Troubleshooting Your Vehicles AC

When the temperatures start to climb, most of us rely on our car’s AC to keep us cool when we’re driving from one destination to the next. Unfortunately, when your AC isn’t working, it can make driving short or long distances incredibly uncomfortable and exhausting. 

That’s why it’s an excellent idea to learn how to troubleshoot your AC problems to better your chances of identifying the cause of your AC malfunctioning. In our article, the team at Car Care Connection has shared how to troubleshoot your vehicle’s AC while identifying some of the causes for it not working how it should be. 

If you experience any of the issues we’ve spoken about, it might be time to bring it in for us to take a look. 

Troubleshooting Your Vehicle’s AC – The Three Signs That Point To Problems

If you want to find out what’s wrong with your vehicle’s AC, you need to begin troubleshooting, and this can be difficult if you don’t know the possible signs that point to problems. 

That’s why our team at Car Care Connection has listed a few of the common signs of a failing AC system in your car. Knowing these signs, you can better determine what is wrong and take it in for a service. 

• The AC Isn’t As Cold As It Used To Be

Have you noticed that your car’s Ac isn’t as cold as it used to be? Unfortunately, there are many reasons why it could be blowing warmer than it used to. 

To check if this is indeed the problem you’re experiencing, you need to turn your AC on and let it run for a few minutes while driving. If it’s not blowing very cold, you need to consider taking it to a mechanic as any of the below reasons could cause it: 

• A failed compressor clutch or compressor.
• A Freon leak is caused by a failed component like an o-ring, hose, or seal.
• A failing or damaged evaporator or condenser. 
• A clogged refrigerant charging hose or expansion tube. 
• Vacuum leaks. 
• A failed blower motor resistor.
• A failed blower motor.
• A failed fuse, switch, blend door, control module, relay, or solenoid.

If you don’t bring your car in for a checkup, it could be the difference between needing a small repair or a major one – especially if you have a leak. Leaks indicate you have an ‘open system’ and can mean you have damaged numerous expensive parts in your vehicle’s AC system because of moisture damage. 

• Your Vehicle AC Is Experiencing Weak Air Flow

Weak airflow is another common AC problem that affects how well this vital auto component keeps you cool while driving. 

If you have noticed your AC isn’t blowing as hard as it should and you can feel the sweat beading on your forehead, there are many causes you can troubleshoot. Have a look below to learn what you need to check or have checked by a mechanic:

• Check if a hose has come loose. If it has, it could mean your blower hose that supplies air to your ACs blower unit is loose. 
• Check if the ventilation fan is broken. Your AC is likely ineffectively blowing if the ventilation fan isn’t working. 
• Check for mildew and mold in the evaporator core. Residual moisture can build up during the cooling process, and when this turns to mold or mildew, it can cause your AC system to push out less air. 

Since checking these things during a troubleshooting session can be difficult, it’s usually better to hire a professional mechanic to do it for you. 

• Your Car AC is Running From Cool To Warm 

AC systems that blow from cool to warm could have numerous issues. This is a complex problem that can be challenging to identify. If your AC is blowing cold to warm air, here are a few of the symptoms you need to check during a troubleshooting session:

• Look at if the expansion valve is clogged. If the valve is blocked, it means the proper amount of refrigerant isn’t reaching your evaporator and is experiencing flow issues. Unfortunately, when an expansion valve is clogged, the refrigerant will freeze the valve, so look for this too. 
• Look for a leak. As you know, leaks are your AC system’s worst nightmare as they often result in damage or excess moisture buildup leading to mold and mildew. If you find a leak, look for signs of corrosion, as mixing moisture and refrigerant can be incredibly corrosive and result in eaten-away components and seals.  

We advise you to be cautious when troubleshooting these issues, as you don’t want to put yourself in danger. 

Get In Touch With An AC Expert At Car Care Connection Today To Resolve Your Cars AC Problems

Regardless of what symptoms your car AC is experiencing, it’s usually best to have a professional troubleshoot your suspicions. 

A qualified AC technician at Car Care Connection knows how to properly examine your car, diagnose any problems you might be experiencing, and fix them. 

If you need a service for your vehicle AC and want to beat the heat, you can contact us here, and we’ll arrange a booking for you.

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