Your vehicle’s AC system plays a big part in keeping you comfortable as you cruise down the open road. Sure, you can roll down a window to improve air circulation and ventilation. However, nothing beats the blast of a frigid AC in the heat of summer!
When your AC compressor suddenly gives out, your cool ride can turn into a nightmare experience. Like your HVAC system at home, your vehicle’s AC can encounter a slew of issues.
Is your AC compressor running but won’t take Freon? Here are a few reasons you’re encountering this issue and possible solutions to get your AC running again.
AC Compressor Basics
Before we get into the reasons why your AC compressor is running but won’t take Freon, it pays to understand how this complex system works in the first place. Ultimately, your car’s AC unit operates under the same principles as your home system. However, it’s on a much smaller and more compact scale.
The AC system cycles a refrigerant through a condenser to remove heat and cool air. The refrigerant used is Freon. Before it can effectively cool air, Freon must go from a gaseous state to a liquid one. That’s where the compressor comes in.
The AC compressor is a pump driven by a belt attached to your engine crankshaft. That’s why the AC won’t cool down unless your engine is running! In its gaseous form, Freon flows into the compressor pump. There, it’s put under immense pressure, transforming into a liquid and flowing into the condenser for cooling.
The compressor plays a critical part in the process. When it’s not functioning correctly, the AC can’t cool the air down. As a result, it pumps out hot air and isn’t taking Freon.
5 Common Reasons Why AC Compressor Running But Won’t Take Freon
Below are some of the most common reasons why the AC compressor running but won’t take Freon.
1. Leaks
Leaks are relatively common in air conditioning compressors. These components have design features that help prevent Freon leaks. However, the constant pressure results in gradual wear and tear. Eventually, the bearings preventing Freon from flowing out of the compressor fail.
The issue can be minor and difficult to spot. But once enough refrigerant escapes, it’ll start to impact efficiency. The leak can get bad enough to stop the AC system from working entirely.
To locate the leak, try using a detection kit. These kits are readily available at most auto shops. They use dye and UV light to show you where Freon is escaping.
Follow the direction of the kit to add the dye. Then, pay close attention to any vulnerable spots in the compressor. Examine all the hoses, fittings, seals, and O-rings. Don’t forget to shine the light on the compressor hose manifolds and where the condenser drains from the evaporator. The leak will become evident once you see the dye or oil shining back at you.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels will prevent your AC from functioning as it should. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t “lose” Freon over time. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in the system, it’s because of a leak.
Hopefully, you’ve spotted the issue and fixed the leak by this point. Whether it’s significant damage or pinhole punctures causing you to lose Freon, fix the problem before recharging the system.
Replenishing the refrigerant is a straightforward process. You can purchase Freon cans with built-in dispensers at your local auto shop or big-box store. While it’s a relatively easy job, make sure to read the instructions thoroughly.
Freon is a dangerous substance, and failing to recharge the system safely could cause more headaches.
3. Inadequate Freon Pressure
With lower Freon levels comes lower pressure readings. The AC compressor’s job is to turn the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid. But if there’s not enough pressure within the system, the compressor can fail. Pressure can fail to build up for a couple of reasons. It could be a leak in the system or a clog preventing Freon from flowing.
Most modern AC systems have a failsafe to avoid damage from low refrigerant pressure levels. When the Freon pressure dips below a specific threshold, a cut-off switch disengages the compressor clutch.
The only way to fix this problem is to recharge the system. Once you replenish the Freon, it should have no issues building pressure to appropriate levels.
4. A Damaged Compressor Clutch
Ever wonder how an air conditioning compressor knows when to start working? When you turn your AC on, a small amount of power energizes the compressor’s clutch coil. It generates a magnetic field, pulling the clutch to engage the compressor shaft.
Remember: The compressor gets its power from a belt attached to the engine. The compressor needs that clutch to engage smoothly to operate at all. The pump can’t kick into gear and move the Freon without it. Generally, you’ll feel air blowing out of your vents, but it won’t be cold.
To fix this issue, check if there’s any power going to the clutch. You can use a voltmeter to ensure ample electricity to create the magnetic field.
If there’s not, you’ll have to jump-start the clutch. This solution requires you to unplug the wire connector from the compressor’s front side and attach a jumper to get power from your car’s battery.
5. A Faulty Compressor
In the worst-case scenario, you could have a faulty compressor. Usually, you can hear the damage as you run the AC. You might notice grinding noises as the compressor attempts to operate. That indicates that the bearings inside are damaged beyond repair.
Alternatively, the condenser unit could continually trip the circuit breaker. That means the system is pulling too much power, leading to a potential fire hazard.
Contact a mechanic if you suspect that you’re dealing with a broken compressor. A complete replacement is necessary, and that job is best done by an auto professional.
Conclusion
No one wants to deal with a malfunctioning air conditioner system. Compressor issues are particularly troublesome, as they can force the system to pump out hot air that only makes the debilitating heat of summer even worse. Is the AC compressor running but won’t take Freon? Don’t wait to address the problem. Use our tips above to diagnose the issue.
Once you figure out what’s going wrong, you can take steps to fix it or hire a mechanic. Either way, you’ll be one step closer to enjoying that cool air!
