What causes an ac compressor to lock up

Inaccurate refrigerant(freon) charges increase the chances of auto ac compressor lock up. Modern auto a/c systems require super accurate charging. Being off as little as 2 ounces can cause problems.R-134a and R-1234yf ac system tolerances require charge rates that must remain or should be charged within +/- 5% of OEM recommendation. SAE J2788 requires charge accuracy of +/- one-half ounce.

Attempting to charge by cans is History !!

Car ac compressor lock up due to improper compressor lubrication.

Refrigerant moves the oil inside the ac system and helps to cool down the ac compressor. An undercharge or overcharge refrigerant condition will increase the air conditioning compressor temperature and a change in oil viscosity and lubrication characteristics. Most compressor lock ups are the result of a lubrication problem.

AC compressors lock up due to ac system contamination

Auto ac compressor damage may occur because of system contamination. Anything more than the correct type of freon and oil is a contaminant. The use of sealers to fix small refrigerant leaks will cause oil and refrigerant contamination and ultimately ac compressor lock up. Sealer can’t be removed from the A/C systems. The contaminated components must be replaced.

The use of excessive Dye to help finding leaks in the ac system could create a contamination problem as well, increasing the normal working pressure of the ac compressor and the overall efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Improperly replacing any component in the automotive air conditioning system where the system must be opened for replacement of the damaged part and not evacuating the system before recharging it with the proper amount and type of refrigerant will contaminate the ac system with air. Air and moisture inside the system will create excessively high operating pressures and temperatures and eventually could lead to a compressor lock up.

Inefficient ac condensers and air conditioning compressor lock up

Debris on the condenser will affect the desuperheat, condensation and subcooling processes happening in the auto ac condenser.AC condenser with bent or missing fins will be unable to efficiently operate. An inefficient ac condenser will cause an auto ac compressor to lock up.

Low Refrigerant charge and electronically controlled compressor lock up ?

The car engines in vehicles with the clutchless compressors should not be run without refrigerant in the A/C system. Without refrigerant to move the oil, the auto ac compressor may not be properly lubricated and compressor lock up may result.

Do you need assistance inspecting the state of your ac compressor in your vehicle?

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