Can You Run A Car Without An AC Compressor?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Without a , you will need a

bypass pulley and a special length of belt

. If the clutch and / or pulley of your compressor is good, you can continue to use the car without a compressor without any problems. You will need a bypass pulley and a special belt length.

Is it bad to bypass the AC compressor?

Yes, this is possible. However, unless it was the AC compressor clutch and pulley which failed, bypassing the

AC pulley is unnecessary

. … The AC clutch spins on an idler bearing most of the time anyway, so disabling the ability to “engage” the AC clutch by removing the trigger wire accomplishes your goal.

Can you disconnect the AC compressor?


The a/c compressor cannot be permanently removed

because the serpentine belt powers all accessories, including the compressor, in one “circuit”. If you were to take the compressor out you won't be able to install the serpentine belt because a key component will just not be there.

Can I bypass AC compressor with shorter belt?

The compressor cannot be bypassed without the use of a

compressor bypass pulley

. It would cost more for a bypass for the compressor than it would be to just replace the compressor pulley. Install a new pulley or pulley bearing if it can come off of the compressor and then put on a new belt.

How much does it cost to replace AC compressor?


The compressor is an expensive item to replace

. Because dead compressors usually happen in old air conditioners, it's more cost-effective to start over with a new AC rather than pay to put a new compressor into a system that's already wasting power and a few years from the junk heap.

How much does it cost to fix AC clutch?

On average, you're going to have to pay somewhere

between $600 and $670

to replace your AC compressor clutch. The AC compressor clutch will cost more than $400, while the labor associated with AC compressor clutch replacement will run you right around $200.

Can you bypass air conditioner?

To bypass or remove the factory AC system, the

bypass pulley is installed in place of the factory compressor

. … Alternately, you may need to purchase an AC compressor bypass belt sized to fit your engine.

Is it worth replacing AC compressor?


The compressor is an expensive item to replace

. Because dead compressors usually happen in old air conditioners, it's more cost-effective to start over with a new AC rather than pay to put a new compressor into a system that's already wasting power and a few years from the junk heap.

How long should AC compressor last?

The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last

about 12-15 years

. Learning what crucial components, and how to maintain the compressor, can keep your AC running efficiently for its entire lifespan.

Can I just replace the AC compressor?

The compressor is the major part in your outside unit (called the condensing unit).

If your compressor is still under warranty, replace only the compressor

. … The compressor is still under warranty so you'll only have to pay for labor to fix it. No other major components have failed on your AC heat pump.

Can I drive with a bad AC clutch?

Your AC pulley is a free spinning pulley that has a clutch on it. It will spin freely until you turn the air conditioning on. If the clutch doesn't work

properly

, you will still be able to drive your car.

What does a bad AC compressor clutch sound like?


Squealing noise

: A loose, dry, or worn A/C compressor belt will cause squealing noise. This noise will be worse during acceleration. Rattling noise: A loose or worn clutch hub or loose compressor mountings bolt will also cause rattling noise from the compressor.

How can you tell if you need a new AC compressor?

  1. Your AC Is Making Growling, Screeching, or Clattering Noises. Electrical failures in the compressor will make your AC emit unusual clunking or rattling noises. …
  2. You Have a Hard Time Getting Your AC to Start. …
  3. Your AC Stops Blowing Cold Air. …
  4. Circuit Breaker Problems. …
  5. Diminished Airflow.

How do I turn off my AC compressor?

To avoid the AC accidentally turning on, you have to shut it off completely. The way to do this is to find

the 's breaker switch outside

; it's usually located under a flip-up lid near the condenser unit. Open the lid and turn the switch to “off.”

How do you diagnose a bad compressor valve?

  1. Poor Efficiency. Efficiency decreases are the most notable effect of bad compressor valves. …
  2. Excessive Discharge Temperatures. …
  3. High Suction Pressure.
Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.