Is your Audi AC compressor not turning on? Here is what could it mean

AC system is one of the important accessories in cars. During a long journey with a hot and humid weather, it’s the air conditioner which gives relief and provide you comfort in the car. Without AC, the journey in a hot weather would become very unpleasant and uncomfortable. Imagine you have to go for a long journey with your family. After getting into the car, you tried to turn off the air conditioner, but it is not working at all. You would definitely feel irritated. A compressor is the main part of AC which can disable the whole AC system. If the compressor is not activating, then this can be considered as a major issue which has to be taken seriously. Here you will know about the problem with the AC compressor and why it doesn’t turn on in Audi.

AC compressor in Audi

The AC system or the air conditioning system performs the cooling process of the cabin. It works by transferring the heat from the cabin outside and supplying cool air to the cabin through AC vents. There is a fluid called refrigerant that is used in the AC system. The refrigerant is circulated throughout the AC system for the transfer of heat. But how does the refrigerant flows. It is the compressor which makes the flow of refrigerant. The compressor is like the pump for refrigerant. It pressurizes the refrigerant to make it flow in its lines.

The compressor consists of a pulley in it which rotates to make some parts move to compress the refrigerant. This pulley gets the power from a clutch. This clutch Is the compressor clutch which is a metallic disc. When this metallic clutch disc rotates and comes in contact with the pulley, the pulley runs and activates the compressor. So, the clutch makes the AC compressor engaged and disengaged. So, there are various ways to pull the clutch towards the compressor pulley.

The compressor is powered by the drive belt and the drive belt is connected to the engine. When the clutch comes to the pulley, then only the pulley is engaged and begins to rotate freely. The clutch gets some electromagnetic signals which pulls it towards the pulley to engage. But if the compressor is not engaging, then mostly the problem can be with the clutch or the electrical components which engage the pulley.

What causes the AC compressor not to turn on?

To turn on the AC, it’s the compressor which is turned on by applying the AC switch given at your dash. If the AC is not working, then mostly the compressor is to be blamed. There can be some things that enable the compressor. So, malfunctioning of these components can make the compressor to disengage. Here are some common causes of AC compressor not turning on in Audi.

Fuse are blown

The fuses are safety components for electrical systems that protect them from high current. You have to check the fuses and before that you have to search for the fuse box where the fuses are located. You can search for it under the hood, under the steering wheel. You can test all the fuses by the help of multimeters or testers. You can easily know by checking which fuse conducts and which one doesn’t. A blown fuse cannot conduct the current.

Faulty relay

Relays are the important part of the electrical system which performs the switching. the relays are present behind the switches or buttons given for turning and off of the AC. They enable the current flow to the other components of the AC system. The relays are present at the back of the fuse box cover. To replace it, you have to just pull out the old one and push in the new one.

Faulty clutch

If the clutch is faulty, then it cannot allow the pulley to rotate. So, you have to check the clutch and replace it when you find it faulty.

Conclusion

Replacing the electrical components is very easy. But if there is fault in the clutch or the whole compressor, then you may need the help of a car professional. Get your Audi AC checked at Audi service center.