Imagine you’re all set for a summer weekend road trip when you realize your a/c not cooling, compressor running in the middle of the highway. Is it possible that the car’s air conditioning isn’t cool enough? What comes next? You can’t afford to get boiled in the heat, can you?
So let’s take a closer look at a few of them. Here are some of the reasons why your car’s air conditioning isn’t working properly.
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Reasons That Your Car AC Isn’t Cooling Enough
Air conditioners, like most things beneath the hood, can break down for a variety of reasons. Knowing what to check for might help you figure out why your car’s air conditioning isn’t working and what steps to take next. Let’s take a look at five typical reasons why your car’s air conditioning has stopped working.
1. Leak Of Freon
Freon is a chemical refrigerant that is used to cool warm air before it is pumped back into your vehicle. Because today’s air conditioning systems are so delicate and require a certain amount of freon to function, a leak can be a major problem.
A damaged hose, a leaky gasket, or even a loose connection can all cause a leak. To correct this, we must first locate the faulty components, repair or replace them, and then recharge the system with Freon.
2. Blocked/Broken Condenser
Another valid reason for your car’s air conditioner not working properly is a faulty condenser. It’s that particular device in your automobile that keeps the refrigerant cool and then converts the heated air into cool air through the fan.
The air in the automobile is blown through the AC vents, and you breathe it in. It can be found directly in front of the grille. If there’s a problem, you can easily locate the grille and diagnose it. If there is a blockage and debris or dust is detected in it, the problem may cause the automobile to overheat. If the condenser is not properly cared for, the warm air that regularly blasts through the vent inside your vehicle may cause harm.
Such problems put a lot of strain on your car’s air conditioner, which might lead to problems with your vehicle’s air cooler. As a result, you must exercise caution!
Taking the car to a competent car repair shop that is authorized to work on similar car models is a good idea.
3. Electrical Problems
When it comes to an A/C unit that has stopped operating, electrical faults are possibly the most complex to identify. To begin, visually inspect all of the wirings to determine if any wires are broken or frayed.
If any wires are found to be broken, they should be repaired using electrical tape or replaced entirely. If you can’t find any electrical problems on your own, it’s time to take your car to a qualified mechanic for a thorough examination.
4. It’s Time To Recharge Your Air Conditioning
Even the most efficient air conditioners can lose a little amount of refrigerant over time, usually so slowly that you won’t feel the difference. And you might never notice that your car’s current A/C low temperature has changed by more than a degree or two.
However, if you find that your car’s air conditioning isn’t working, you may be low on freon. It’s one of the most prevalent reasons why your car’s air conditioning isn’t as chilly as it should be.
It’s simple for us to identify if your air conditioner is leaking. Bring the automobile in and we’ll run some tests on it. If your refrigerant level is low, we can replenish your air conditioner.
What To Do If A/C Not Cooling, Compressor Running?
One of the more challenging issues to diagnose and repair is a broken automobile air conditioner. If your car’s air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, the first thing to search for are indicators of leakage or a non-functioning A/C compressor. If your air conditioning system requires extensive repairs, you may not have the proper tools to complete them at home. However, if it is low on refrigerant, you can recharge it with a recharge kit from a local auto parts store.
1. Detecting The Problem
Turn on the engine and the air conditioner. Start the car using the key and set the air conditioner to high. Feel the air flowing from the air conditioner and decide whether it is warm, chilly, or cold. There could be a problem with air flow if the air is warm to cool but not as chilly as it should be.
- Check to see if your radiator’s cooling fans are spinning. If they aren’t, there could be a problem with the electricity.
- To improve airflow, your vehicle’s cabin air filter may need to be replaced. Replacing the cabin filter may also assist to eliminate any unpleasant odors in the vehicle.
2. Check To See If The Air Conditioner Is On
To select the best course of action for making repairs if necessary, make sure the air conditioner compressor is working.
- Look in the engine bay for the air conditioner and observe whether the center of the pulley is turning with the pulley itself.
- When the air conditioner is turned on, a clutch is activated. The center of the pulley will rotate together with the pulley itself when the clutch is engaged.
- The A/C compressor may be faulty and need to be replaced if the clutch does not engage, or it may simply need to be filled with refrigerant.
3. Examine The Wiring To The A/C Compressor
A wire connects most compressors to the electric clutch. Unplug the connector that’s in the middle of the wire. Connect the compressor’s wire to the positive (+) terminal of your battery with a length of wire. The electric clutch is working properly if you hear a loud CLACK. Otherwise, it will have to be replaced.
- It’s possible that replacing your A/C compressor will necessitate the use of specialized tools.
- If the compressor or clutch on your car needs to be changed, bring it in for service.
4. Inspect The Air Conditioning System For Leaks
Leak detection kits can be purchased to assist you in locating any leaks in your air conditioning system. These kits include a dye that runs down the lines and seeps out of any leaks or breaks, allowing them to be seen with the naked eye.
- Spray the leak detection can into the air conditioning system after connecting it to the low-side service port.
- If you notice any leaks, take your vehicle to a repair shop to get them serviced by an expert.
- If you don’t see any leaks, the issue could just be a lack of refrigerant
5. Make Sure You Get The Right Refrigerant For Your Vehicle
The quickest approach to figure out what sort of refrigerant your vehicle needs is to look at the year it was built. R134a is used in all automobiles made after 1995. If your car is older than that, it was most likely built with R12.
- R12 refrigerant cannot be refilled on your own.
- If your vehicle runs on R12, make an appointment with an auto repair specialist to get it converted.
Conclusion
Replacing your air conditioner can be an expensive and time-consuming task. Maintaining and caring for your air conditioner properly can save you money. You may also maintain your vehicle by following these car maintenance key tips & techniques or car modification suggestions. Hope that this article regarding a/c not cooling, compressor running solved all your problems.