Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

DKV-14D Type compressor





The compressor performs two main functions:
It compresses low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant vapor from the evaporator into high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant vapor to the condenser. It pumps refrigerant and refrigerant oil through the air conditioning system.
This vehicle is equipped with a five-vane rotary compressor (1).
The thermo sensor (2) is installed to the front head of the compressor to protect it by stopping its operation when the refrigerant gas is insufficient or when the temperature is abnormally high.
- OFF - 160 ± 5 ° C (320.0° ± 9.0 °F)
- ON - 135 ± °C (275.0° ± 9.0 °F)

The specified amount of the compressor oil is 150 cc (5.0 fl.oz.).
The oil used in the HFC-134a system compressor differs from that used in R-12 systems.
Also, compressor oil to be used varies according to the compressor model. Be sure to avoid mixing two or more different types of oil.
If the wrong oil is used, lubrication will be poor and the compressor will seize or malfunction. The magnetic clutch connector is a waterproof type.


When servicing the compressor, keep dirt or foreign material from getting on or into the compressor parts and system. Clean tools and a clean work area are important for proper service. The compressor connections and the outside of the compressor should be cleaned before any "On-Vehicle" repair, or before removal of the compressor. The parts must be kept clean at all times and any parts to be reassembled should be cleaned with Trichloroethane, naphtha, kerosene, or equivalent solvent, and dried with dry air. Use only lint free cloths to wipe parts.

The operations described below are based on bench overhaul with compressor removed from the vehicle, except as noted. They have been prepared in order of accessibility of the components. When the compressor is removed from the vehicle for servicing, the oil remaining in the compressor should be discarded and new compressor oil added to the compressor.

Compressor malfunction will appear in one of four ways: noise, seizure, leakage or low discharge pressure. Resonant compressor noises are not cause for alarm; however, irregular noise or rattles may indicate broken parts or excessive clearances due to wear. To check seizure, de-energize the magnetic clutch and check to see if the drive plate can be rotated. If rotation is impossible, the compressor is seized. Low discharge pressure may be due to a faulty internal seal of the compressor, or a restriction in the compressor. Low discharge pressure may also be due to an insufficient refrigerant charge or a restriction elsewhere in the system. These possibilities should be checked prior to servicing the compressor. If the compressor is inoperative, but is not seized, check to see if current is being supplied to the magnetic clutch coil terminals.

The compressor oil used in the HFC-134a system compressor differs from that used in R-12 systems. Also, compressor oil to be used varies according to the compressor model. Be sure to avoid mixing two or more different types of oil. If the wrong oil is used, lubrication will be poor and the compressor will seize or malfunction.