You hope to experience a blast of fresh, cool air by flipping on the air conditioner in your vehicle. It’s not just what happens though. There are several common things that can keep the AC from blowing cold air into the room, and some are more extreme than others.
To find the main reason of why is my car Air conditioner not blowing cold?, you need to dig in deep to be able to understand the main reason and causes of this problem, usually recharging A/C refrigerator/Refill sort it out most of the time, but if not? Then you have to look other problems which I highlight for the users to avoid being confused what has happened to a Car A/C.
Basic Principles of Car Air Conditioning
The main purpose of the A / C device is to cool or increase the ambient air temperature. It achieves so by reducing the humidity content of the air and, so to speak, decreases the relative humidity. Moisture heats up with humid air. Colder hot climate. The air conditioning system collects the air inside the car, reduces or diminishes the humidity and blasts the warmer air through the air vents.
The main principles in a typical air conditioning system are evaporation, condensation, compression, and expansion. The main parts of an A/C are the following.
Main Causes of Why Is My Car Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
1. Low Refrigerant/ Gas
Low coolant will stop the operation of the air conditioner (the clutch does not kick in and will allow the compressor work if the voltage in the machine is off). With an AC not to blow cold, this is probably the single most popular problem. Low refrigerant may come from a variety of factors like leaks and systems that have broken.
Symptoms:
- Room temperature air
If your vehicle blows room temperature air instead, it could be a sign of low or empty Freon, in which case you may need to recharge it.
- Ice on compressor
The appearance of ice may suggest low Freon levels on the compressor. Normally, this is due to moisture taking the place of Freon.
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2. Leaking Refrigerant
During some point in the air conditioning cycle, a refrigerant leak may occur, and it is often difficult to determine the precise position of the leak. The most frequent positions where leaks are observed are hose connections at the A / C unit.
An oily material can often be seen collecting around this contact, which is possibly the cause of the leak, you or a technician can use a sealant (specifically designed for air conditioning units) found at most auto parts stores to close the leak.
Symptoms
- Visible leaks
Of course, another sign of low Freon levels is a visible leak. Freon usually looks like thin grease in liquid state. It’s not uncommon for drivers to find it around the compressor, lines or inside the cabin. If you spot any liquid that could be Freon, clean it up and check it again later. If it returns, it’s a leak of some type, possibly Freon.
- Clutch doesn’t engage
You can hear the clutch working while flipping on the vehicle’s AC. That is necessary because the clutch allows the Freon to be pressurized by the compressor. However, if it doesn’t work it can be a warning that you need more Freon. The clutch fits with Freon-level hearing. So if there’s not enough Freon, they’re not going to participate.
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3. Compressor
If your A / C car abruptly started blasting cool air, it’s possible you need to replace your compressor.
The compressor is the mechanism that powers much of the A / C machine. If the compressor doesn’t operate or lacks oil, so it begins to break down and cause the whole machine to fail. This leads to an inoperative A / C and a humid steaming car.
Replacing a vehicle A/C compressor will set you back about $500-$800 dollars minimum including labor.
Symptoms:
- Loud noises when the compressor is running
- Compressor clutch is not moving
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4. Condenser is Broken
If there doesn’t appear to be anything blocking the condenser, it’s possible that it may be broken altogether. A broken condenser can be caused by a puncture from road debris going through the grill of your car and damaging the part, or equipment failure.
If you notice any noticeable punctures in the condenser upon a visual inspection, typically the only way to fix the issue is through replacement.
5. Condenser is Blocked
The condenser in the air conditioning unit of your car is meant to re-cool hot refrigerant until it is compressed. It is achieved with the breeze that travels through the car’s front as you drive. If the condenser is blocked from the ground by any form of gravel, the refrigerant cannot be adequately cooled and the engine of the car will continue to work with overheated refrigeration. This will quickly cause the A/C unit to only expel hot air.
Symptoms of Condenser is Broken or Blocked
- Lukewarm air
- Car overheating while idling
- Burning smell when the AC is on
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6. Receiver/Dryer
This is then moved on to the receiver or dryer until the refrigerant condenses. It’s a little canister in the bay of the engine. The dryer’s job is to get rid of the moisture from the refrigerant. Excess humidity is detrimental to A / C and can cause a variety of problems such as blockages and mechanical parts loss.
Symptoms:
- Refrigerant leakage
- Rattling noises
Another indication that the receiver dryer may have a problem might be the rattling noises. Receiver dryers are chambered and any rattling can be a possible indication of internal disruption or exposure to the chambers during operation. Fittings may also cause rattling, whether they are loose or hurt.
- Moldy smell from the AC
A moldy scent from the AC of the car is a symptom of a weak or faulty receiver dryer. The receiver dryer is intended to extract moisture from the environment and this can lead to mold or mildew if it cannot do so for some reason. The mold or mildew may produce typically a strong scent that is prominent when the AC device is in operation.
This usually happens when the accumulator moisture absorbing desiccant inside the compressor needs to be replaced, or the accumulator has cracked and excessive moisture is allowed in.
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7. Expansion Valve
Then, the refrigerant flows to the expansion pump. The expansion valve must remove the liquid refrigerant air. It helps the Freon to extend and transform as it is poured into the evaporator back into vapor.
Symptoms:
- Warm Air From Vents
- Frost on the Vents
- A/C Compressor Always On
- Inconsistent Airflow
8. Cooling Fan Failure
Unless the fans don’t work well, the condenser cannot get proper cooling. That can cause your car to start emitting hot air only over time. The best way to test if the cooling ventilator is damaged is by visual inspection.
Fan cracks can be caused by road debris and repair is the only true means of solving this problem. Other common issues with cooling fans include blown fuses and other electrical issues. These problems may have to be addressed by a professional unless you have experience in electrical work.
Symptoms
- Fan Won’t Start Even Though the AC Is On
- Fan Continues To Run, Even When Shutting Off The AC
- Fan Is On But Rotating Very Slowly
- Fan Runs Intermittently
- Rattling Or Buzzing Noise Coming From The Condenser Unit When The Fan Is Turned On
9. Electrical Issues
Maybe the most challenging thing to treat is electrical complications when it comes to an A / C device that has finished functioning. Second, there will be a thorough inspection of all the equipment to see if any wires are missing or frayed.
When any broken wires are discovered they should be mended or totally patched with electrical tape. It may be time to take your vehicle to an experienced electrician for further diagnosis.
Why Is My Car Air Conditioner Still Blowing Hot Air?
10. Faulty Compressor
The compressor still holds the A / C running. Without it the refrigerant will not be able to circulate into the device so you can never get fresh air. The most popular reason a compressor goes bad is because of wasted long stretches of time. Lack of use continues to disturb the device when it is actually used again after lying inactive all winter long, such as in the spring or the summer.
Running your A/C system on full blast for at least 15 minutes roughly once every three weeks or so, regardless of the outside temperature. This will help keep the compressor fresh and extend its overall lifespan.
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11. Dirty A/C System
This is why much of the equipment will be washed and cleaned at least once a year. Cleaning the A / C is not just a matter of blowing pressurized air onto the air vents. The car would need to be driven to an specialist dealership for servicing.
About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation, and engineering. I have a clear and simple writing style and am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and is able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.