Why is the car compressor not working and the air conditioner not cooling?
4 Answers
Reasons why the car compressor is not working and the air conditioner is not cooling are as follows: Lack of refrigerant: Car air conditioners generally need refrigerant replenishment every 2-3 years, and some cars may require it annually. Even with tight seals, refrigerant can still escape, especially if there are minor leaks in the air conditioning pipes or condenser. Dirty condenser: During summer, poor air conditioning performance is often noticed. When testing shows no issues with the air conditioning system and normal high/low pressure readings, mechanics at 4S shops often recommend cleaning the radiator. The main purpose of cleaning the radiator and condenser is to improve heat dissipation.
Last summer, I encountered a situation where the air conditioning compressor suddenly stopped working while driving, making it unbearably hot. There could be several reasons: the compressor itself might have failed due to internal component wear or seizing—it's essentially the heart of the AC system; electrical issues like a blown fuse or a faulty relay could prevent power from reaching the compressor; refrigerant leaks might cause insufficient system pressure, triggering a protection mode that stops the compressor from starting; or the belt might have loosened or snapped, directly preventing the compressor from operating. Remember to first check the fuse box, usually located near the engine compartment, and inspect the relevant fuse to see if it's blown. For mechanical issues, professional diagnosis is required—don’t attempt DIY fixes to avoid damaging the car. If this happens, immediately turn off the AC, pull over, and wait for a repair shop to tow and fix it. Regular maintenance checks on the AC system can prevent many such issues, saving you from suffering on the road.
Just bought a used car and the AC compressor already quit, blowing hot air is driving me crazy! I think the main reasons include a broken compressor or loose electrical connections, or maybe the refrigerant leaked and the compressor isn't working. A simple first step is to check the fuse box—pop the hood and look for the fuse labeled AC, then try replacing it with a new one. There could also be a clutch issue preventing the compressor from turning. Don't skimp on regular maintenance; cleaning the condenser of dust might prevent overheating failures. If the AC suddenly fails while driving on the highway, for safety, open the windows for ventilation or pull over and wait for help—heatstroke in hot weather is no joke. I recommend getting an OBD scanner to check for trouble codes in advance, so you don't get ripped off.
Compressor failure is typically categorized into electrical or mechanical causes. Electrical issues include blown fuses, short circuits, or relay failures, which disrupt power supply. Mechanical problems involve stuck clutches, loose belts, or internal compressor faults. Low refrigerant levels or system blockages are also common, causing the compressor to shut down upon detecting low pressure. I often use a multimeter to measure output voltage for diagnosis. Routine maintenance recommendations include cleaning the AC filter and keeping the condenser clear to prevent overheating damage. If the compressor starts with noise but no cooling, it may indicate a leak requiring refrigerant recharge. Prompt repairs prevent collateral damage to components like the evaporator, as repairs can be costly.
