The compressor may lock up when it fails internally. When that happens, the pulley will refuse to turn when the A/C is switched on. As a result, the drive belt may make a screeching noise or become damaged as it tries to turn the locked-up compressor.
On most cars you'll hear the clutch engage with a loud click when you turn it on and off and you'll notice the engine will drop until the computer catches the idle speed and brings it back up. The pulley is turning but the AC compressor clutch didn't come out.
AC System Damage: Continuing to drive with a locked-up compressor can lead to further damage to the AC system, making repairs more costly. If you suspect that your AC compressor is locked up, it's best to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Signs of a bad AC compressor include warm air blowing from the vents, unusual noises like grinding or rattling, and visible leaks or damage to the compressor. Common causes of compressor failure include refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, overheating due to lack of lubrication, and normal wear and tear over time.
Mechanical Assistance: In rare cases, gently tapping or applying pressure to the compressor can help release any seized parts. However, extreme caution should be exercised to avoid causing further damage or injury. It is strongly advised to have a professional perform this step if necessary.
You could pull the a/c clutch relay or fuse, or unplug the wire connector from the compressor, do disconnect the compressor clutch electrically. If it still stays on, then it has mechanically failed, sort of friction welded itself to the other half of the pulley.
The location of the reset button on your compressor can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Typically, it is located on the motor or near the motor housing. Look for a small red or black button that is often labeled “reset.”
With the AC off, the clutch does not spin. When you turn the AC on, the clutch can make a momentary click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. If the clutch does not engage, or if it makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs to be serviced.
With proper maintenance, a car AC compressor can last an average of 10-15 years. Keep in mind that this is a general estimate and can vary based on factors such as the make and model of your car, how often you use the AC, and the quality of maintenance it receives.
Additionally, if the compressor seizes or locks up, it can cause the drive belt to break, leading to further engine issues.
It's not a good idea to drive with a broken A/C compressor.
What Can Cause a Frozen Compressor? A clogged air filter that's limiting the amount of air that's moving over the cooling coil. Insufficient refrigerant or too much refrigerant that are causing icy buildup while destroying your compressor. A broken blower motor that's not funneling warm air over the cooling coil.
Driving with a locked-up A/C compressor can cause damage to your engine due to overheating or misaligned belts that can lead to other engine parts failing more quickly than they should.
Generally speaking, to have a shop properly change an AC compressor and related components, flush, and re-fill the AC system will run between $750 – 1500.00. Depending on the model and cost of the parts in general, this cost could be even higher.
Car A/C compressors require frequent maintenance. Without professional maintenance, your car's conditioning compressor can seize or lock up. Some of the causes for car air conditioning compressor locking up include incorrect or low quality refrigerant being used, low coolant levels, and improper lubrication.
But if you have a bad A/C compressor, it's going to keep you from enjoying the drive. It can make it miserably hot inside, and it even has implications for safety while you're on the road. Getting the A/C compressor fixed should be a priority when it's failed, even though it's going to be costly.
A functioning AC compressor is necessary for a vehicle's air conditioning to perform at its best. Although replacing a faulty compressor can be expensive, having a professional perform the job and properly charge the system is always a good idea.
Another trick which can be used on single-phase compressors is to reverse the start and run leads of the compressor and momentarily energize the compressor. This may also help to free the piston. Only do this for a few seconds and then switch both the run and start leads back to their original position.
Compressor Lockout can be used to prevent the compressors from turning on based on an outside temperature. Note: The Compressor Lockout configuration is only available if your Pelican Solution has at least one outside temperature sensor part of the overall system.
Most air conditioners come with a reset button attached to the compressor unit. Typically, it is a red button and is very visible to an onlooker. To reset your air conditioner, all you have to do is press the button, and you won't have to worry about all the heavy lifting.
One easy way to tell whether the compressor is seized is to try to turn the compressor clutch, which is attached to the compressor shaft, by hand (you do NOT need to remove the drive belt to do this). If the compressor is hard to turn or does not turn at all, the compressor has failed internally.
If the compressor clutch doesn't engage; that usually means, there's an electrical or mechanical problem with the compressor. If the AC is not blowing cool air into the car, you may want to do a visual inspection of the AC compressor clutch and determine if you can see what might be causing the clutch to not engage.