Climate
AC Compressor
The AC compressor pressurizes the refrigerant so the system can absorb and reject heat.
Free guide
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AC & climate flow
Interactive — tap a partTap a part to see how it fits in the system.
What it does
- Compresses refrigerant gas to drive the cooling cycle
- Electromagnetic clutch engages it on demand
- Varies displacement on some designs
When it fails
- Loud noise when the AC runs
- Clutch never engages
- AC not cooling
- Compressor seal leaking
How to diagnose
- Check the compressor clutch engages
- Measure pressures on both sides
- Listen for bearing or clutch noise
- Check the belt and tensioner
Maintenance
- Replace with the receiver-dryer and orifice/expansion valve
- Flush the system when the compressor fails
- Weigh in the exact refrigerant charge
Use the diagnosis order. When a part fails, confirm each hypothesis with measurements before replacing anything — codes and symptoms overlap.