Why does the compressor belt slip when the air conditioning is turned on?

2 Answers
Jodie
07/28/25 11:02pm
When the air conditioning compressor belt slips upon turning on the air conditioning, it is due to the belt being too loose. Below is an introduction to the air conditioning belt: Introduction to the air conditioning belt: The multi-ribbed belt, also known as the air conditioning belt, functions to drive the generator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump. It is mounted on the crankshaft pulley and tensioned by the air conditioning belt tensioner. When this belt is damaged, you may experience heavy steering assistance or a complete loss of power steering. If the air conditioning is turned on, the air conditioning compressor will not start, resulting in no cooling. Impact of belt tension on the air conditioning system: The tension of the compressor drive belt directly affects the performance of the car's air conditioning system. If the compressor belt is too loose, it can lead to poor cooling performance. It is important to adjust the compressor belt promptly. If the belt slips severely when starting the air conditioning, a "squeaking" noise may occur, indicating that the belt and tensioner should be replaced. The tension of the compressor drive belt also significantly impacts the lifespan of the electromagnetic clutch. If the belt is too loose, the electromagnetic clutch is prone to slipping; if it is too tight, the load on the electromagnetic clutch increases. Improper belt tension can cause the compressor to malfunction or even lead to compressor damage. Additionally, if the compressor pulley and generator pulley are not aligned on the same plane during operation, it can reduce the lifespan of the drive belt or the compressor itself.
Was this review help?
16
1
Share
ORonan
08/12/25 3:27am
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered many belt issues. When the AC compressor belt slips as soon as the air conditioning is turned on, there are usually several reasons. The most fundamental one is insufficient belt tension—over time it loosens, and when the compressor starts with increased load, it slips. Another reason is severe aging and wear of the belt, with many surface cracks reducing friction. I remember one summer when the belt squealed and slipped after turning on the AC. Upon inspection, the belt was too old, and replacing it fixed the issue. Additionally, belt contamination by engine oil is quite common; oil leaks dripping onto the belt cause it to slip. You should regularly check the belt's condition, tightening it about every six months, and replace it if cracks are found. Otherwise, slipping can lead to cooling failure or even belt breakage, affecting the engine. Keeping the engine clean to avoid oil contamination can reduce such troubles, saving you hassle and preventing roadside breakdowns.
Was this review help?
9
2
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Where is the cigarette lighter located in the Tiida?

The cigarette lighter in the Tiida is located below the center console, marked with a cigarette symbol on a button-like component. The cigarette lighter is a standard feature in all vehicles, designed to provide a convenient ignition source for smokers. Here are some relevant details: 1. The typical maximum power capacity of a cigarette lighter is 120W. Exceeding this limit may overload the lighter, leading to potential hazards such as overheating or burning. Therefore, when using external devices, always check the maximum power rating and ensure usage remains below 120W. 2. It's important to note that some cigarette lighters remain powered even after the vehicle is turned off, so it's advisable to unplug devices when not in use. When inserting or removing devices, avoid excessive force or shaking, as this may cause poor contact during subsequent use. More severely, it could lead to a short circuit, resulting in blown fuses or damage to external devices. Always remove devices vertically to prevent such issues.
14
4
Share

Location of the BMW 1 Series Cabin Air Filter?

BMW 1 Series' cabin air filter is located behind the glove box on the passenger side. To replace the cabin air filter, you need to remove the glove box on the passenger side first. Only then can you replace the cabin air filter. The BMW 1 Series is a compact car under the BMW brand. Here are the details of the BMW 1 Series: 1. The domestic version of the BMW 1 Series has a wheelbase of 2670mm, with length, width, and height measuring 4456mm, 1803mm, and 1446mm respectively. 2. The BMW 1 Series is equipped with two types of engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers 140 horsepower and a maximum torque of 220 Nm, with a maximum power speed ranging from 4600 to 6500 rpm and a maximum torque speed ranging from 1480 to 4200 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 192 horsepower and a maximum torque of 280 Nm, with a maximum power speed ranging from 5000 to 6000 rpm and a maximum torque speed ranging from 1350 to 4600 rpm.
20
3
Share

How Long Does a Volkswagen Car Key Battery Typically Last?

Generally, the lifespan of a remote key battery is 2-3 years, varying by vehicle model. When it suddenly runs out of power one day and can't unlock the car door, you can only use the hidden mechanical key. Since most remote keys come with a mechanical key, either hidden inside or attached to the side, you can use the mechanical key to open the door when the battery dies. Typically, the door lock is located on the handle. Some models hide the lock hole for aesthetic reasons, but it is always near the handle. Here are some relevant details: 1. Most dry batteries are replaced by opening the battery compartment cover, while button cells require prying open the remote key's assembly gap to replace the battery inside. 2. The range for most car remote keys is 50-70 meters. However, factors like parking lot environments, mobile phone wireless signals, and low battery levels can affect signal transmission. 3. The car can only be operated within 10 meters. Strong interference sources may directly cause the remote to malfunction, or it could simply be due to a dead battery.
15
3
Share

BMW X5 Brake Squeaking Noise?

The causes of squeaking noise when braking generally fall into the following three categories: 1. Brake pad material issues. Most vehicles currently use semi-metallic brake pads, and if the metal content in the pads is too hard, it can produce noise during braking. 2. Uneven brake rotors. During use, brake rotors may develop uneven surfaces. When the rotor surface becomes uneven, braking is more likely to produce noise. 3. Protrusions on the edges of brake rotors due to natural wear. When replacing new brake pads, if the pads and rotors do not fully align during braking, noise may occur.
12
5
Share

Where is the Corolla engine number located?

The Corolla engine number is located on the side of the rear end of the engine. The vehicle's factory nameplate also displays the engine number, and it is additionally recorded on the vehicle's registration certificate. Below is an introduction to the car engine number: 1. The car engine number is the vehicle identification code, where VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. 2. According to ASE standards, the VIN code consists of 17 characters, hence it is commonly referred to as the 17-digit code. Correctly interpreting the VIN code is crucial for accurately identifying the vehicle model and ensuring proper diagnosis and maintenance. 3. The vehicle identification code serves as the car's ID number, determined based on national vehicle management standards. It includes information such as the manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. New vehicle registration certificates typically print the VIN code in the 'Chassis Number' field.
2
2
Share

What type of engine oil is suitable for Zotye T500?

The original factory engine oil brand for Zotye T500 is Mobil. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The official Zotye T500 manual recommends an engine oil model of 5W-30. Any oil model that meets this specification can be used. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother cold starts for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. A higher value means the oil can maintain its viscosity index better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in a Zotye T500 is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until no more oil flows out. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain. Use a special wrench to remove the oil filter. Apply some new oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add the new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Generally, pour about three-quarters of a standard oil bottle. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes. Check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If there are leaks, perform necessary repairs. After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check if the oil level is within the standard range.
15
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.