Air conditioner not working properly
The air conditioner in my car is not working properly.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If your A/C is not working properly there can be a number of things wrong. If the air is flowing fine from the proper vents then the interior part of the system should be fine. If the air is simply not getting cold then the system may be low on refrigerant. There could be a problem with the compressor or possibly a pressure issue. You will need to have a trained technician use pressure gauges to diagnose the problem with your A/C system.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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A very common cause of an air conditioner not being cold is that the refrigerant needs to be recharged. You can charge it yourself with a charger kit, but you may be more comfortable bringing it to the shop for an easy fix. You can recognize this symptom if you can feel cold air but it is not actually blowing.
Your vehicle`s air-conditioning not working is likely caused by a failing compressor or a freon leak. While these are the most obvious reasons for your air-conditioning not working inside your vehicle, it might be anything as simple as a bad belt or a dirty cabin air filter.
Problems with your Toyota`s automatic climate control could cause issues like cold air blowing from the driver`s side air vents while hot air blows from the passenger`s side. If you experience such problems, you can reset your Toyota`s climate control by unplugging and reinstalling the HVAC/ECAS fuse.
Common Reasons AC Doesn`t Run Cold
The most common causes of broken air conditioning leaks or compression issues. If you are feeling cool — but not cold — air, the issue could be a clogged filter, a problem with the cooling fan, signs of radiator trouble, or it could simply mean it`s time to recharge your AC.
Try cleaning your air conditioner`s filter and the coils to see if improving the airflow fixes the problem. If there is ice buildup, you`ll need to run the unit with just the fan in order to melt it off. If that doesn`t get the unit blowing cold air again, it could be refrigerant levels are low (see below).
Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters. When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesn`t cool your indoor air effectively.
The ambient temperature sensor (switch) is located either behind the front grille or in the front bumper. Its only job is to monitor air temperature (which it does through increasing/decreasing resistance in response to temperature fluctuations).
AC Works Intermittently: When the air goes from cool to warm to cool again, you`re experiencing intermittent problems. This is often due to a clog in the system, a failed compressor or compressor clutch, a faulty condenser fan, a clog in the system, or the actuator directing airflow has failed.
One of the most common reasons your car AC is blowing hot air is because of a refrigerant issue—specifically, a loss of refrigerant. This loss of refrigerant can occur either due to a leak or because your car`s refrigerant levels are too low.
Your car`s air-conditioning stopped working most likely because of a freon leak or a bad compressor. While these causes may be the simple to spot reasons that your air-conditioning isn`t cooling in your vehicle, a dirty cabin filter or a bad belt could also be the problem.
Turn the fan to its maximum speed and make sure the airflow is set to “outside” mode. Then, once you`ve forced out some of the humid, hot air that`s accumulated in the car, turn on the A/C and switch to “recirculate” airflow mode. Now you can set the A/C to “max cool.”
The recirculation mode is comparatively better. But, if you use it for long, the air inside will become impure. So, during long journeys, you can switch to the fresh air mode once in a while to let fresh air in.
First, turn off your air conditioner. Then, open the circuit breaker panel and switch off the power to your unit. Go to the unit and remove the cover to expose the evaporator coils. Find the sensor and check if it`s either bent away or is touching the coils.
Loud Noises When The Compressor Is Running
A worn bearing will produce a high pitched squealing or grinding sound, while a seized bearing will produce a grinding noise or a noticeable belt squeal.
The ideal engine temperature should be somewhere between 195 and 220 degrees. An engine is operating normally when the needle points at the center or near the center of the gauge.
What Is a Thermostat Sensor? Also known as an air conditioning sensor, a thermostat sensor is a component in central AC systems that is designed to measure the ambient air temperature. It works in conjunction with a thermostat to provide control over your home`s indoor temperature.
Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC`s reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don`t see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.
Check the cabin air filter and replace it if it`s dirty.
Especially if the air coming from your vents smells funny or if you think you have had a slow decrease in pressure for some time, check the air filter. You will be able to see if it has a buildup of dirt or debris on it.
This typically happens because of: A dirty air filter. A dirty blower motor. A dirty evaporator coil or condenser coil.
The simplest explanation is a clogged air filter. Check the air filter on the HVAC cabinet. If it`s congested, replace it with a fresh one. (And remember to replace it every one to three months from now on.)
Your AC is blowing warm air because while the fan is operating, something is shutting down the cooling mechanism. Causes include simple things like thermostat settings and poor air flow, but also could be issues that can spell big trouble, like electrical problems and refrigerant leaks.
Nine times out of 10, weak airflow is caused by a clogged up cabin air filter. Over time, this filter catches all dirt and debris, which can build up and slow or stop the flow of air. It`s typically located under the dash on the passenger side or inside the glove box and should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last about 12-15 years.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
The 1998 Nissan Maxima air conditioner was working fine then it slowly start working at all there was no air no vent blowing.
ANSWER : The blower motor, and resistor block, are beneath the dash on the right (passenger) side of the vehicle. What you are describing sounds like a failure of the blower motor that circulates air in the HVAC system, however, there are certain faults that could occur in the electric circuit that powers the blower motor. If power is reaching the blower motor when the blower switch is in the on position and the blower motor is not functioning as intended then the blower motor is condemned and replaced. On the other hand, if there is no power, then the blower switch and the plug connection on the back of the switch, as well as the rest of the circuit should be inspected. If the circuit includes a blower motor resistor block, of course the resistor block has to be checked for continuity (i.e., specified resistance in ohms) at each position. If equipped with a relay in the circuit, that is easy to test and if the relay works consistently as commanded, you can assume there is no fault there. If you want these diagnostic steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a non functioning cabin heater diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.
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When idling, car overheats and A/C blows hot air – 2001 Saturn L100
ANSWER : Hello. The most likely cause of the issue that your are having would be a faulty cooling fan. The cooling fans purpose is to keep the radiator and condenser for the air conditioning cool during the idling function of the vehicle.
If the cooling fan is not working, this will cause the radiator and condenser to get very hot. When the radiator and condenser get hot, this can cause the vehicle to overheat and the air conditioning not to work. When the vehicle is driving at higher speeds, the force of air that is created towards the vehicle will flow through the radiator and condenser and therefore keep them cool. I would recommend having the cooling fan checked to make sure that it is working properly. If not, I would recommend having the cooling fan replaced.
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air conditioner started making loud screeching noise and started only blowing hot air, then the noise stopped but still only blows
ANSWER : The noise is possibly from a failed compressor clutch or the compressor itself is faulty. Another possibility is the pulley bearing on the front of the compressor has failed. The issue should be fairly evident to the inspecting mechanic after some simple tests. To resolve this, the recommended diagnostic is an a/c system inspection. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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Heater / A/C are not working properly. They are weak and the highest and lowest settings do not work at all. Any ideas what it could be?
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the power from the switch on each setting and to the blower. See what the voltage is at each setting. If the voltage is low or not showing, then the switch is not working and needs replaced. The switch has a resister built in it to make the blower have different voltage outputs which makes the blower have multiple speeds. However, the first setting and the last setting could have a burned element inside making only the second and third setting work. Once you have the blower working properly, if there is no heat, then check the heater control valve in the engine compartment for if the vacuum line has came off or if the valve is not working. When the engine is at operating temperature, check the temperature of the coolant hoses to the valve and after the valve. If the hoses are the same temperature and the valve is shut, then the valve is on or not working. If the temperatures are different, then the valve is off or not working. If you need further assistance with your heater and a/c not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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air conditioner not blowing air from dash vents, but blowing air from side vents
ANSWER : A few different items can cause the air to not blow out of the dash vents. The most common are a blend door or a control switch. The best method for the AC diagnosis feature can be found in the vehicles owners manual. I recommend having your AC checked by a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to have the problem diagnosed and repaired correctly.
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My 2003 Hyundai air conditioning works fine but often starts blowing hot air, especially when idling.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a condenser fan that may not be cooling the AC condenser properly. As you may know, the job of the AC condenser fan is to cool down the AC condenser as it generates a lot of heat during the course of its primary function, which is to convert the AC gas refrigerant into a liquid form, a process that generates a significant amount of heat. As the AC condenser fan blows cool air across the condenser, this allows the condenser to remain cool, keeping the pressure down in the AC system which helps to generate cooler air. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
It sounds like you may have a condenser fan that may not be cooling the AC condenser properly. As you may know, the job of the AC condenser fan is to cool down the AC condenser as it generates a lot of heat during the course of its primary function, which is to convert the AC gas refrigerant into a liquid form, a process that generates a significant amount of heat. As the AC condenser fan blows cool air across the condenser, this allows the condenser to remain cool, keeping the pressure down in the AC system which helps to generate cooler air. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
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Hot air mixed with cold blows from air conditioning
ANSWER : Hey there. You will most likely have to have a mechanic bypass the heater coolant lines to have this resolved. Your A/C may not be controlling the air flow inside the evaporator correctly out of the vents and may be the blend door actuator stuck in the heat position. Have the AC system diagnosed first before bypassing the heater.
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Air conditioner blowing warm air. Heat blowing warm air. Neither hot or cold
ANSWER : If the A/C system is full and pressures are reading correctly, and the cooling system is in proper working order (thermostat opens, no overheating, etc.), then most likely the problem lies with the dash. The climate control head unit may be at fault. One or more blend doors behind the dash may be stuck or broken. If you’re unable to fix this issue yourself, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technician can come diagnose the issue with your A/C firsthand and help you fix it accordingly.
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