A/C Compressor Replacement
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: