Chevrolet A/C Compressor

A house is said to be a comfortable refuge when it is equipped with enough lighting system, soft and smooth seats, properly working appliances like fridge, television, and of course an air conditioning system that provides the entire house with cool or warm air whenever it is needed. This is also true to our cars. Many of us today can still enjoy the same comfort levels that we are used to at home. That is because of our car's air conditioning system.

Air conditioning units can be added to most vehicles on the road, if they did not come so equipped from the factory. A complete air conditioning system is composed of a compressor, a condenser, hoses, vents and a controller. In a human's circulatory system, the heart sends the oxygen-rich blood to every cell in the body. Blood flows continuously through the circulatory system. The heart muscle is the pump which makes it all possible.

In your Chevy A/C system, the Chevrolet A/C compressor plays the role similar to heart muscle. The Chevrolet A/C compressor is a type of pump that is driven by a belt connected to the vehicle's engine. The Chevy A/C compressor has intake and discharge sides. From the outlet of the evaporator, the suction side (or intake) draws in the refrigerant gas. The gas drawn will be compressed and will be sent to the A/C condenser.

When the hot compressed gasses enter through the top of the condenser, simultaneously it starts to cool off. When the process of condensing is done, the gases will exit and will be transformed into a high pressure liquid. The process will then release cool air into the interior of your car. This process is now the reason why you and your passengers are kept comfortable while inside your vehicle.

Come rain or shine, your cabin can remain comfy with a good set of climate control features. Even when it's humid or hot outside, nothing can stop you with from enjoying that soothing breeze inside your ride. Just switch on your A/C to enjoy cool air. The ol' reliable A/C of your Chevy, unfortunately, can malfunction, failing to circulate cooler air as expected. Often the one to blame is a faulty Chevrolet A/C compressor. The A/C compressor may fail when the A/C doesn't undergo routine maintenance or the unit has worn out due to age. To find out if this is really causing the A/C problem, you have to take note of the symptoms and clues for proper diagnosis and to troubleshoot the problem.

 

Intermittent or no cooling

 

When the A/C blows cool air one minute and warm air the next, you can usually blame it on air and moisture in the system. This lets air build up and causes a clog in the orifice. This may also be caused by a faulty compressor clutch and a malfunctioning compressor clutch relay. The faulty clutch won't be able to engage and drive the compressor. This happens when the voltage to the clutch is low, there's too much air gap in the clutch, or the clutch coils have too much resistance. If the clutch fails to engage with the A/C on, the problem may lie with a blown fuse or a broken wiring. The fuse may be replaced, but this would be a temporary fix. The cause of the blown fuse should be identified. If the clutch is getting voltage but still won't engage the compressor, the clutch has to be replaced. Look for any sign of leak around the shaft seal of the compressor. Replacing the seal can fix the A/C problem. When the belt squeals as the clutch works but fails to turn the compressor, the unit has seized and needs to be replaced.

 

You should also check if the relay is getting sufficient voltage as you turn on the A/C. Inspect the relay wiring and ground connections. Bypass the relay with a jumper wire or route the voltage directly to the compressor. If the A/C works after doing this, you most likely have a bad relay. Aside from busted compressor parts, intermittent cooling may also be caused by a faulty lower pressure cutout switch and a problematic A/C control switch, among other things.

 

A/C noise

 

Noise coming from the unit is a sign that the compressor is wearing out. The unit then has to be checked to see if repair can be done, replacement is needed, or this may be caused by other things. Noise can also be triggered by cross-contaminated refrigerant when the operating pressure is too high as well as air in the system and using the wrong lubricant for a certain type of compressor. Also check the hoses and other components that may rattle against other parts in the engine compartment. You have to trace where the noise is coming from.

 

Flushing the A/C system

 

Flushing the A/C system is crucial to preventing repeat compressor failure and system blockages. As the compressor fails, metallic debris and other contaminants may be thrown around the system and may get into other parts such as the condenser, orifice evaporator, and hoses, among other parts. The right flushing material must be used to clean the system, ridding it of sludge and debris. By flushing, residual oil from the system is removed. The system should be re-filled with the right amount and type of oil.