Do I need to replace ac compressor?

Question

My wires were chewed by rodents and tech repaired wires and still did not work. He says I have to replace it. Is it possible because wires were chewed this could burn out compressor? In the past we have wires fixed and system worked fine. Do I really need to replace compressor?

Answer 1

Yes anything is possible.How ever depending on which wires were chewed(thermostat/power feed to compressor) would determine whether this is actually the case.Also repeated short cycling can destroy a compressor faster than anything else.How come the wires were not armored since you had this happen before?

Answer 2

Most likely the chewed wires caused the clutch coil inside the compressor to blow out.   Someone else mentioned a power sensor but that won't tell you if the engine wiring is bad.  The only way to check this is to run run power straight from the battery to the compressor.  If the compressor engages then you have wiring issues.  If the compressor is still dead, then its a dead compressor and will need to be replaced.

Answer 3

It's easy to tell if a compressor is electrically defective.It's either open,shorted ,or grounded.This can be checked in 10 seconds with an ohm meter by a service technician.It could also be just be mechanically stuck.It might also be a coincidence that the wires were chewed up but is unrelated to the failure of the compressor,if it is in fact,a compressor failure.Good luck.

Answer 4

Get a second opinion and have the new guy check the wiring repair the first guy did for you. It could also just be the relay or something else that costs less than an entire replacement unit. This guy who said you need a new unit may just want to make some easy money. : /

Answer 5

Yes it is possible. Get a second opinion. Also have some one check to see if the compressor is still in warranty. Many compressor manufacturers will warranty a compressor for 5 or more years. You will have to pay for labor to R&R, but at least you have the compressor paid for. Doesn't hurt to check.