The Most Common Car Air Conditioning Issues and How to Fix Them

Summer is coming, and with it, car air conditioning issues as well. You know how important it is to have a functioning car air conditioning system. This is why maintaining and fixing car air conditioning issues is essential; besides, these situations can lead auto owners to your auto shop looking for assistance.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common car air conditioning issues, their causes, and possible mechanic solutions for them. Let’s start!

1. Air is Not Blowing Cold

One of the most common car air conditioning issues is when the air is not blowing cold enough or at all. This could be due to some of the following reasons:

Low refrigerant level

Your air conditioner's refrigerant is the substance that cools the air. If there is a leak in the system, the refrigerant level will drop, and the AC will not be able to cool the air properly. To fix this problem, you need to find and seal the leak and recharge the system with the correct amount and type of refrigerant.

Bad compressor

The air conditioning system's compressor is essential to any AC system. The refrigerant is compressed and moved throughout the system in this way. If the compressor is faulty, it will not be able to pump the refrigerant, and the AC will not work. If the compressor cannot be fixed, you will probably need to replace it with a new one.

Blocked or broken condenser

The condenser is the part of your AC system that cools the refrigerant after it leaves the compressor. It is located in front of your radiator and looks like a small radiator. If the condenser is clogged with debris, dirt, or insects, it will be unable to dissipate heat, and the refrigerant will not cool sufficiently. If a rock or a collision damages the condenser, it will leak refrigerant and cause low pressure in the system. In most cases, cleaning and maintaining the condenser is enough to fix this issue. Otherwise, you will need to replace the condenser.

2. Air is not flowing properly

Another common car air conditioning issue is when the air is not flowing properly through the vents. This could be due to a variety of factors, including:

Clogged filter

The filter is the part of your AC system that cleans the air before it enters the cabin. It is usually found behind the glove box or beneath the dashboard. When the filter becomes clogged with dust, pollen, or other contaminants, it restricts airflow and reduces the cooling effect of your air conditioner.

Solving this issue requires locating the filter, which is usually under the dashboard or behind the glove box. Then, you would need to remove it and inspect it for dirt, debris, or damage. If the filter is dirty, you can clean it with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. If the filter is damaged, you need to replace it with a new one.

Faulty blower motor

The blower motor is the part of your AC system that controls the speed and direction of the airflow through the vents. It is usually located under your dashboard or behind your glove box. If the blower motor is faulty, it will not be able to spin the fan blades and push air through the system.

To fix this issue, check the blower motor for any signs of damage or wear. If the motor is dirty or dusty, you can try cleaning it with a soft brush or compressed air before replacing it.

Damaged vents or ducts

The vents and ducts are the parts of your AC system that distribute the air throughout your cabin. They are typically made of plastic or metal and run beneath the dashboard or along the doors. If the vents or ducts are damaged due to normal wear and tear, rodents, or water, they will leak air and reduce the cooling effect of your air conditioner.

Solving this issue requires you to check the vents, ducts, and clutch for any signs of damage or malfunction, Depending on the issue, you may try to maintain the affected area; if it does not, you may need to replace the compressor or the clutch.

3. Leaking condensation

We already mentioned that a blocked or clogged condenser can cause your air to not blow cold enough. But it can also cause another car air conditioning issue: leaking condensation.

Condensation is the water that forms when warm air meets cold surfaces. In your AC system, condensation forms when warm air from outside meets cold refrigerant in the condenser. The condensation then drains out of your car through a hose or a drain pan.

If your condenser becomes clogged or blocked by debris, dirt, or bugs, it will not drain properly and may overflow into your cabin or engine bay. This can cause water damage to your carpets, upholstery, electronics, or other components.

To fix this problem, you need to clean or replace your condenser and make sure that there are no obstructions in your drain hose or pan.

4. Faulty cooling fans

Cooling fans are another part of your AC system that help cool down your refrigerant after it leaves your condenser. They are usually located behind your radiator and look like large electric fans.

If your cooling fans are faulty, they will not be able to spin fast enough or at all, causing your refrigerant to overheat. This can reduce the cooling effect of your AC and damage other components in your system. To fix it, you need to check and replace your cooling fans if they are broken or worn out.

Closure!

We’ve reviewed the most common car air conditioning issues and provided a possible solution for each of them. We hope that this information will help you diagnose and fix your car's AC problems and perform the necessary repairs. Summer is coming, and probably your auto shop must be ready to handle air-conditioning car leads.

Remember that JMC Equipment makes it simple to choose the best equipment for an auto repair shop. Get in touch with us today!