Your car’s air conditioning (AC) compressor is one of the most important components of your
AC system. It’s essentially a pump, but if that pump stops working, your vents will be blowing nothing but hot air—and it’s likely to cost you over $1,000 to get it fixed.
How much does it cost to replace a car’s AC compressor?
You should generally expect to pay around $1,100–$1,500 to have your car’s AC compressor replaced.
J.D. Power estimates labor will cost anywhere from $160 to $200 and parts will range from $650 to $840, but prices will vary depending on factors like where your vehicle is serviced and the make and model of your car.
Is this a DIY option?There might be a DIY replacement option for those with a lot of automotive know-how, but unless your garage tool kit includes an AC manifold gauge and a refrigerant recovery machine, you should leave this one to the pros.
Signs your car’s AC compressor is failing
Failing AC compressors often exhibit these common symptoms:
- Inoperative air conditioning system that pumps out hot air.
- Screeching noise when AC is turned on.
- Rattling or knocking noise when AC is switched on.
- Refrigerant leaks.
- Metal debris in the AC system (this will only visible if the compressor is opened).
Note: Since other mechanical issues can cause similar symptoms to a faulty compressor, it’s important to conduct a thorough diagnosis before determining the compressor is the root of the problem.
How long does an AC compressor last?
An AC compressor can easily last the lifetime of your vehicle, but according to AutoZone, a typical lifespan is around 10-12 years or 150k-200k miles.
How to maintain your vehicle’s AC compressor
Here are some tips to help extend the lifespan of your car’s AC compressor:
- Run the AC regularly to keep the compressor’s components lubricated and prevent failure due to inactivity.
- Recharge the refrigerant periodically to maintain proper pressure levels in the AC system.
- Perform regular electrical checks on the clutch’s fuse, relay, coil, switches, and sensors—and make sure to promptly address any irregularities.
- Make sure the drive belts are clean and properly tensioned.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
