Air Conditioning is not doing very much at all
In the 71,000 miles that I have driven my 2006 Kia Sorento, I have had the AC die on me 3 times. The first time I needed a new compressor and the warranty covered it, next time I just needed it recharged, third time was another compressor that I had to pay for. Now it’s busted again right in the dead of summer. Should I just keep replacing parts or is something broken with the whole AC system? I really need the AC to work!
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello!
While not having A/C can be uncomfortable, the problem is repairable.
If the system is out of refrigerant, there is a leak present. With any luck, the last technician that replaced your compressor added A/C dye to the system to help aid in finding future leaks. The dye will show up with a black light and UV enhancing glasses to make the leak easier to locate.
If the A/C compressor has failed there can be few kinds of failure: a mechanical failure with the compressor, failure of the A/C clutch, or an electrical fault. If the compressor has a mechanical failure, there are other items that should be replaced along with the compressor. These can include the expansion valve, receiver drier, the hose between the compressor and condenser, and the hose from the expansion valve to the compressor. The refrigerant system should also be flushed to remove as many foreign objects as possible from the system. There are two types of possible electrical faults: a fault between the A/C control in the dash and the compressor, or a failure of one of the sensors that protects the A/C refrigerant system. If the system has an electrical fault, the diagnosis requires a Digital Volt-Ohm Meter and a diagnostic guide to find which sensor or wiring has a failure. In the instance of clutch failure, Kia issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) KT2007081504 for A/C compressor clutch diagnosis. The clutch can usually be replaced independently of the compressor at a reduced cost.
Diagnosing the A/C is a hands on skill requiring a technician to look at the vehicle. To keep the A/C working you may have to replace some parts.
A certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, can diagnose and repair your A/C problem so you can stay cool this summer.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Reasons a Kia Sorento AC Isn`t Working. The most common reasons a Kia Sorento ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
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.
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.
Most likely problem is with fan system not operating properly to move air through condenser while stopped or moving slow. Dirty cooling fins, faulty fan clutch or malfunctioning sensor could cause this. Another possibility is charge in system is low affecting its efficiency.
If your central AC is not blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is a leak. A leak not only keeps the AC unit from cooling properly, but also it can cause other issues within the home.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you`ve cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn`t blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
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.
There can be a number of reasons why you can air conditioning is not blowing cold air. The most common reasons could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge (regas) your air conditioning.
A small refrigerant leak is the most common reason a car`s A/C gradually loses its cool. A leak is typically caused by a mixture of moisture and refrigerant that, when combined, creates a corrosive acid that eats away at seals, valves, and hoses in the A/C system.
Your car air conditioning works much better when you`re actually driving because the faster the engine turns, the faster the AC compressor runs, which lets the system cool more effectively. Don`t waste time and gas by letting your car run before you go.
So, if your air conditioner isn`t cooling, and you suspect a refrigerant leak, or if you`ve checked the air filter and thermostat to no avail, yes, you should shut your air conditioner off and call us right away.
If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios; either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing, but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you`re most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.
The job of the compressor is to pressurize the refrigerant, turning it from a gas into a liquid. The condenser`s role is to further cool down the refrigerant and exchange heat with the surroundings.
In some instances, AC compressors can be repaired. However, it is most often a better procedure to replace the faulty compressor with a new one. It is not only the most time-effective solution to the problem, but it will also most often result in a better, more durable repair.
The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last about 12-15 years. Learning what crucial components, and how to maintain the compressor, can keep your AC running efficiently for its entire lifespan.
Pressing the UP button will increase the set temperature and pressing the DOWN button will decrease the temperature. Most units have a MODE button which will cycle through the air conditioning units` different operations.
Low Coolant Level The coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) in your engine doesn`t just work to keep the engine from overheating: It`s also the source of heat supporting the heating system. If there isn`t enough coolant in your system, the heater core will blow cold air into your car.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Air conditioning is blowing hot air – car stalls when A/C is on
ANSWER : In order to diagnose all the different problems you have, I having the A/C pressures checked to see if the system is low on refrigerant from a leaking compressor or another component. The rough idle may be due to a dirty throttle body and idle control system. If you would like to have this checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the A/C and rough idle in order to proceed with the proper repairs.
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.
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.
Air conditioning smells bad when car enables autostop feature
ANSWER : Your vehicle is new enough that I couldn’t find much information on the air conditioning system. I’m guessing your vehicle probably has a dual scroll AC compressor in which one scroll is driven off the engine and the other is electric. In order to prevent lack of cooling at idle, this design is used in hybrids and vehicle with start/stop ability. So, the lack of cooling may be due to a problem with this system. The foul smell by be result of bacteria accumulating on the AC components. Replacing the cabin filter may help with this problem somewhat. I suggest you have a trained professional diagnose your vehicle firsthand to determine the exact cause of the smell.
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.
Air conditioning blowing mildly cold air on the coldest setting, turned off/on again, now blowing cold air, should it be checked?
ANSWER : If you are getting ready for a long trip and suspect the cooling fan may be not coming on for the radiator and a/c then you should have the a/c and cooling system performanced checked before trip. Nothing worse than breaking down when out of town in a strange area.
My heater is blowing air through the driver side air vents but is blowing cold air through the passenger side and rear console ven
ANSWER : Hi there:
Climate controlled vehicles have multiple electrical relays that open and close vents to maintain the desired temperature. In some instances, these relays can wear out overtime. However, it’s also common for debris to clog up vents (especially side vents) which may restrict the flow of cool air. The best way to determine why your AC is not working efficiently, it might be best to have a professional mechanic complete a AC inspection; so they can pinpoint the source of your issues and recommend the right repairs.
Cold mist/smoke like air comes out of the air vents when cold air is on.
ANSWER : If you are using regular outside air a/c instead of recirculated air you may be getting a large amount of outside air humidity and can cause a mist to come out of the a/c vents. You should make sure the a/c evaporator drain is cleared and drains freely or the water in the a/c cannot drain fast enough and the blower will pick up the water and blow it out the vents.
