Why does the Outlander air conditioning compressor start frequently?
2 Answers
The frequent starting of the Outlander air conditioning compressor can be attributed to several reasons, with the most likely cause being the tripping of the compressor protection device. A tripped compressor overload protection indicates that the system voltage is too high or the overheat current is excessive. Another possible cause is the burnout of the starting capacitor or the compressor starting coil. The reasons for excessive voltage, high pressure, or overheating and their corresponding solutions are as follows: 1. Excessive refrigerant: Appropriately reduce the refrigerant amount. 2. Poor heat dissipation: Check the condenser pipes for dirt and clean the condenser. 3. Blockage in the pipeline system: Refer to the pressure gauge for judgment and troubleshooting, then reprocess the system. 4. Dust and scale accumulation on the evaporator or filter, leading to reduced airflow and imbalance in system pressure and temperature: Clean the evaporator or filter. 5. Lack of refrigerant (Freon): Add an appropriate amount of Freon.
When I drive my Outlander, I notice the AC compressor keeps turning on and off, which is really annoying. This might be due to a refrigerant leak in the cooling system—like when there's not enough refrigerant, the compressor has to cycle on and off repeatedly to cool down, otherwise the cooling effect in the car can't keep up. Another possibility is that the temperature sensor is faulty, thinking it's still hot inside when the cabin is already cool, sending constant signals to the compressor to work. High external temperatures can also cause this, like during summer scorchers, forcing the compressor to cycle frequently to handle the heat load. Also, check if the compressor's electromagnetic clutch is worn out—if the connection is unstable, it might disengage and engage repeatedly, making a clicking or grinding noise. Bottom line: don't delay. Get to a repair shop ASAP to check for leaks and sensor issues before the compressor burns out, fuel efficiency drops, and driving becomes even more uncomfortable.
