My ac compressor had been making this kind of knocking noise whenever I turned on my AC and then it would only engage for like 1-2 seconds and cut off. So I added so more refrigerant thinking it may be low but today while taking out the trash I said hey, let try the AC and see if it works. Well that was a bad idea, turned it on then all I heard was something that sounded like the radiator hose busted and smoke started coming from the engine and filling the cab. Jump out and open hood and the refrigerant was basically shooting out of the compressor and making a loud hissing sound. Once all the refrigerant was gone which only took about 1 minute I started the car and everything was back to normal, but my first thought was the radiator, but all the smoke was coming from the refrigerant hitting the hot engine. Looks like this will cost about $500+ to be repaired maybe since the compressor runs about $200 or so...Ah well, good thing the fall/winter is almost here lol.

 

Ouch. Sucks to hear that happened. Try searching junk yards maybe they''ll be able to get you a compressor for cheaper. Unless you're buying OEM idk if i'd trust a compressor you could get at your basic autozone or stores like that.

 

Are the compressors from a regular lancer the same as ours?

 

From the looks of it we only share the compressor with the Evos of that generation

 

Guess I'll have to wait until income tax time to get it fixed. Question though, is their a way to disable the compressor from trying to come on when I run the front windshield defrost in the winter time?

 

Yep. There is a wire that runs to it. Unplug it. Something has to tell it to turn on.