigerant leakage is another major culprit—pressure fluctuations can trigger the compressor's automatic shutdown protection, resulting in intermittent performance. Wiring issues shouldn't be overlooked either; poor fuse contact or voltage fluctuations can cause the compressor to work sporadically. I once had a loose connector—using a multimeter to check circuit continuity usually helps pinpoint the problem. It's a good habit to regularly clean the AC system, check refrigerant levels, and replace small components when necessary.
