The car's air conditioner is essential for all drivers, especially during the hot summer season. Among the important parts of the air conditioner to be aware of is the air conditioning compressor.
If it does not workAir conditioner compressorCorrectly, the cold air will not be able to exit the air vents properly, and unfortunately, compressor damage is not uncommon and requires quick repair. Therefore, we will present you with the four signs that indicate damage to the car's air conditioner compressor.
What is the air conditioner compressor?
The compressor in the air conditioning system is an important part of the system that pumps the refrigerant inside the closed circuit. It works to increase the pressure of the refrigerant and convert it from a gaseous state to a liquid state. When the refrigerant is in a liquid state, it can pass through the evaporator inside the car, where it is evaporated again, cooling the air that passes over it.
It's important to note that the compressor contains a set of internal moving parts, such as the piston and valves. These parts move quickly and continuously to pump the refrigerant through the system, and the type of compressor depends on the type of air conditioning system.
When the air conditioning system is activated, the compressor continuously pumps the refrigerant through the system. Once the cooled air reaches the condenser, the refrigerant is evaporated again, converted into a gaseous state, and the cold air is sent into the car.
What are the signs of air conditioning compressor damage?
Hearing strange sounds and noise
Noise levels increase when there is a malfunction in the air conditioner compressor, and the sound can be a high whistle or a metallic noise similar to resonance.
This happens when the internal parts start.For the compressorDeviating from its natural course, it can become worn, leading to friction and abnormal mechanical shocks. This deviation can occur due to damage to control valves or cracking in the internal part of the compressor.
Furthermore, an increase in noise levels can lead to overpressure and accelerated wear of the compressor, increasing the likelihood of it getting damaged and permanently malfunctioning.
For this reason, it is necessary to check for any unusual noises in the air conditioning system and carry out the necessary repairs as soon as possible to maintain the overall health of the system.
Also read:4 signs indicating damage to the air conditioner compressor valve: Are you suffering from them?
Insufficient air cooling
Insufficient air cooling may be due to damage to the compressor in the air conditioning system. When the compressor is damaged or stops working completely, it will not be able to pump enough refrigerant into the system, and therefore, the air will not be adequately cooled, resulting in warm or mildly cool air coming out of the ventilation openings.
Leaks in the air conditioning system can result in insufficient air cooling. When the refrigerant gas leaks from the system, a sufficient amount of the substance responsible for cooling is lost, leading to inadequate air cooling.
So, if you notice that the air is not cooling sufficiently in the air conditioning system, it is necessary to check the air conditioner compressor and the system as a whole to ensure they are safe and working correctly.
Refrigerant (Freon) leakage
Freon leakage from the compressor is a sign of damage to the compressor's seal or any of its internal parts. This usually results in the flow of warm air instead of cold air, and can cause further damage to the air conditioner if not repaired in a timely manner.
The air conditioner compressor clutch is stuck.
The air conditioning system's AC compressor consists of a clutch that operates by a pulley connected to the engine. The compressor is activated when the engine is running and works to draw refrigerant gas from the evaporator, compress it, and pump it to the condenser where it is cooled before entering the cabin.
A broken clutch is a possible reason for the inability of the air conditioning compressor to function correctly. When the clutch is broken, the compressor cannot get enough power to operate and perform its function properly, which ultimately leads to its failure.
Therefore, it is recommended to repair or replace the compressor clutch when necessary to maintain the efficient and proper performance of the car's air conditioning system.
Reasons for Damage to the Air Conditioner Compressor
There are several potential reasons for damage to the car's air conditioning compressor, including:
1- Not regularly changing the compressor oil: If the compressor oil is not regularly changed, impurities and deposits may accumulate inside the compressor, leading to its damage.
2- Overuse: If the air conditioning system is overused for prolonged periods of time, this could lead to compressor fatigue and damage.
3- Incorrect refrigerant charging: If the air conditioning system is not properly charged with refrigerant in the correct amount or manner, it can lead to increased pressure within the compressor and damage it.
4- Damage resulting from normal use: The air conditioning compressor can experience wear and damage due to normal use, especially if the car is old and has traveled long distances.
5- Oil Leak: If oil leaks from the compressor, it may cause corrosion of its internal parts and damage them.
6- Damage Resulting From External Factors: The compressor can be damaged due to external factors such as accidents, collisions, or severe impacts.
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