Air conditioning not working in your car? Explore 3 Common Variable Issues
Suddenly turning off the air conditioner in your car can quickly ruin your day. The most common causes of an air conditioner malfunction are leaks or problems with the compressor. If your air blows cool but not cold, the problem may be a clogged filter, a malfunctioning cooling fan, a malfunctioning radiator, or simply that you need to recharge your air conditioner.
How to diagnose problems with your car1. Is your air conditioner cold but blows moderately cold?
If the air conditioner is set for maximum cooling and the fans are turned on, but only moderately cold air blows:
Make sure that the cooling fans on the condenser or radiator are working when the air conditioner is on.
Look for any restrictions, such as leaves, bugs, or dirt, that prevent air from passing through the condenser.
Check the passenger compartment air filter to make sure it is not clogged.
Check system pressure using a set of pressure gauges. Recommended pressure on the high and low pressure side can be found in the repair manual.
Start with an AC compressor
When diagnosing an air conditioning problem, the easiest way to start is with a compressor:
With the engine running, turn on the air conditioning system to the maximum temperature, set the fans to a high level, and make sure that the clutch engages on the compressor. Note: this is not a pulley, but the central part that connects the pulley to the compressor shaft. If the clutch quickly turns on and off, the refrigerant may be low.
If the clutch does not turn on, use a voltmeter to check for voltage on the compressor.
If there is tension, traction can be poor.
If there is no voltage, the cyclic switch may be defective, the fuse blown, and the system may not have enough refrigerant pressure to open the low pressure switch that turns off the compressor.
Most problems are caused by leaks.
Leaks are the most common problem with an air conditioning system.
How to diagnose problems with your car1. Is your air conditioner cold but blows moderately cold?
If the air conditioner is set for maximum cooling and the fans are turned on, but only moderately cold air blows:
Make sure that the cooling fans on the condenser or radiator are working when the air conditioner is on.
Look for any restrictions, such as leaves, bugs, or dirt, that prevent air from passing through the condenser.
Check the passenger compartment air filter to make sure it is not clogged.
Check system pressure using a set of pressure gauges. Recommended pressure on the high and low pressure side can be found in the repair manual.
Start with an AC compressor
When diagnosing an air conditioning problem, the easiest way to start is with a compressor:
With the engine running, turn on the air conditioning system to the maximum temperature, set the fans to a high level, and make sure that the clutch engages on the compressor. Note: this is not a pulley, but the central part that connects the pulley to the compressor shaft. If the clutch quickly turns on and off, the refrigerant may be low.
If the clutch does not turn on, use a voltmeter to check for voltage on the compressor.
If there is tension, traction can be poor.
If there is no voltage, the cyclic switch may be defective, the fuse blown, and the system may not have enough refrigerant pressure to open the low pressure switch that turns off the compressor.
Most problems are caused by leaks.
Leaks are the most common problem with an air conditioning system.
If the pressure is low, there may be a leak:
Still not sure? Check these components
AC compressor and clutch
An AC compressor is a rotating pump that circulates refrigerant (freon) throughout the system.
Common problems: leaks may occur in one or more seals or in the compressor itself. Particle contamination of worn parts inside the compressor is a common cause. A clutch, called an alternating current clutch, can also fail, causing the compressor to become inoperative. To know more, check out: Automobile Remedy
AC battery / dehumidifier
Battery / Dryer collects and absorbs moisture. Moisture is poisonous to the internal components of the system and can also damage the AC compressor. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a battery or receiver / dryer.
Aperture diaphragm / expansion valve
The diaphragm / AC expansion device filters and regulates the flow of refrigerant through your air conditioning system. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a diaphragm or an expansion valve.
Common problems: pollution is the main cause of failure.
Ac capacitor
The AC capacitor is similar to a radiator and works in conjunction with the radiator fan (s). The air passing through the tubes of the AC condenser cools the hot (gaseous) refrigerant that absorbs heat from inside the car.
AC Evaporator Core
The AC evaporator acts like a huge ice cube. It contains refrigerated refrigerant that absorbs heat from the passenger compartment. The cool air sensed from the vents is provided by the AC heater fan motor assembly.
- Using a UV leak detection kit is the easiest way to find a leak. Follow the instructions on the packaging to introduce UV dye into the system and UV light to detect leakage.
- Check all fittings to make sure they are all secure.
- Check the manifolds on the compressor.
- Check the front seal and o-rings that close the pressure switches on the back of some compressors.
- Check where hoses are crimped on fittings.
- Check Schroeder valves.
- Check the pin holes in the capacitor.
- Check where the evaporator drains the condensate with ultraviolet light. Sometimes you can see oil or dye.
- Note: the dye test will not work if the system is too low and the compressor is not working.
Still not sure? Check these components
AC compressor and clutch
An AC compressor is a rotating pump that circulates refrigerant (freon) throughout the system.
Common problems: leaks may occur in one or more seals or in the compressor itself. Particle contamination of worn parts inside the compressor is a common cause. A clutch, called an alternating current clutch, can also fail, causing the compressor to become inoperative. To know more, check out: Automobile Remedy
AC battery / dehumidifier
Battery / Dryer collects and absorbs moisture. Moisture is poisonous to the internal components of the system and can also damage the AC compressor. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a battery or receiver / dryer.
Aperture diaphragm / expansion valve
The diaphragm / AC expansion device filters and regulates the flow of refrigerant through your air conditioning system. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a diaphragm or an expansion valve.
Common problems: pollution is the main cause of failure.
Ac capacitor
The AC capacitor is similar to a radiator and works in conjunction with the radiator fan (s). The air passing through the tubes of the AC condenser cools the hot (gaseous) refrigerant that absorbs heat from inside the car.
AC Evaporator Core
The AC evaporator acts like a huge ice cube. It contains refrigerated refrigerant that absorbs heat from the passenger compartment. The cool air sensed from the vents is provided by the AC heater fan motor assembly.