Troubleshooting A Faulty Automotive Air Conditioner
Highlights
- The a/c is a vital car component that helps regulate temperature
- Repairing a faulty a/c system can be very expensive
- If you face any issues, get your a/c system checked as soon as you can
The air conditioner of your car must work at all times as it helps to regulate your body temperature. We have taken it upon us to teach you how to troubleshoot a faulty air system. Let's dive in!
What Leaks an A/C System?
Moisture and old age are the two most common factors which can cause a fault to your a/c system. Hoses and rubber seals might lose elasticity as time goes by, resulting in a breakdown. What ensues is that the Freon escapes and the moisture gets an entrance into your a/c system. When refrigerant gets mixed with moisture, it creates a corrosive acid that is powerful enough to destroy your a/c system.
Your receiver, drier, or accumulator can get damaged if there is any moisture. The devices named here remove moisture that's there in your a/c system, and these stop working if there's a crack or leak.
Weak Airflow
If your a/c has weak airflow, then the reason behind it might be one among the following:
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The a/c ventilation fan might be burnt out. The airflow wouldn't be good if the ventilation fan gets burned out.
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Any of the hoses might have loosened up. This generally occurs when the blower hose loosens. The blower hose is responsible for supplying air to the blowing unit.
- Mildew might have accumulated from moisture in the core of the evaporator. This happens during the cooling process. Air has trouble flowing freely when this happens.
Not Cold as It Used to Be
Your a/c system can stop cooling the way it used to for several reasons. The following points might be helpful for you to gauge the problem:
- The Freon has leaked because of a failed hose, seal, o-ring, or component.
- The charging hose of the refrigerant or the expansion tube has clogged.
- Because of a failed compressor clutch or compressor.
- Because of a failed blower motor resistor or blower motor.
- Leaks in the vacuum
- Damaged evaporator or condenser that has failed.
- Because of failed blend door, solenoid, relay, fuse, switch, or control module.
You get an 'open system' when the a/c system leaks, which can be devastating. If, for a long time, your a/c system has been cooling less than what's required, then moisture may have entered into your a/c system. The repair cost might be less or massive depending on the damage that has been done.
Conclusion
It is advised that you head to your nearest repair shop and get your a/c system checked as soon as you figure that there is a problem. Repairing a/c systems can get very expensive, and it's best to get it checked as quickly as you can.