Every vehicle’s air conditioning system relies on a constant flow of refrigerant circulating through it. This refrigerant is what allows the air conditioner to produce the cool air that comes out of the dashboard vents.
The only way this refrigerant can continue to circulate properly is thanks to a component called the air conditioning compressor, also known as the AC compressor. This component creates pressure that pushes the refrigerant and keeps it flowing.
As long as the AC compressor remains functional, you should have a steady stream of cool air from the vents. But like anything, an AC compressor can fail.
Bad Car AC Compressor Symptoms
AC compressors endure a lot of stress. Since car air conditioning systems are constantly being turned on and off, this power fluctuation puts a lot of pressure on the compressor.
Over a number of years, this stress will wear out the compressor and eventually cause it to malfunction. This is why people who regularly use their air conditioners will have problems with them sooner rather than later.
There are warning signs that will appear if your AC compressor starts to go bad. Here are 4 common symptoms.
1) Strange Noises
If you turn on your air conditioner and there are a lot of strange noises generated, then your AC compressor is likely starting to fail.
The compressor relies on a sealed bearing and many other components to rotate. If the bearings or internal components were to be damaged or worn, it would make the compressor’s operation more difficult.
Strange noises will only be the beginning of the problem. This is why you should take this symptom as an early indicator of the need to replace your AC compressor.
2) Hot Air from Vents
If you turn on your air conditioner and only get hot air from the vents, even after a few minutes, this clearly indicates that your AC compressor is failing.
If the refrigerant cannot circulate through the air conditioning system due to a bad compressor, it will not create the cool air you desire. As a result, you will have hot air instead.
This could be a gradual process where you first feel the cool air warming up slightly. After a while, the air will reach the point where it is completely warm without any coolness.
3) Leaking Fluid
The AC compressor has its own internal bearings that prevent fluid from leaking while the refrigerant is being pressurized. However, if these bearings were to wear out or become damaged, fluid could easily leak through them.
You will need to replace the bearings rather than repair them.
4) Stuck AC Compressor Clutch
The AC compressor has its own clutch that is connected to the engine by a pulley. This allows the compressor to use engine power only when needed.
If the clutch were to jam or seize completely, it would not be able to transfer engine power to the compressor. In most cases, you will not be able to repair the clutch either if it has seized like that. Your only option will be to replace the entire unit.
AC Compressor Replacement Cost
An AC compressor is a very important component of any vehicle. It will not be cheap to replace the compressor after it malfunctions.
The component itself will cost from $650 to $950 or more. Labor costs will be $150 to $200. This means you could be looking at a total price of $800 to $1,150. Taxes and fees will also be added to these totals.