The people in the UAE experience dry and hot weather most times of the year. Therefore survival without a properly working air conditioner is difficult in the Emirates. Similarly, a fully functional AC in the vehicle is required to keep yourself moving. When your car’s AC stops cooling the air despite the airflow, it’s clearly not a good sign. If you consistently take your car for complete maintenance, then there is less chance of AC compressor failure in the middle of a hot day.
Now, if you are thinking about diagnosing a bad AC compressor in a car, read on as we detail a few signs that you should pay attention to.
Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor in a Car
AC compressor failure is one of the causes of low AC airflow in car. Here discussed are some of the symptoms of a bad AC compressor and reasons:
Strange Sound When Compressor is On
Besides the usual sounds produced when heater, ventilator, and air-conditioner are switched on or off, if an AC compressor is failing, it would constantly make weird noises when on. . It is usually a squealing or grinding noise that you would immediately identify from the regular sounds inside your car.
The AC compressor is made up of several components and sealed bearings. If one of these internal components break or cease operation, the compressor tends to produce odd sounds.
Low or No Cooling
Of course, the most prominent sign of a bad AC compressor in a car is that it is no longer cooling like it was doing previously.
You can’t always immediately detect the absence of cool air because it is a gradual process. Unlike a heater, the faulty compressor would not throw hot air on the first turn on. Instead, it would fluctuate between cool and absence of cool air to the point that the AC would stop cooling altogether, and you will start to feel hot.
A failing car AC compressor will throw hot air instead of cold due to an improper refrigerant distribution. Therefore, get it checked to avoid any further inconvenience.
Fluid Leakage
One sign of a failing car AC compressor is leakage of a fluid or a refrigerant from the AC compressor. It is very important to fix an air conditioning leak in a car. The air compressor has internal bearings that prevent the leaking of fluid and refrigerant. If the bearing is worn out, it will cause the fluid to leak, and the AC compressor will go bad. Besides, the refrigerant helps your car’s AC unit turn warm air from the outside into cold air blown in the cabin. Once it runs out, the AC compressor will fail.
Leaking fluid poses potential health hazards and spikes up the energy consumption of your vehicle. Those who cannot recognize the ‘faulty’ sounds of an AC compressor must keep a sharp eye on any signs of moisture leakage.
Stiff AC Compressor Clutch
Your car’s AC compressor has a clutch attached to the central engine from where it draws power when needed. A broken or stuck clutch would no longer carry out the power transmission from the engine to the compressor. In that case, the AC would cease to operate. A jammed AC compressor clutch or pulley cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced entirely.
Car AC Compressor Repair and Cost
If you do not do regular automobile check-ups, repairing a faulty AC compressor may not be a long term solution. You will have to replace the entire unit or the faulty component. You might need to replace the condenser, sensors, compressor, or hoses. However, major replacement work is quite expensive.
Moreover, the cost of replacing the AC compressor depends significantly on the model you drive and the parts that need replacement. You can easily shop for auto parts and accessories in the UAE online as well, which may save you from the hassle of visiting many physical stores. Besides, if the air conditioner has given up completely, try other ways to stay cool without AC in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Bad AC Compressor Cause My Car to Overheat?
The compressor itself cannot cause the vehicle to get overheated. However, if the compressor clutch is engaged but the compressor is dragging to function properly, the extra strain on the engine can cause your car to overheat. In brief, there is little to no connection between engine overheating and a failed AC car compressor.
When Should I Replace Car AC Compressor?
It would help if you replaced your car AC compressor as soon as you notice one of the signs indicating it’s malfunctioning.
Can a Faulty AC Compresor Stop My Car from Starting?
A bad AC compressor of your car can cause the engine to resist or stall out, especially if the starting motor is not strong enough or failing. When you are driving in the UAE, a fully functional air-conditioner in your car is mandatory. If the air-conditioner compressor has gone bad in your vehicle and needs to be replaced, then do it without delay. Summers in the UAE are incredibly hot, and no one wants to drive in that heat without an AC. Besides, replacing the compressor by yourself could be time-consuming and expensive. It’s better to get professional assistance.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car issues, their causes and possible solutions.
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