Air con compressor replacement for nearly all makes

Air con compressor replacement in Rotterdam

Is the air con rattling, no longer cooling or no longer switching on? We first test whether the compressor is the cause. If it is, we replace it and fit a new drier.

Rotterdam family business since 1979 | 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | F-gas certified | Quote in advance

The short answer

The air con compressor is the pump that circulates the refrigerant. Without a compressor the air con does not cool. Replacing it is one of the most expensive repairs on a car air con system. That is why we first test whether the compressor is the cause. Often the cause is something else, such as a leak, a fuse or the control system.

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde replaces air con compressors for nearly all makes. With every replacement we fit a new drier as standard. If the compressor has seized, we also flush the pipes and the condenser. Then we vacuum the system and fill it with R134a or R1234yf.

After the diagnosis you get a quote with the parts, labour, refrigerant and VAT. We only start once you agree. Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number.

Jump to: signs · is it the compressor · how we work · costs · prevention · frequently asked questions · directions

How to recognise a faulty air con compressor

An air con compressor usually gives warning signs before it fails. These are the ones we hear and see most often.

  • You hear a rattling, ticking or clattering noise as soon as you switch on the air con
  • The air con no longer engages and you hear no click when you switch it on
  • The air con only blows air at outside temperature, however low you set it
  • You see greasy, oily dirt around the compressor or on the auxiliary belt
  • The auxiliary belt slips or squeals as soon as the air con engages
  • The air con still cools, but cuts out more and more often

Do you hear only squealing? Then the cause is usually the belt and not the compressor. Replacing a belt is a much smaller repair. Read more in our article about air con noises (in Dutch).

Do you recognise one of these signs? Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number. Then you hear what the first step is.

Is it really the compressor? Test first, then replace

If the air con does not engage, the compressor is not necessarily broken. Five causes are the most common. Four of them are a smaller repair.

Cause What happens Solution
Too little refrigerant because of a leak The pressure sensor switches the compressor off to protect it. Trace the leak and fix it. Then refill.
Fuse or relay The compressor gets no power and does not engage. Replace the fuse or relay and find the cause.
Magnetic clutch The compressor is fine, but the belt does not drive it. On many compressors the clutch can be replaced separately. Many newer compressors have no clutch, but a control valve instead.
Pressure sensor or control system The car gives no signal to switch on the compressor. Repair the sensor, the wiring or the control valve.
The compressor itself Rattling, no pressure build-up or a seized compressor. Replace the compressor, with a new drier.

That is why we first measure the pressures in the system. We read the fault codes with our diagnostic equipment (in Dutch) and check the control system and, if your compressor has one, the magnetic clutch. The diagnosis is a separate job. You hear in advance what it costs. That way you do not pay for a compressor that is not broken.

If the compressor itself turns out to be faulty, you get a quote for the replacement. We only start once you agree. Is your air con not working and do you not yet know why? Then see air con repair.

How we replace your air con compressor

Replacing a compressor is more than swapping the part. When a compressor seizes, metal particles break loose. They spread through the system and can damage a new compressor. That is why we replace a compressor in five steps.

We work by appointment. You bring your car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am. For a quick question or check, you can walk in without an appointment.

1. Diagnosis and quote

We measure the pressures, read the fault codes and check the control system and the magnetic clutch. If the compressor is faulty, you get a quote for the whole repair. It also lists the extra parts. We only start once you agree.

2. Recovering the refrigerant

We recover the refrigerant with our air con service station. That way it does not escape into the air. We are F-gas certified.

3. New drier, and flushing if needed

With every replacement we fit a new drier as standard. If the compressor has seized, we also flush the pipes and the condenser. This removes as many metal particles and as much contaminated oil as possible. Modern condensers have very fine channels. These cannot be flushed clean in every case. Then we advise a new condenser. Where needed, we also replace the expansion valve. Everything extra is listed in your quote.

4. Fitting the compressor with the specified oil

We fit the compressor with the type and amount of oil the manufacturer specifies. An electric compressor in a hybrid or electric car gets oil that does not conduct electricity. For this we use thoroughly flushed equipment. That way no other oil gets into the system.

5. Vacuum, fill and test

We vacuum the system. This removes moisture and air. Then we fill it with the amount of R134a or R1234yf the manufacturer specifies. Finally we test the cooling and the pressures and check the system for leaks.

What does air con compressor replacement cost?

We do not have a fixed price for it. The price varies a lot from car to car. After the diagnosis you get a quote with the parts, labour, refrigerant and VAT. These points determine the price:

  • The type of compressor. An electric compressor in a hybrid or electric car usually costs more than a belt-driven compressor.
  • New or reconditioned. For some cars a reconditioned compressor is available. It is often cheaper. We discuss with you what makes sense for your car.
  • Access. On some cars the compressor is easy to reach, on others parts have to come off first.
  • Flushing and extra parts. If the compressor has seized, flushing and sometimes an expansion valve or a new condenser are added.
  • The refrigerant. R1234yf costs more than R134a.

For comparison: on the market, replacing an air con compressor usually costs € 600 to € 1,300. That is an average and not a quote from us. Read more in our article on air con repair costs (in Dutch). Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty applies.

Is replacement still worth it on an older car?

That depends on the car. A new compressor is a big expense. Our rule of thumb: does the repair cost more than about a quarter of your car’s current value? Then talk to us first about what makes sense.

We set out the options for you side by side. Sometimes a reconditioned compressor is a good middle way. Sometimes the diagnosis shows that only the magnetic clutch or the control system is faulty. And sometimes we advise against the repair, because the car is no longer worth that expense. The choice is yours.

Do you have doubts about a quote from another garage? Ask us for a second opinion. Do you drive a hybrid or electric car? Then read about air con in an electric car.

How to prevent a seized compressor

A compressor rarely seizes out of nowhere. Usually a leak or overdue maintenance comes first. These four points reduce the risk.

  • Have a leak fixed. When refrigerant escapes, the oil that lubricates the compressor goes with it. A compressor that runs dry wears quickly.
  • Switch the air con on every month. Do this in winter too. Ten minutes is enough to pump the oil round and keep the seals supple.
  • Do not wait when you hear a strange noise. When the rattling is only starting, the damage is often still limited.
  • Have the air con maintained in good time. You can read what is needed and when in our car air con maintenance schedule (in Dutch). Is your car coming in for a service? Then ask us to check the air con at the same time.

Is your air con cooling less well, but you hear no strange noises? Then you are probably in time. Have the leak traced first. That is a much smaller repair than a new compressor. You can read more about maintenance on our air con service page.

Frequently asked questions about the air con compressor

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

How much does it cost to replace an air con compressor?

We do not have a fixed price for it. The price depends on your car, the type of compressor and the extra parts needed, such as the drier or the expansion valve. After the diagnosis you get a quote with the parts, labour, refrigerant and VAT. We only start once you agree.

For comparison: on the market, replacing an air con compressor usually costs € 600 to € 1,300. That is an average and not a quote from us. Read more in our article on air con repair costs (in Dutch). Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number.

Do I pay separately for the diagnosis?

Yes. The diagnosis is a separate job. You hear in advance what it costs. On the market, a thorough air con diagnosis usually costs € 30 to € 75. That is an average and not a quote from us.

The diagnosis tells you whether the compressor really is faulty. Often the cause is a smaller part. That way you do not pay for a compressor that is not broken.

My air con does not engage. Does that mean the compressor is broken?

No. Not necessarily. Often there is too little refrigerant in the system. The pressure sensor then switches the compressor off to protect it. Usually there is a leak. A fuse, a relay, the magnetic clutch or the control system can also be the cause. That is why we test first.

Can an air con compressor be repaired instead of replaced?

No. The compressor itself usually cannot be repaired. It is replaced as a whole with a new or reconditioned unit. For some cars a reconditioned compressor is available. It is often cheaper. On many compressors the magnetic clutch can be replaced separately. A fault in the control system can also be repaired. If the diagnosis shows that only such a part is faulty, the repair is a lot smaller.

Does the air con system need flushing with a new compressor?

Yes. That is needed if the old compressor has seized. When it seizes, metal particles break loose. They spread through the pipes and the condenser. If they stay behind, they can damage the new compressor.

With every replacement we fit a new drier as standard. If the compressor has seized, we also flush the pipes and the condenser. Modern condensers have very fine channels. These cannot be flushed clean in every case. Then we advise a new condenser. You can read more about this on our page about air con condenser replacement.

Why is a new drier included?

The drier removes moisture and dirt from the refrigerant. The desiccant inside absorbs moisture as soon as the system is opened. After that the drier protects the new compressor less well. Many compressor manufacturers require a new drier as a condition of their warranty. That is why we fit one as standard.

How long does it take to replace an air con compressor?

Allow about a day. You leave the car with us. You bring it in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am. If we need to flush the system or order a part, it can take longer. With the quote you hear how long we need for your car. You can use a free loan bike while one is available.

Can I keep driving with a faulty air con compressor?

Yes. You can usually keep driving, but there is a risk. A seizing compressor can make the auxiliary belt slip or break. That belt often drives the alternator too, and sometimes the water pump. If the belt breaks, you usually have to stop the car straight away.

Do you hear rattling or squealing? Switch off the air con and have the car checked soon. Switching off the air con reduces the risk, but does not solve the problem.

Air con compressor replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. There is free parking outside if there is space. The tram stop Stadion Feijenoord (line 3) is close by.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. Leaving your car with us? You can use a free loan bike while one is available.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Diagnosis first, then replacement

We replace your air con compressor if the test shows it is needed. You get a quote in advance. We are F-gas certified for R134a and R1234yf.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

See also our air con service, air con repair and leak test.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.