SIGNS YOUR CAR NEEDS A NEW AC COMPRESSOR

Here are some signs that your AC compressor is about to fail – or has failed already.

AC not as cold as it should be

If you notice that the air coming from the vents with the AC switched on is not as cold as you remember it to be, you could have a problem with the AC compressor. There are other issues related to the AC system that could cause the air to be warmer than normal, but a bad compressor is certainly one option. You can have the air temperature tested to determine if it is indeed higher than it should be.

Noises coming from the engine compartment

All sorts of culprits can be blamed for strange sounds near the engine. A squealing belt, a whining power steering pump, a worn out pulley, brake pads in need of replacement. If, on inspection, you hear chattering, whining, squealing, chirping, or rattling sounds coming from the AC compressor, it is time for AC service. Sometimes the commotion only erupts when you engage the AC switch. Some noises remain constant. Compressor noises result from either a faulty clutch or a seizing shaft. Failure is likely to happen if the compressor oil used for lubrication becomes contaminated (usually with water vapor), is not in sufficient supply, or is of the wrong type.

Damage evident on the AC compressor

Physical damage to the compressor or its clutch could be an indication of an internal problem. Same thing with corrosion. Moisture is the enemy of your car’s AC system, so corrosion on the outside could be an indication of a problem on the inside. Oil leaks will lead to a compressor breakdown. So, any damage – whether something is bent, broken, corroded, or leaking – should be evaluated to make sure your AC system is in working order.

Compressor clutch will not engage

When you switch on the AC, the clutch attached to the pulley on the compressor should engage. Looking at the face of the compressor, the clutch appears as a plate on the front of the pulley. With the AC off, the clutch does not spin. When you turn the AC on, the clutch can make a momentary click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. If the clutch does not engage, or if it makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs to be serviced.