A/C Compressor Replacement
Pete's Automotive tests and replaces A/C compressors at our Thousand Palms shop, and confirms the compressor is the fault before replacing it. The compressor is the pump that makes your air conditioning work. When one actually fails you can usually hear it. But plenty of cars come in here with a compressor that never turned on because of a five dollar switch, so we test before we condemn the expensive part.
Broken pump, or never told to run
A pump that squeals, grinds, or has locked up is a mechanical failure, and it is loud. A pump that simply never kicks on is usually being told to stay off. The system shuts the pump down on purpose when refrigerant is low, so a leak looks like a dead pump. So does a bad relay, a burned-out clutch coil, a dead radiator fan, or a computer fault. We confirm the car is asking for A/C and has enough refrigerant to allow it before quoting a pump.
When one comes apart, the metal goes everywhere
A pump that failed internally sends metal shavings through the rest of the system. Bolting a new pump onto a system full of that debris is how the second one fails in a season. Depending on what we find, the right repair also means flushing the lines and coil, replacing the small metering valve the refrigerant passes through, replacing the drier, and sometimes replacing a condenser that cannot be cleaned out. We show you what came out so you can see why.
Oil and refill amount have to be right
A compressor runs on oil that circulates with the refrigerant, and each system takes a specific type and amount. Too little starves the new pump, too much makes the air warmer. So the new pump gets the correct oil, a fresh drier, a deep vacuum to pull out moisture, a weighed refill, and a vent temperature check before it leaves the shop.
What's included
- Clutch, relay, pressure switch, and wiring tested first
- Compressor replaced with the correct oil type and amount
- System flushed and the metering valve replaced
- Drier replaced
- Deep vacuum, weighed refill, and vent temperature check
A/C Compressor Replacement: questions we get asked
Family-owned since 1981
AAA Approved Auto Repair
12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on qualifying work
32125 Arbol Real, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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Where we serve
We serve drivers across the Coachella Valley: