Feb 14, 2022

Understanding the Warning Signs Your Car's Failing AC Compressor is Sending

When your car’s AC compressor starts to fail, it sends out warning signals that you should pay attention to. If you ignore these warning signals, your compressor may eventually stop working altogether, which can be expensive to fix. This post will explain what the warning signals of a failing AC compressor are so that you can take action sooner rather than later. Keep reading to learn more.

Hot Air from Vents

Good air conditioning helps you enjoy your drive when the temperatures rise outside. It keeps the humidity levels low inside the car while cooling you down if it gets too hot outside. But an air conditioner will not work as well when its compressor fails. One of the most common warning signals that an AC compressor is starting to fail is when the car’s air conditioning unit begins to blow out warm air instead of cold. If you’ve been noticing this change and your vehicle is not as cool as it used to be, then it might be time for compressor repairs or replacement.

The Compressor is Making Loud Noises

Another sign that your car’s AC compressor is bad or failing is when the system starts to make louder noises than normal. This can come in the form of screeching, growling, and grinding noises whenever you try to turn on your air conditioning system. Loud noises coming from the air conditioner might indicate a problem with its bearings, valves, or other internal components.

If you’re hearing any strange or unusual noises coming from your air conditioning unit, it’s best to take it in for a diagnostic checkup as soon as possible. Failing to address the issue could lead to further damage and more expensive repairs down the road.

The Compressor Looks Damaged

Another sign that your AC compressor might be on its way out is if it looks visibly damaged. If you observe any leaks, cracks, or other signs of physical damage, likely, the compressor is no longer working properly. In some cases, a leaking compressor can be fixed without replacing the entire unit. However, if the compressor is severely damaged, it might be necessary to replace it entirely.

If you’re unsure whether or not your compressor is damaged, take your car in for a diagnostic checkup. A professional will be able to tell you if there’s any damage and what needs to be done to address it.

Damaged Wiring Harness

Another possible reason for a failing AC compressor is damaged wiring. If the wiring harness that connects the compressor to your car’s electrical grid becomes loose or starts to fray, it can cause problems with how well the AC system works. In this case, you’ll likely need to replace the entire wiring harness for everything to work properly again.

If you see any warning signs like these, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our dealership service center at Brownsville Toyota, serving Brownsville, TX, for preventive maintenance or repair. Our certified car technicians can get your AC back up and running before this problem becomes worse than what it already is!