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how much to repair ac compressor in car

by Jeanette Tremblay Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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But on average, you can expect to pay these prices for auto AC system repairs:

  • Anywhere from $170 to $730 for minor AC compressor repairs and anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for major AC compressor repairs
  • Somewhere between $100 and $140 for a car AC recharge
  • About $500 for auto AC hose repair and replacement
  • Between $200 and $750 for car AC compressor clutch repair and replacement

The average cost to replace a car a/c compressor is around $1,100—your mechanic isn't far off the mark. The cost of parts and labor can vary greatly depending on where you live. On average, the labor cost can run between $160 and $200, with the parts costing between $650 and $840.May 18, 2022

Full Answer

How much is a new AC compressor for car?

You can buy a brand new compressor at AutoZone for between $200 and $500 on average. You'll definitely have to check out what works with your make and model of car to know which one is right for you. And when you head to a mechanic to get the job done, you're looking at anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to get the job done, including the cost of labor.

How difficult is it to repair an Auto AC compressor?

Symptoms Of Bad AC Compressor

  1. Higher Temperatures Than Normal In The Cabin. One of the first signs which is really to recognize symptoms of bad AC compressor is the AC no longer blowing as ...
  2. Loud Noise When Compressor Is Running. When the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operates, it tends to have some noise when it’s kicking on and off.
  3. Moisture Leaks. ...

More items...

How much does it cost to repair AC compressor?

Residential AC Compressor Leak Repair Cost. Finding a leak might cost only $200 but repairing it might run $1,700 or more. If you have an older system that runs r22, consider upgrading to a newer r240a system. On top of repairing the leak, you’ll probably incur other charges such as freon refill costs of $150 to $350.

How much does it cost to fix AC in a car?

But on average, you can expect to pay these prices for auto AC system repairs:

  • Anywhere from $170 to $730 for minor AC compressor repairs and anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for major AC compressor repairs
  • Somewhere between $100 and $140 for a car AC recharge
  • About $500 for auto AC hose repair and replacement
  • Between $200 and $750 for car AC compressor clutch repair and replacement

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Is it worth fixing AC compressor in car?

If this is the case, then yes, a compressor replacement is absolutely worth considering. But the likelihood of a compressor breaking down entire while still under warranty is fairly slim. So, in the absence of a warranty coverage, it's time to consider a full AC system upgrade.

How much does it cost to replace a car AC compressor?

How Much Does Car A/C Compressor Repair and Replacement Cost? Car a/c compressor replacement costs about $994 for car a/c compressor with average prices of car a/c compressor ranging from $842 for a compressor to $1146 for car a/c compressor in the US for 2020, according to Repairpal.com.

Is fixing AC compressor expensive?

To further help you decide between replacing the compressor and your AC system as a whole, compare the costs: AC compressor replacement: $1,500 to $3,000. AC installation: $3,755 to $12,500.

Is it worth replacing compressor on AC unit?

The compressor is an expensive item to replace. Because dead compressors usually happen in old air conditioners, it's more cost-effective to start over with a new AC rather than pay to put a new compressor into a system that's already wasting power and a few years from the junk heap.

Can you drive with a broken AC compressor?

It is most likely OK to operate your vehicle even thought the a/c compressor has failed. However there are a couple things to be aware of. As long as the compressor pulley is rotating smoothly, without wobble or noise, it shouldn't affect belt tension or operation of the other belt-driven accessories.

How do I know if my car AC compressor is bad?

Four Signs Your Car's AC Compressor Is Going BadOdd Sounds. You might hear some strange noises when you flip on your vehicle's air conditioner and if you do, it's probably the compressor. ... Hot Air. The whole point of turning on your vehicle's AC is to get cold air to come through the vents. ... Fluid Leaks. ... Stuck Clutch.

What causes car AC compressor failure?

Reason: it may be due to a lack of refrigerant, a clogged expansion tube or refrigerant charging hose, a broken compressor, broken blower motor, damaged condenser or evaporator, or a failed fuse or switch. This symptom may need small maintenance or a major repair, depending on what's causing it.

What causes AC compressor failure?

Too Little or Too Much Refrigerant In the event that the amount of refrigerant in the system is not perfect, it could create too much pressure or strain and lead to compressor failure. Too little refrigerant is most likely caused by an insufficient charge from the last technician, or from a refrigerant leak.

What happens when car AC compressor goes out?

A failed or bad air conditioning compressor will not circulate refrigerant in the air-con system, and the outcome will be warm air coming through the AC vents. So, when the AC compressor fails, you'll notice high degrees and hot airflow inside the car.

Why is AC compressor so expensive?

If you have a large AC unit, then you can expect an expensive AC compressor. That's because this part is needed to circulate the refrigerant through the entire system. As more parts are needed for the large unit to run, replacement components will always be more costly.

How long does it take to replace car AC compressor?

It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.

Can I just replace the AC compressor in my car?

The gas can be cooled by immersing the coil in water or by a fan. Typically, replacing a compressor should be done by a professional, but you can perform this task at home if you are competent working with your hands. Doing the job yourself can also save you a decent amount of money.

How long does it take to replace an AC compressor in a car?

It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.

How long does an AC compressor last in a car?

Symptoms of a failing A/C compressor Compressors generally last the lifetime of a car, or approximately 12 to 15+ years depending on how well the car is looked after. In saying that, it's important that you regularly check up on and service your car to prevent premature failure.

What causes AC compressor failure?

Too Little or Too Much Refrigerant In the event that the amount of refrigerant in the system is not perfect, it could create too much pressure or strain and lead to compressor failure. Too little refrigerant is most likely caused by an insufficient charge from the last technician, or from a refrigerant leak.

How long does an AC compressor last?

about twelve yearsYour air conditioner compressor should last the whole lifespan of your air conditioner, about twelve years or more if you choose a ClimateCare air conditioner. However, it might not last that long if your air conditioner is too small for the space it's cooling, or if you don't keep your air conditioner well-maintained.

Why is auto AC repair so expensive?

It takes a lot of training for mechanics to get the experience necessary to work on your cars. This skilled trade is one that’s in high demand, all...

How much does it cost to just replace the AC unit in the car?

There are multiple parts to an air conditioning system. If you were to replace the entire system, you would easily spend $2,000 or more, which is w...

How much does it cost to just install a new AC in the car?

A new air conditioning system requires many different parts. If you choose to replace them all, the bill will get very high. We recommend only payi...

How much does it cost to recharge the AC in a car?

If you can add Freon at home, you might spend $10-$30. However, having a professional recharge could cost you $25 to $200, depending on where you t...

How does an AC compressor work?

How Does the AC Compressor Work? The air conditioning compressor is powered by mechanical energy from the drive belt on your engine, and compresses R134a (or other refrigerants) . It is essentially a pump, drawing in refrigerant, compressing it, and pumping it out. This pressurized refrigerant then makes its way through the AC system, ...

What does a car compressor do?

Your car’s air conditioning compressor does just that – it compresses refrigerant and keeps it moving through the entire AC system. It’s a crucial part of what makes your car’s AC work, and if you have AC trouble on a hot day, you’ll want to know more what it does, and how to replace it should it go bad.

What happens if a compressor breaks while engaged?

If this part breaks while engaged, the compressor will always be running. If it breaks while disengaged, it won’t run at all.

How long does an AC compressor last?

They can last the lifetime of the car, but generally a compressor’s life span is around 10-12 years and 150 to 200K miles.

Why is my AC not working?

It’s important to understand that your vehicle’s AC not working could be caused by a number of issues anywhere from just being low on refrigerant, a bad cycling switch or relay, or a faulty compressor. That’s why it’s important to correctly diagnose what’s wrong with your AC system before you start replacing parts.

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?

The cost of your replacement AC compressor will depend on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. The cost for AC Compressors can range from $200 to over $1,000 depending on what kind of car you drive.

Can you replace an AC compressor?

Some AC Compressors are easy than others to reach and replace while others will require removing other parts before the AC compressor can be worked on. The longer it takes to get to the AC compressor, remove it, and replace it, the more it will cost in terms of labor.

What happens when the compressor is engaged by the coil?

Once the clutch has become engaged by the coil, the compressor now turns from the drive belt. The Compressor. The compressor, when engaged by the clutch and coil, then compresses and pushes refrigerant throughout the AC system . In the olden days, the compressor had serviceable components inside. However, in today’s modern vehicles, ...

How long is a compressor warranty?

At most dealerships, replacing the entire compressor will come with a three-year 36k mile warranty, whereas most independent shops will have a one-year 12k mile warranty. A newer trend is that some aftermarket compressors will have no warranty unless the entire AC system is replaced.

Why is the coil unable to pull the clutch together?

When the gap between the two clutch surfaces becomes large, the coil is unable to pull them together to lock up and engage the compressor. It is very common at the dealership to replace both the clutch and the coil together whenever one of the two components fails.

What causes a clutch to engage?

The coil is an electromagnet. When power is supplied, it becomes magnetic. When the AC is turned on in your vehicle, the coil becomes energized which causes the clutch to engage due to the magnetic forces.

How long does it take to replace an AC compressor?

Replacing your compressor will take several hours for most vehicles.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch and coil?

To replace the clutch and coil (usually replaced together), the labor cost would range from around $250 to $350, and the dealership parts around $300 to $450.

What is the most expensive component in an AC system?

The compressor is the most costly component in the AC system and also the most critical to a functioning system. The compressor is composed of three different components which are as follows: The Clutch. The clutch is located on the front of the compressor and its purpose is to allow the compressor to be engaged or disengaged.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix AC in Car?

The cost to fix minor AC issues, according to car owners, ranges from $171 to $727. This means the average cost is $488. Serious AC issues are significantly more expensive since they involve major components. They can range from $1,000 to $4,000. It also depends on the model of your car.

What Are the Causes of AC Issues?

So, when one of these parts fails, your AC will not be able to cool the cabin of your car. AC issues could be caused by one of the following things:

Typical Costs of AC Repairs

Now, you know the many parts in your car’s AC unit that can fail. Each of these parts can fail due to a variety of reasons. Thankfully, there are already established fixes to the issues related to car AC systems. We will now discuss how much to fix car AC according to the issues involved:

Factors to Consider Before Fixing AC in Car

You need to consider certain things before fixing the issues of your car’s AC unit. You need to think about these things before you proceed with this project:

How a Typical AC Works

You should also understand how your AC unit works so that you can appreciate the high price that you need to pay to have it repaired.

Conclusion: How Much Does It Cost to Fix AC in Car?

Actual reports from car owners indicate that minor AC repairs range from $171 to $727. This means an average cost of $488. For AC major repairs, however, the cost will dramatically increase.

What does it mean when your car only sends out warm air when you turn on the AC?

If, for example, your car only sends out warm air when you have your AC turned on, that’s a pretty clear-cut sign that you need to schedule auto AC repairs and prepare to pay the auto AC repair costs that come along with them.

How to avoid being surprised by auto repairs?

One of the ways that vehicle owners can avoid being surprised by auto repairs is by figuring out how long certain parts in their car are going to last. A repair won’t catch you off guard when you have some general idea of how long your car’s parts are going to stick around for.

What is the compressor in an AC system?

The compressor is probably the first part that comes to mind when you think about your car’s AC system. It’s responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant in your AC system so that it’s able to cool air off for your car, and it’s also in charge of keeping the air in your system moving along. It’s a part that you’re going to have to repair ...

How long does an AC compressor last?

But generally speaking, you should know that something like your AC compressor is going to continue working for about 8 to 10 years before it’ll need to be replaced. The same can usually be said for your AC condenser, too, which will often last as long as the compressor if not longer in some cases.

What parts of an AC system go bad?

There are also several other parts in your auto AC system that make it go. This includes an AC condenser, an accumulator, a thermal valve expansion valve, and an evaporator. There are also a series of hoses that are used to keep your car’s AC system ...

Can I get paid for my AC system?

Despite the fact that its AC system isn’t working, you can get paid for it and part ways with it for good. It’ll help you avoid the auto AC repair costs and give you the money you need to go out and get a new car. Contact us now to receive an offer for your car right away.

Should I dump money into my car to fix an AC compressor?

You shouldn’t dump hundreds of dollars into a car to fix a part like an AC compressor when there is a chance that another part of your AC system could break next week. You would be better off avoiding the auto AC repair costs and leaving your AC system alone.

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