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Bad Car A/C Compressor : Diagnosis, Replacement Cost and FAQs

  • Cars Explained
  • Vanessa Norris
  • 6 minutes

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Imagine you are setting out for work. You get into your car, get your seat belt, and start the engine. On the way, you switch on your car’s A/C, and it starts blasting hot air into your face regardless of the temperature set. You attempt to turn it on and off, but still, hot air is all you get. Because of this inconvenient commute, you arrive at work all flustered, hot, and irritable. Well, this is one scenario you don’t wanna end up in, and chances are you might if you don’t keep tabs on your car’s A/C compressor. Read to know more about how to diagnose a faulty compressor system and A/C compressor replacement cost. 

Working of a car A/C compressor  

Using an air conditioner’s compressor is a simple process. First, the compressor is powered by means of a pulley located at the compressor’s end shaft, which is connected to the engine via a drive belt. Once the air conditioner is activated, a magnetic clutch and coil link the compressor to the pulley, allowing the compressor to be driven by the belt. 

Since the same quantity of refrigerant is transferred with each rotation of a conventional compressor, this design has earned it another name: positive-displacement compressor. To compress and displace the vapor refrigerant, a conventional compressor uses one or more pistons. 

Source: Freepik

Some contemporary automobiles additionally make use of what is known as a variable displacement compressor. The compressor’s internal swashplate allows for adjustable piston stroke and hence refrigerant displacement. 

Compressors with variable displacement do not have a clutch. Instead, the drive belt from the engine is always powering this type of compressor. Compressor operation is determined by a control module (onboard computer) using data collected from a number of sensors. 

Causes of a faulty A/C compressor 

If your air conditioner doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it is highly possible that you’ll end up with a faulty A/C compressor. 

Because of their location in the engine room, air conditioner compressors are susceptible to contamination from dust, filth, dirt, oils, and grit. When this occurs, the unit’s rotating components lose efficiency and wear out faster than normal. In this scenario, the compressor will give up, leaving you with a broken air conditioner. 

Dirt, grime, and other forms of caked-on debris are your adversary, as they reduce the efficiency of your vehicle’s many moving parts. Well, you’re looking at it now. You’ve just finished repairing your car’s air conditioner by replacing the worn-out compressor and topping off the system with fresh refrigerant. 

Symptoms of a faulty A/C compressor 

You are most likely dealing with a faulty A/C compressor if your car exhibits one or more of the following symptoms: 

  • Air conditioning starts to malfunction 
  • Broken or squealing driven belt 
  • Unusual noises when the air conditioner is on 
  • Refrigerant leaks 
  • Contamination of the air conditioner 

How to diagnose a bad A/C compressor in a car 

  • Check the AC system’s pressure. 
  • Confirm the supply of power and ground at the compressor.  
  • If the compressor is defective, the entire refrigerant must be removed. 
  • The compressor, receiver drier, orifice tube, and/or expansion valve must be removed. 
  • Eliminate all toxic substances from the AC system. 
  • Replace the compressor, the receiver drier, and the orifice tube. 
  • Evacuate and replenish the air conditioning. 
  • Examine the system for leaks. 
  • Check the operation of the AC system. 

Is it safe to drive with a bad A/C compressor? 

Yes, most of the time. It will be hot, but your vehicle will still operate and be safe to drive. If the clutch or pulley is damaged, you should not drive a vehicle with a faulty AC compressor, as this could cause the serpentine belt to break or reroute, leaving you stranded. 

If you suspect a faulty clutch bearing or pulley, observe the front pulley/clutch where the belt runs while the engine is running. Grinding or other disturbing sounds emanating from this location are cause for concern. Stop the engine and, if feasible, examine the front pulley for any side-to-side motion, slop, or play, taking care to avoid engine heat. 

If you hear noise or see slack or play in this pulley, the clutch is likely defective. If the pulley of the clutch is still functional, it is safe to operate the car until a replacement or AC diagnosis is performed. 

 

Source: Freepik

How long does an A/C compressor last? 

An air conditioning compressor is not a component that must be replaced at regular intervals. Only if the compressor fails must it be replaced. They can last the lifetime of the vehicle; however, compressors typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and 150 to 200,000 miles. 

How long does it take to replace a car’s A/C compressor? 

The time required to replace a compressor will vary depending on the vehicle’s year, make, and model. Typically, replacing a compressor requires two hours, plus additional time to evacuate and recharge the air conditioning system. 

How much does an A/C compressor replacement cost? 

Depending on the required components, a replacement of an AC compressor can be a difficult task. This can vary significantly depending on the car you drive and the location of the compressor on the engine. In addition to the compressor, other components should always be replaced whenever the compressor is repaired 

Notably, if your compressor has an internal breakdown, the entire AC system’s lines and components will need to be cleansed to remove impurities. Failure to do so will result in another failed compressor, as the same impurities will damage the replacement unit. 

Replacement of an A/C compressor is expensive. If you decide to hire a professional to complete the task, you can typically expect to pay between $800 and $1,500. Obviously, the precise price will depend on a number of variables, including the year, make, and model of your car. 

The cost of parts and labor can vary significantly based on your location. Labor costs can vary between $160 and $200, while the cost of parts ranges between $650 and $850. Once taxes and fees are accounted for, your price seems reasonable. 

Cars  Estimate  Parts Cost  Labor Cost 
2011 Buick LaCrosse  $1329  $644.74  $683.92 
2011 Subaru Outback  $2033  $1282.91  $750.42 
2012 Ford Fusion  $875  $514.30  $360.96 
2010 Lexus GS350  $2192  $985.82  $1206.37 
2014 Mercedes-Benz C300  $2288  $1746.37  $541.44 
2012 Porsche 911  $1084  $666.45  $417.95 

Car A/C compressor replacement cost for various cars  

Source: YourMechanic

Things to keep in mind 

You must empty the air conditioning system prior to removing the compressor and then recharge the system once the compressor has been replaced. You may request that a professional repair shop evacuate and recharge the system using specialized equipment. 

Experts propose replacing the receiver drier or accumulator as well as the expansion valve or orifice tube when the compressor is changed. If debris from the compressor has contaminated the A/C system, additional component replacement and/or a system flush may be required. 

More about A/C compressor replacement cost


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