What to Do When the Car Air Conditioning Compressor Fails to Start?

[BrynleeDella]

Air conditioning compressor failure to start can be caused by issues with the AC contactor, improper use of the air conditioning system, among other factors. Below are detailed reasons and solutions for car air conditioning compressor failure to start: 1. Reasons for car air conditioning compressor failure to start: Problems with the AC contactor, broken connection wires between the indoor and outdoor units leading to no power supply to the outdoor unit, improper use of the air conditioning system, and damage to the control board can all cause the air conditioning compressor to stop working. 2. Measures to solve car air conditioning compressor failure to start: Focus on checking for open circuits or wiring errors and correctly troubleshoot the issues. Replace new wiring in time and carry out timely repairs or replacements.

[DelOlive]

When the car's air conditioning compressor fails to start, I begin by checking the simplest component: the fuse. Locate the compressor's fuse in the fuse box (usually under the hood or dashboard) to see if it's blown or loose; if damaged, replace it with a new one. If that doesn't solve the issue, the problem might be the relay—it controls the compressor's startup. Find it in the same location, remove it, give it a shake, or try replacing it. Next, inspect the electrical connections: check if any plugs are disconnected or if wiring is damaged/corroded. Use a multimeter to test voltage; if no power is detected, the switch or sensor may be faulty. Additionally, insufficient refrigerant can trigger the compressor's protection mode (automatic shutdown to prevent damage), requiring a refrigerant recharge—though DIY attempts are risky, so professional service is recommended. A broken or worn belt can also prevent compressor operation; pop the hood to inspect belt tension. The entire process takes about 20 minutes, but if unresolved, visiting a repair shop is safer to avoid heat discomfort—driving safety comes first.

[VonBriella]

If the air conditioning compressor doesn't start, my usual first step is to check the fuse box—locate the fuse labeled AC, pull it out to inspect for color changes or broken filaments; replace it with a spare fuse if it's faulty (there's often a spare in the car). If that's fine, the next step is to check the relay: it's a small box about the size of a matchbox, usually located near the fuses. Try removing and reinserting it or replacing it to see if the compressor responds. Still no luck? It might be due to too much refrigerant leakage (low-pressure protection), but I personally wouldn't attempt to recharge it myself, as I'm wary of harmful gas leaks. Alternatively, it could be poor electrical contact—follow the compressor's wiring to find any loose plugs and tighten them. Don't spend too much time on it; if it takes more than 15 minutes, stop and call a mechanic to come over or drive to a repair shop. It's better not to delay your trip—driving without AC in summer is unbearably hot and could even lead to accidents. Safety first.

[CamillaAnn]

Once the compressor fails to start, especially on the highway, I immediately open the windows for ventilation and find a safe place to pull over and turn off the engine to ensure the safety of myself and passengers. Then, I pop open the hood to quickly check if any fuses are blown—replace them with new ones and test if the AC resumes working. If there's no response, don't risk continuing to drive to prevent engine overheating or battery drain; call for a tow truck or ask a friend to inspect the relays and wiring connections for any breaks. Low refrigerant is also a potential issue, but handling it requires professional tools to avoid environmental damage. In short, prioritize pulling over safely in such situations, avoid forcing the AC to operate, minimize the risk of further damage, and remember—safety comes first.