How to tell if the AC compressor is good or not

@tinaelizab36383 beyond checking if the clutch clicks on/off, listening for strange noises from the compressor, or looking for leaks, there isn't much else to test by hand. If you have a set of pressure gauges etc., you could do a deeper check of the compressor. Let us know what’s happening with your AC, knowing what specific issue you are having with your compressor might help us to give you better advice.

Not familiar with your specific vehicle, or I’d specify controller configurations. (Hit button, swing lever, etc, etc...) at any rate;

Visual inspection:

if the inner center of your compressor pulley is visible; Awesome, you’re gonna wanna locate that. Mind you, not the outer ring, not the part the belt sits on, that will be spinning no matter what. You need to be able to see “the face” of the pulley. If you’re having trouble locating which one the compressor pulley is; it is (normally) the only one that doesn’t have a mounting bolt/nut located in the center of the pulley face. That is because the compressor has a clutch plate or pressure plate on the face. This is what you will be looking for. But first;

1)Start your car

2)Turn AC on

3)Turn fan all the way up. (Pay no attention to the temperate coming out of the vents. Just the velocity. You want full blast)

4) set temperature to cold( or all the way blue)

5) ensure recirculate is on

6) If the inner center of the compressor pulley is spinning, your compressor is good. AC system more than likely just needs to be properly recharged. if that is not spinning, I’m afraid

your compressor is not working.

Audible inspection.

Try to do this in a garage if possible or the quietest possible place that has some sort of enclosure. (Inside corner of a building, parking garage, empty diy car wash port, somewhere that will help reverberate sound decently. You will be listening for the compressor’s clutch to engage.

Once you’ve completed steps 1-5 from above,

(CAR-on, A/C-on, FAN-high, TEMP-cold, recirculate-activated)

Listen very carefully (if the fan is too loud sitting in the car; have someone complete steps 1-5 for you; as you stand in front of the car with the hood up. Lean in like you’re checking your fluids and listen…

When the clutch plate engages , You should hear a “click” (just like your refrigerator) followed by a “whirring” or “buzzing.”

To me, it sounds just like a skateboard wheel spinning freely. That distinct, metallic, spinning bearing sound. If unsure, repeat steps as needed.

Turn a/c on,

crank fan to full blast,

make sure recirculate is on. (Air from inside the car, not outside)

temperature all the way cold (or blue)