How the compressor of the car air conditioner works

To keep the interior of your car clean and fresh, an air conditioner is used. It consists of several main parts, including the compressor. When it works properly, it creates a comfortable interior environment. But when it malfunctions, it's a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Based on the design of the discharge element, compressors are classified into the following types:

• Piston;
• Axial piston;
• Axial piston with oscillating slant washer;
• Rotary (vane or plate);
• Spiral (also called cochlear)

Design and principle of operation of the compressor of the car air conditioner

The auto air conditioner compressor is an important part that is a pump with an electromagnetic clutch. It is equipped with a metal pulley. The principle of operation of the compressor is simple. When the car engine is running, the pulley rotates idly. Freon is not affected. When the driver switches on the air conditioning system, the clutch is magnetised. With its help, the torque is transferred to the pump. This process moves the refrigerant inside the system and cools it down.

A car air conditioner compressor is a device that is the «heart» of the air conditioning system. When it is activated, the driver and passengers are saved from the heat. This ensures good conditions for a comfortable and safe journey.

A car air conditioning compressor is a device that is the «heart of the air conditioning system.

Frequent auto air conditioner compressor malfunctions

While the air conditioning system is working, the driver is calmly using it and does not think about anything. But at one point the system fails and no longer cools the air in the cabin. Most often an unpleasant situation arises due to the failure of the compressor of the air conditioner. The main faults include:

• blown fuse;
• lack of contact on the electromagnetic clutch;
• refrigerant leakage.

If an unusual sound appears when switching on the air conditioner, it means that the pulley bearing has failed. This malfunction must be eliminated promptly. Later, it leads to the failure of the electromagnetic clutch. To perform repair, it is necessary to use special tool for repair of auto conditioners.

Causes of malfunctions

Why is auto air conditioner compressor repair a common problem? Because an important part of the climate system often fails. A variety of reasons contribute to this. These include bad roads, faulty electronics and wear and tear on individual components. These are the main causes of compressor malfunctions, due to which you have to go to a service station or fix the problem yourself. In the second case, specific knowledge and skills are required. If the situation is critical, replacement of the compressor is required. This must be entrusted to professionals.

There are a number of conditions that will cause the compressor to shut down:

• Excessively high or low pressure in the refrigerant circuit (emergency). Detected by the signal of the pressure sensor;
• No signal from the engine speed sensor;
• Switching off the climate control system from the control panel;
• Economic engine operation mode switched on;
• Dropping the ambient air temperature below 3°C;
• ACP control unit signal (activation of «Kickdown» mode);
• The on-board voltage drops below 9.5 V (discharged battery);
• High coolant temperature (over 119°C);
• Control signal from the engine-ECU;
• Control signal from the automatic transmission control unit;
• Malfunction of the fan on the climate system condenser;
• Malfunction of the electromagnetic clutch;
• Malfunction of the control valve (both mechanical and solenoid).

To determine the specific cause, it is recommended to use a diagnostic programme. It can be as original service diagnostics from the car manufacturer, and the usual multi-marochka scanner. In the latter case, you should be prepared that some errors may not be read.

Troubleshooting auto air conditioner compressor

Compressor troubleshooting and repair is a question of interest to many car owners. To identify and eliminate the malfunction you need special equipment. It is presented in the section of equipment for  autoconditioners.   These are stands for diagnostic activities, pneumatic flushing stations, testers. With such equipment, the process of troubleshooting is greatly simplified.

How are compressor malfunctions eliminated? Here are a few options:

• If the fuse is blown, you need to eliminate the cause of the short circuit and replace the part. After that, you can enjoy a comfortable environment in the cabin;
• if there is no contact on the electromagnetic clutch, the magnet or the whole part is changed;
• if the cause of freon leakage and malfunction of the climate system is a worn bearing, it is necessary to replace it.

To prevent the car air conditioner from failing, you need to know the rules of safe operation of the compressor. These include timely diagnostics and service maintenance. Then the installation of the compressor of the car air conditioner will not be required. The climate system will work smoothly for a long time.