What does an air conditioning compressor do?
The AC compressor pumps and pressurises the refrigerant through the air conditioning system, feeding cold air into your car. The compressor is powered by your car’s engine.
How often should a compressor need replacing?
A well-maintained and properly serviced compressor could last as long as your car does. However, as with all vehicle components, they’re prone to wear and tear. Leakage and blockage can create irreparable damage.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A **faulty air compressor **won’t affect your car’s MOT, but it can affect the comfort of you and your passengers. It’s worth keeping your air conditioning running correctly as the impact it can have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency could affect the day-to-day cost of your motoring.
What happens when we replace your AC compressor?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will check for possible fault codes relating to your air conditioning that could lead them directly to a compressor fault.
The air conditioning system will be checked thoroughly, including electric and pressure components.
Wherever required your compressor will be replaced, and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction. Important associated parts will also be removed and cleaned.
You will be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle. This includes replacement of refrigerant and possibly the orifice tube and receiver dryer.
Once the faulty compressor has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.
What causes an AC compressor to stop working correctly?
Over time, the internal components of a compressor can wear or fail, including the seals that cannot be replaced independently.
In other cases, the valves, pistons, bearings or clutch may need replacing, and it could be a cheaper option to replace the complete unit rather than each of the individual parts.
Your compressor may have stopped working properly due to infiltration by dirt and debris, or from being affected by other faulty parts in the system.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning AC compressor
Your air con doesn’t work
If the air conditioning in your car doesn’t function as it normally would then it could be down to a faulty compressor.
There is no cool air
If your air vents aren’t producing cool air when your AC is operational, it could be your compressor that’s malfunctioning.
Your fuel consumption isn’t as good as normal
A malfunctioning compressor could also affect your fuel consumption, so if you notice that you’re not achieving your usual mpg, it could be time to have your compressor checked.
Unusual noises in the engine bay
If you hear a ticking noise coming from your engine, then this could be a sign that your compressor is damaged.
The AC unit is damp
If there are patches of fluid around the AC unit, this could also be a sign of a faulty compressor.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer.
It is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance but has had connections with many other vehicle manufacturers throughout its history—as shareholders, part owners, and suppliers of parts and components.
How popular is Mitsubishi in the United Kingdom?
Mitsubishi celebrated 100 years of automotive manufacturing in 2017 and has created a solid position for itself in the UK market with around 350k vehicles on the roads today.
Making a mark in an SUV orientated market
The selection of Mitsubishi models does feature the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pickup, but the rest of the range is predominantly SUVs. Even the Mirage has strong SUV overtones.
And why not? They’re sturdy, versatile and roomy enough for families of all sizes, and the Outlander PHEV is perfect for company car drivers with its low fuel bills and plenty of interior space.
Outlander PHEV: The world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV
In 2013 Mitsubishi introduced the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. As a company that continues to make significant breakthroughs in driving technology, their work with renewable fuel types is establishing them as a leader in ecological systems.
The Mitsubishi Shogun: the beginnings of the SUV generation
The roots of the Shogun can be traced as far back as 1934 with a prototype for the Japanese Government, but it wasn’t until the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973 that Mitsubishi presented their first commercial prototype.
The Shogun was launched in 1982, and along with other 4x4 originals: predominantly by Land Rover, Jeep and the Toyota Land Cruiser, it helped boost the popularity of rugged go-anywhere motoring into the mainstream.
Mitsubishi’s reliability and reputation
Mitsubishi ranked joint 4th out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. This wasn’t a great surprise, as the Japanese and Asian brands stormed most of the top 10 places in this field, showing them to be well ahead in making the most reliable vehicles in the market.
Recent Mitsubishi recalls and reliability issues
Various recalls have been made on Mitsubishi models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.
18/11/2018 – Mitsubishi ASX (2011–2012) Mitsubishi Outlander (2008–2012)
The flange area of the engine’s multi-belt auto tensioner may crack under high-load driving conditions
17/11/2018 – Mitsubishi Outlander (2006–2012)
Due to temperature and humidity, the adhesive material between the sunroof glass and outer frame may weaken.
09/11/2018 – Mitsubishi ASX (2018) Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2017–2018)
The software in the active stability control system may be faulty
06/10/2018 – Mitsubishi Outlander/PHEV (2015–2016)
The door lock mechanism in the door latch might not operate properly in high temperatures
06/10/2018 – Mitsubishi Outlander/PHEV (2015–2016)
The engine control relay unit or valve lift control relay can heat up abnormally
28/03/2018 – Mitsubishi ASX (2011–2018)
The weld between the rear muffler and the tailpipe may crack
17/08/2018 – Mitsubishi ASX (2010–2014)
The front deck is not waterproof and water can drop onto the wiper link
03/08/2018 – Mitsubishi ASX, Mitsubishi Outlander/PHEV (2013–2016)
The parking brake lever shaft might become stuck due to corrosion
All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.
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