Bought the car new in 2008. My AC compressor went bad and was replaced under warranty at 38k miles in 2011. 2 years later, I report AC issues again. Dealer looks at it and claims nothing is wrong. Today at 82k miles, I have no cold air again. Car is at the dealer where they tell me the compressor is bad again and needs to be replaced for $1400. How does this keep happening? Anyone experience this? Ive called Infiniti Consumer Affairs and opened a case. I have a feeling its an electrical issue rather than the actual part going bad.

anyone have any helpful info to share?

I am quite angry to say the least.

 

Assuming not an electrical issue, it has to be a leak. A pretty bad one at that too to cause so much damage in a short period of time. Basically moisture is getting in, and damaging the internals of the compressor.

However, i'd think you've notice this before the compressor went bad.

 

i was told there were two leaks at the o rings with oil mixing in somehow.

 

seems like I am the only one. Maybe I should play the lottery...

 

I just lost my 1st one at about 80k. dealer told me about $1400 also. I don't have that to spend, so I'm crossing my fingers on a refurb.

 

I filed a case with Infiniti/Nissan Consumer results. The result, they are willing to cover service costs if I cover the part. Ive found that the compressor and clutch can be had at around $640 new, so looks like Ill be buying the assembly. AC Compressor number 3!!!

 

I have my car for 4 years now, around 58k i heard some whirlpool noise in the front end. My first thought was my ac compressor. i searched around and even found this video on youtube showing hows the noise of the compressor when its bad (mine doesn't sound that bad though). I took my car to the dealer and told them the noise, the rep told me that my car would be the 10th car they replace the ac compressor. They changed my compressor under my extended warranty, week after i did not get cold air from the AC,brought it back again but this time its just the blower motor gave up. Until then 82k now i haven't get any problem on my ac compressor.

 

79k miles and compressor went out. Had the mechanic removed for it to be rebuilt.
Something bad must have happened because it rattles as if it has marbles inside. Bought a remaf from O'reilly for $350 now I'm told I have to flush the system before I can have it recharged. They are asking for $250 for this... so far I'm out $475 just on the compressor and labor to remove and install. Now I gotta come up with another $250 to get my A/C back. No happy that my other cars with well over 100k miles have working a/c. There's gotta be a recall for these things.. Is NOT normal wear and tear

 

So, what are symptoms of a bad A/C compressor?

The compressor in my '07 w/106k miles occasionally makes a whining/whirring noise (varies with RPM) for 5-10 seconds when the A/C is turned on. It seems to only happen if the car has been driven for a while on a hot/humid day, then sits for a few minutes with the engine off, and then restarted and A/C turned back on... filling the tank at the gas station is an example. Other times in that same situation it's fine though, and screwing with it in my garage (on, off a few times in a row, starting/stopping the engine) results in normal, quiet operation. It always blows ice cold as well. The first use after a cold start functions normally.

Records indicate that the PO complained about it not blowing cold at 78k miles, and was evacuated/recharged with no leaks.

 

my symptoms were obvious. No cold air and compressor clutch not engaging. I never noticed a specific sound or noise. Leaks were detected immediately upon further inspection.

 

I was lucky with mine, just replaced the clutch myself at 45k miles. No leaks.

 

as with yours and mine, these cars should not have AC issues at 40k miles. More and more people are starting to speak up about their problems. It is beginning to seem like there is a manufacturer fault affecting a lot of vehicles.

 

Knock on wood...I'm approaching 150K with my 06 coupe. No AC problems whatsoever.

I fixed up my mom's old Volvo for my sister (huge PCV system, suspension, brakes, radiator, etc..) and those things were notorious for the clutches going bad. I fixed it by add some zip ties and cut up small pieces of a RockAuto.com magnet to lower the gap, lol. It's been working fine for her ever since..

 

Are the aftermarket compressors any better?

 

The reason it costs so much to change a compressor is because they MUST flush the ENTIRE system to clean out any metal particles that may have been thrown into the system by a messed up compressor. It's not cheap.

Got 150K on mine, knock on wood.