No worries, it’s a fairly common problem with known causes and easy solutions. You see, after replacing the faulty compressor, normally, your car’s AC system should restore its normal functionality.
However, sometimes the cooling system may still lack the capability to cool despite replacing the compressor. In such a case, you might ask yourself, why is the brand-new AC compressor not blowing in cold air?
Well, it could be a refrigerant recharge or leak issue. If not, it could be a failure of the fan motor or, simply, a bad AC belt.
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Possible Causes of This Problem
As you can see, a lot of other issues can cause your car’s AC system to stop working, besides a bad compressor. Now, if your car’s cooling system isn’t working because of a faulty compressor plus one or several other issues, replacing the compressor alone won’t resolve the problem.
To help you understand this better, let me go into detail about the possible causes of an air conditioning system that is not cooling the inside of a car.
1. A Bad Compressor
As you may already know, the AC system of a car is made up of several components that work together to make sure the inside of your car is cool whenever necessary.
One of the most important components is the compressor, which plays four critical roles. To be precise, it exerts pressure on the refrigerant to cool the air and senses temperature changes inside and outside the car.
Additionally, it monitors and controls temperature output, not to mention, moves air to the condenser.
If the compressor is bad, the crucial functions above will not take place. Consequently, the air conditioning system of your car will lose the capability to cool the inside of the vehicle. Luckily, this can be easily resolved by replacing the compressor.
2. Your Car’s AC Needs a Recharge
Another important component of your car’s air conditioning system is the refrigerant. This substance is normally in the form of low-pressure gas.
However, it quickly changes to a high-pressure fluid when traveling through the various parts of the cooling system. As it does, it takes in the heat within the AC system and then releases it along its journey. This simple action helps to bring cool air into the car.
Notably, the refrigerant sometimes needs to be recharged. Otherwise, it may not perform its role effectively. Now, if the reason for your failed AC system is a bad compressor and a recharge-deficient refrigerant, your cooling system may not work after replacing the compressor if you fail to recharge the refrigerant.
3. An AC System Refrigerant Leak
To make matters worse, the refrigerant is prone to leakage just like any other fluid within your vehicle. Usually, the leakage is caused by several factors that include a broken seal, a broken gasket, or a bad air compressor.
Though it’s difficult to detect a refrigerant leak problem since the fluid instantly evaporates when it comes in contact with air, a few signs can give you a hint that your refrigerant is leaking. These signs include;
- The AC cycles go on and off frequently.
- You hear an audible click when you turn on the AC.
- Oil residue appears around the AC pipe fittings and hoses.
- You hear hissing sounds coming from the AC system when the engine is off.
Now, if your AC system is not cooling because of a bad compressor and a leakage of the refrigerant, replacing the compressor won’t fix the problem if you don’t repair the leakage as well.
4. A Fan Motor Failure
Your car’s AC system is connected to one or a set of cooling fans that move the refrigerated air into the cabin. These fans are powered by a motor whose failure will result in the fans losing their ability to function.
If your car’s cooling system is not working because of a bad compressor and cooling fan motor, you’ll need to fix both problems to restore the basic function of the air conditioning.
Fixing the compressor alone will not have your cooling system working properly again.
5. A Bad AC Belt
The AC belt connects the AC compressor clutch to the engine crankshaft. This enables the compressor to turn on when the engine turns on.
Unfortunately, the serpentine or V-belt is prone to failure and this may cause the cooling system not to work as well.
If your cooling system is not working because of a bad compressor and AC belt, you want to fix both issues to restore it. If you deal with only the compressor, the AC still won’t cool.
How to Fix a Brand New AC Compressor That Does Not Make Cool Air Inside?
Here, the trick depends on the root cause of the problem and there are a few causes as shown below:
- You can recharge your refrigerant on your own at no cost or take the car to your mechanic for this. On average, it costs between $150 to $300 to get your refrigerant recharged professionally.
- Repairing the leak could set you back between $100 and $800(parts plus labor), depending on the root cause and extent of it.
- On average, it costs about $300 to $600 to replace a faulty cooling fan motor. This is inclusive of parts and labor and the specific amount you’ll pay depends on the make and model of your vehicle, plus where you take your car.
- Generally, it costs between $90 and $200 to replace a bad AC belt. The cost includes labor.
Do You Have To Recharge AC After Replacing the AC Compressor?
The short answer is yes. Otherwise, the cooling system may still not work as you’ve seen above.
Conclusion
The AC system of your car is prone to failure due to many reasons including a bad compressor or AC belt, not to mention, recharge-deficient refrigerant, or leaking refrigerant.
If your cooling system is not functioning because of a faulty compressor plus another issue, you want to replace the compressor and equally fix the other issue.
Replacing the component but not fixing the other problem will not restore your air conditioning.
