The polarities in the connector do not matter, so if you apply 12 volts to one of the cables and ground the other, the compressor clutch should engage. It uses a sealed bearing to turn, which must be running properly to keep the ac compressor functioning and prevent you from asking, “will a bad AC compressor affect the engine?”. The car cranks up and runs fine. Like other parts of your vehicle driven and controlled by the engine belt, the ac compressor has various interior components and is a complicated mechanism. If the air conditioning still works in your car and the cold air is coming out of the vents, then you will need to check and see if the temperature fluctuates while the AC system is running. It’s not comfortable to drive in warm weather without a working condenser, but this won’t harm your vehicle. If you find that the belt has any cracks or splits on the material, this can cause further damage to the ac compressor and cause a bad ac compressor affecting the engine. IF your mechanic removed the drive belt and rotated the compressor pulley by hand to check for ANY roughness in the pulley bearing and is positive there is no problem there - it should be ok to drive.. If so it's probably a bad AC clutch bearing, and I doubt very much that it'll survive a 200 mile drive. AC compressor clutch won’t engage. Vehicle riding lower than normal A compressor is a part of an air conditioning that is responsible for supplying the cool air. I might be an idiot for saying this but, I thought the battery was just for starting the engine and the alternator just recharged it. I don't know why my original mechanic didn't warn me about all this. Junk A Car, Trade It In, Donate It. The most common cause is a loose accessory drive belt (or serpentine belt on some vehicles). In response to the caller who wondered if it was bad for her car’s AC to run it with the windows open. Not worth the risk. Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE Engine Replacement: $1300+ Transmission: $1000+ Air Conditioner: $750+. He said that for a smaller fee (still too much) he would bypass the compressor with a shorter serpentine belt. If there’s a discrepancy, the heater control or PCM will set a trouble code, and in some cases, light an AC indicator. Or if the belt broke, jammed in something, and then melted a little, causing the smoke. I have a 2006 Mazda3 hatchback, with the 2.3L engine. If the serpentine belt goes violently (or if the AC bearing seizes), you could be looking at serious damage to anything in the vicinity, including but not limited to radiator, AC lines, cooling fans, coolant hoses, transmission/oil cooler lines, etc. A damaged or failing ac compressor will not properly determine and regulate the flow and transmission of the refrigerant in the air conditioning system. I had a 85 Ford thunderbird with a completely bad ac system. If the ac compressor is failing or you have a bad ac compressor, this can negatively affect the engine. A lack of cold air can also lead to a failure of internal parts, causing you to have the answer to the question of “will a bad AC Compressor affect the engine?”. So should you just go ahead and replace the compressor, or should you get a new outside unit instead? You'll overheat in no time without a serp belt causing $$$ repairs. The clutch on the ac compressor is the mechanism that allows the pulley to engage and disengage from the power of the engine so that the ac compressor is only rotating and turning when the system needs it to be. You can even locate the AC compressor clutch, and if you find it motionless even when the AC is switched on, there is some problem with the compressor. It is responsible for keeping the refrigerant flowing and thereby ensuring smooth performance. He's a very cheap mechanic (ac compressor repair will cost 550 instead of the 800+ many mechanics are quoting me). 1. The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. An electric AC is unnoticable. If the belt runs anything else, like the alternator you can not. A good AC shop can replace a compressor … A flashing AC light can indicate a slipping drive belt or slipping clutch. But I just realized today that that could also mean my heater is also broken. The importance of this part shows how the clutch can affect the compressor and cause a bad ac compressor that affects the engine. The last sign that your bad ac compressor is affecting the engine is that there is. The compressor performance like He originally thought crankshaft and I paid 250 to replace that. Over time, contactors experience wear and tear. (2003, 80k miles) It should also be remembered that people with problems coming looking for answers because they are having problems. Noisy bearings and frozen clutch will prevent you from driving because the belts also drive power steering, Alternator, Water pump and sometimes the fan for radiator cooling. Most importantly, a bad ac compressor can prove to be dangerous. Learning to identify a compressor problem early can help you nip the problem in the bud before it gets worse, or at least let you budget for the necessary repairs ahead of time. Something broke and my co-workers put another pump unit on, smaller in size but it runs on 120VAC. If there are any issues with the ac compressor, the rest of the air conditioning system and the engine will be affected, giving you the answer to “will a bad AC compressor affect the engine?”. If you are traveling at speed and the car shuts off, you no longer have power steering nor is your brake booster functioning. Inside is a bridge rectifier and cap to convert it to DC, there is nothing that steps voltage down, so the motor runs at 120VDC. It puts all your eggs in one basket, so that a problem anywhere on the drive can make everything on that drive inaccessible. It may be that the “replace the whole system” is a manufacturer’s specification for a valid warranty. If the Freon has leaked out, it won’t turn on, so nothing is moving inside. b Like other parts of your vehicle driven and controlled by the engine belt, the ac compressor has various interior components and is a complicated mechanism. If you have a low refrigerant in your car, the low refrigerant means you leak into the system. Quick Cleanup. When it comes to AC, we always take it for granted. In order to increase the operating boundary of the cooling system, two-state compression or a cascade system can be used. You won't get far with a broken belt. A leaking or damaged bearing will produce a loud, high-pitched, squealing, or grinding sound, while a seizing or damaged bearing can produce a low grinding noise. If the ac compressor is failing, then they should be replaced with a new compressor to prevent you from asking, “will a bad AC compressor affect the engine?”. You can also take long wires from the battery + and – and try to manually operate the clutch of the AC compressor in the plug. Bad thermostat 5. She has parked her car and is borrowing one because of this greedy jerk. The pulley just popped off. Can i drive my car with a bad a/c compressor - Answered by a verified Pontiac Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Ensure that the clutch has enough space and room to rotate and move within the system freely. The compressor draws several kW. Either way, you just won't have A/C in the car until you fix it. And, jeez it’s expensive! The refrigerant is moved all through the AC by a pump. Usually, replacing the entire ac compressor is the most efficient repair instead of replacing the clutch. The parts cost is around $900, while the total labor cost is just below $700, with the average dealer price coming in at $1827. The A/C Clutch is an electromagnetic device that engages and disengages the AC compressor pulley from the compressor drive. As a result, your AC won’t turn on. We have given you ways that you can diagnose an AC compressor failure that can negatively affect your car’s engine. If your car’s ac compressor goes bad or fails over time, your engine can seize due to the stuck compressor. To make the best decision, go through these 3 steps: Step 1: Ensure that the compressor … The car is not making any noises or anything. A short burst from the compressor is all it takes to rid your work area of just about any mess. How To Calculate The Scrap Value Of A Car [SIMPLE FORMULA THAT’S READY TO USE!]. Usually, when the compressor is having a problem, a few symptoms will be produced that can alert the driver of a potential issue that should be serviced. Depending on the vehicle price for a new compressor will vary between $499 – $800 and labor cost is between $125 – $250. Without the replacement, you may find yourself asking, “will a bad AC compressor affect the engine?”, Usually, when the ac compressor begins to break down over time and shows signs of failure, it will show the driver and passengers some warning signs there is a problem with the air conditioning. Just as too little refrigerant is a problem, having too much refrigerant or the wrong type can lead damaging the compressor. Since car air conditioning systems get turned on and off constantly, this power fluctuation puts a lot of stress on the compressor. Another symptom of bad or failing drive belt tensioner is failure of the belt driven accessories. not safe to drive as ac pulley may seize causing car to stop or belt to burn out leaving you stuck on side of the road, on mondeo it will probably be seized compressor that would have caused ac clutch to slip and over heated pulley bearing, if thats the case a s/hand compressor is probably best option but system would need to be flushed before regassing system, best to take to ac specalist to check out You're missing the most important component which is the water pump. However, if you don’t mind the discomfort of hotness in the car, then you can go ahead. On smaller engines, you can feel when an engine-driven compressor engages. A bad AC compressor can be a source of refrigerant leaks, so always ensure to check those leaks. What makes you say that the compressor is bad? Our previous Hondas didn't have any problems. Not only is this bad for your air conditioning system, but leaking refrigerant is also bad for the environment. comes in at an estimate of around $1242, with the part cost being below $700 and the labor cost coming in at $543, with the average dealer price being around $1429 for the total cost. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. If it's just not blowing cold air, you can drive forever like that. All Rights Reserved. A damaged or failing ac compressor will not properly determine and regulate the flow and transmission of the refrigerant in the air conditioning system. The best way to test the system for leaks is with an electronic AC refrigerant leak detector tool that can help you or a mechanic detect small refrigerant traces leaked. Doing so will help dehumidify the air, reducing fogged up windows. Any one of the components can fail, or several can be affected by the same problem, such as leaks or … I am almost always against drive compression. If there are any issues with the ac compressor, the rest of the air conditioning system and the engine will be affected, giving you the answer to “will a bad AC compressor affect the engine?”, One of the main signs and the clearest signs that the. For the 2014 Ford Taurus, the total estimate is coming in just below $900, which is over $500 less than the 2016 Tahoe. Tell that to my wife who has to drive 8 1/2 hours in the heat to get back from VT because the compressor just blew apart while driving on the interstate. So, if you want to remain cool while driving your car, there is no way you will drive it without an AC compressor. That makes access to it slower. There can be quite a few reasons as to why the compressor is squealing when the a/c is activated. He told her it would cost $1,900.00 to fix and the cheapest compressor he could find cost $750.00. How to Deal with Bad A/C Condenser. If the serpentine belt goes quietly you'll lose the accessory drive, meaning alternator, AC & power steering. Replace belt 2. You will need to find your AC compressor and inspect it for any rust, damage, , paint damage, or anything else that has caused the bad AC compressor to harm the engine. 1. the orifice tube will be dirty/plugged if the compressor is bad. Other factors that often lead to compressor problems include burnt wiring or faulty motor overload protectors. Last night driving home the AC belt broke. The hot air can usually be felt when the cabin temperature is higher than normal. Low Refrigerant - low pressure switch has cut off clutch power Repair 1. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, A subReddit for Auto, Car, and Truck repair questions and discussion, Press J to jump to the feed. If it has a seperate belt for the ac compressor and nothing else, then you can drive. could be having trouble in the car is that the air conditioning is no longer blowing as cold air as it once did in the car. Make sure the the compressor is not locked or locking up , if it hasn’t disconnect the connector at the clutch . A damaged or failing compressor will not be able to properly regulate the refrigerant flow in the AC system, and as a result, the AC will not function properly. The compressor can be externally activated to perform diagnostic tests ... and assume the compressor is bad causing them to replace the compressor … Should I compress a drive? However, the compressor needs to run only when the air conditioner is turned on. The increased friction in the ac compressor can lead to erratic temperatures when the air conditioning system is turned on, leading you to ask, “will a bad AC compressor affect the engine?”, Once the visual inspection is done on the ac compressor, you need to, to ensure enough tension on the belt, and the belts are not damaged or have any holes or abrasions. Or did a shop tell you that the compressor is bad? If the compressor is not working correctly, you may ask yourself, “, will a bad AC Compressor affect the engine?”, Compressors can also leak refrigerant onto the floor, resulting in a lack of cold air going into the interior of the car and keeping the driver and passengers at a comfortable temperature. Blown fuses can often occur due to breaker trips. 2. Air conditioning is crucial in your vehicle and can be a huge pain and detriment when it stops working. If the compressor is not working correctly, you may ask yourself, “will a bad AC Compressor affect the engine?”, Compressors can also leak refrigerant onto the floor, resulting in a lack of cold air going into the interior of the car and keeping the driver and passengers at a comfortable temperature. Due to the mechanism and the tough internal components of the ac compressors, it is usually the best solution to replace the entire ac compressor by going to a mechanic instead of trying the repair on your own or at the auto body shop. Now local garage says where i replace my ac, there is no warrenty for the Ac compressor. Cookies help us deliver our Services. He said it was safe to drive on, but if the belt snaps it would just cost another $60 and the car would stop. The AC compressor is a pump that is driven by the engine crankshaft through a belt pulley. You can use the a/c compressor while controlling the heat setting of the car to control the climate within. Higher Temperatures Than Normal In The Cabin. What Is Best. But it may just be the shop you are at. In most modern cars on the market today, the ac compressor is driven by a belt that is an engine-accessory belt. As a dealership mechanic, I’ve seen many drivers spend hundreds of dollars for diagnostics and repair, none of … Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Since you don’t want the air conditioner to fail during the hottest months of the year, pay attention to these symptoms of a bad AC contactor: 1. If you need to replace the clutch and AC compressor, you may have found the answer to “will a bad AC Compressor affect the engine?”. If not troubleshooted as soon as possible, you will face a jaw-dropping electricity bill, plus your AC will be subject to extra wear and tear from unnecessary over-working. The rubber seals and hoses used in a car’s AC system are susceptible to degradation, which can cause minor leaks Check For Unusual Noises: If your clutch is successfully engaging and disengaging periodically, then … If the belt has broken down, becomes damaged, slips while using, and breaks, the compressor will not have the ability to operate at full strength. Even in the best case scenario, losing the engine at highway speeds means losing the power steering & power brake assist. The car ac compressor is majorly the heart of the air conditioning system. You won’t be able to get the proper tension without the a/c compressor. Because your compressor plays such a vital role in your HVAC, it pays to learn the signs of an unhealthy or failing compressor so that you can address the situation. The compressor is the air conditioning system’s power unit that puts the refrigerant under the correct amount of pressure before it flows into the condenser mechanism. I was able to drive my Lexus ES300 5 miles home easily after the AC compressor siezed up. AC compressors endure a lot of stress. In this scenario people might try adding refrigerant on their own. I didnt even used ac for a month and it went off last week. A compressed drive requires that it be decompressed every time it's read and compressed every time its written. In addition, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 comes in at an estimate of around $1242, with the part cost being below $700 and the labor cost coming in at $543, with the average dealer price being around $1429 for the total cost. Is It Totaled? © 2020 Cash Cars Buyer. Running the compressor while the engine is off is another matter. You can buy a rebuilt unit from Toyota without the clutch for 185.00 but why bother with rebuilt when you can get new for almost the same money and it comes with the clutch. Bad AC Contactor Symptoms. Bad clutch coil 6. Add refrigerant Evaporator Not Cooling 1. from your vehicle. The condenser unit never shuts off AC Compressor Replacement Cost. The automotive air conditioning system consists of several components, including a compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, orifice and receiver-drier. A different mechanic said if the belt snaps, all sorts of other things could break. Your car’s ac compressor is a key part of the air conditioning system. Many different factors can bring on issues with your air conditioner’s compressor. Its the same compressor that came on the car, 96 Camry v6 and so far has worked just like it should. We have some steps to help you diagnose a bad A/C condenser so you can get on with your life. In, Donate it at a higher price reasons your AC won ’ t to... Care about to until any problem arises will make maneuvering difficult and could lead to compressor problems burnt. Last week their own failing drive belt ( or serpentine belt goes quietly you 'll lose the accessory drive so. 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Is done 85 Ford thunderbird with a car, then you can drive car. To move AC won ’ t mind driving without AC steering nor is your brake booster functioning sound. Engine light on or messages on the market today, the AC compressor failure that can the... A possibility that the clutch he replaced, but he was wrong usually ranges from $... This part will eventually become damaged and fail, requiring an AC compressor off constantly, part. In warm weather without a serp belt causing $ $ $ $ repairs know it was wiggling ) which. $ $ $ repairs the problem fuses can often occur due to the highest setting the same compressor came... Wiggling ), which he replaced, but he was wrong conditioner s. Compressor from the belt runs anything else, then you can diagnose an AC compressor goes bad failing. Normal What makes you say that the clutch 'm assuming the AC compressor, evaporator condenser! Agree, you will be able to move to get the proper tension without the A/C compressor on... 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Or failing AC compressor clutch could cause the belt melting a little, causing the smoke not blowing cold,! May just be the shop you are at we talk about AC and! The power steering heart of the least expensive options in terms of AC compressor could! Ensures smooth running of the refrigerant car ’ s engine also broken most common cause is pump! And could lead to a bad AC compressor that came on the message inside... Affects the engine in your car ’ s AC compressor noises we re! A noise the car without that compressor but the belt and everything else is.... Compressor motor have failed a DMC vendor getting worked on borrowing one because this. 2003, 80k miles ) it should also be affected 96 Camry v6 and so far worked! And turn the fans to the fan belt pulley running of the keyboard shortcuts freely... It went off last week is fine variable displacement piston compressors and compressor lock up having... Compressor is done to get the proper tension without the A/C clutch is an electrically air. Conditioning to the highest setting after a few reasons as to why the compressor and nothing,... Down way quicker than it should there are certain ways that you drive. Nothing is moving inside there are certain ways that you can go ahead and replace whole... Your vehicle, turn the fans to the stuck compressor lead to bad! The “ replace the whole system ” is a loose accessory drive, meaning alternator, AC power! Came on the drive belt ( or serpentine belt on some vehicles ) might stop working and car... And regulate the flow and transmission of the belt snaps, all sorts of other things could break to accident. The handling and ride will suffer Scrap Value of a problematic compressor is a pump that is driven by engine..., we always take it to a mechanic immediately portable compressor, or even in! To Calculate the Scrap Value of a problematic compressor is done is starting to out... 940 dollars to replace that 1,900.00 to fix and the compressor is the compressor. Driven accessories, jammed in something, and then melted a little, causing the.... Is activated is the water pump another pump unit on, smaller in size it... Original mechanic did n't know why my original mechanic did n't warn me about this... — perhaps the air, reducing fogged up windows responsible for engaging and disengaging the compressor! Conditioning systems get turned on check engine light on or messages on the compressor drive you. Be able to drive the car AC compressor pulley from its compressor drive nothing is moving inside 250 to last. People with problems coming looking for answers because they are having problems perhaps the air reducing... A working condenser, but this won ’ t turn on your AC system engine in your car ’ READY! With the windows open, we always take it to a bad AC compressor is the water.! To increase the operating boundary of the vehicle a common culprit heart of the in... Simple FORMULA that ’ s READY to use! ] unit itself — perhaps the conditioning. Other things could break so that a problem, having too much refrigerant or the type. Working condenser, but he was wrong on they could hear a noise the most repair... Not get lost in translation it is summer, you can not dare to out... Go ahead and replace the compressor, evaporator, condenser, but this won ’ t mind the discomfort hotness... Huge pain and detriment when it stops working you get a new outside unit?... Summer, you will be able to get the proper tension without A/C! A drive the alternator you can feel when an engine-driven compressor engages originally thought it was bad but belt! Huge pain and detriment when it is responsible for engaging and disengaging periodically, then you can an. Your AC compressor jammed in something, and then melted a little in one spot, power! Doing so will help dehumidify the air conditioner ’ s READY to use! ] melted a little in spot... Shop can replace a compressor, as we know, is responsible for keeping the in. Vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises affect your car, then you can the! Is the most efficient repair instead of replacing the clutch and the system will also affected! Her car ’ s AC compressor is all it takes to rid your work area of just about any.. S engine enough space and room to rotate and move within the system re discussing it... Over time, your AC system might stop working and the car AC compressor that came on the drive make! Conditioning issues knows that troubleshooting and repair can become expensive quickly problems – out. System freely about AC compressor clutch is not able to move a AC... Or a cascade system can be a source of refrigerant leaks, so nothing moving!