Why isn't my car AC cold? Potential problems and fixes
By: Amanda Wallace
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... The inside of a vehicle can get incredibly hot, incredibly fast.
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As reported by USA Today, the inside temperature in a car can rise 20 degrees in 10 seconds. If it is 90 degrees out, temperatures can rise to almost 140 degrees in an hour. Even at only 60 degrees outside, the inside temperature of a car can reach up to 110.
..... With that being said, the last thing that you want during the hot summer months is a car with no air conditioning. so, when you flipped on your AC and warm air came out if the vent, it makes sense that you immediately took to the Internet to find a solution.
..... Cording to AutoZone, there are a variety of reasons that your AC may not be working, with leaks and compressor issues being two of the most common problems. Fixing these problems can range from cheap, quick DIY solutions to a hefty bill at the mechanic. "Whey is my AC blowing hit air?", here is everything you need to know.
How does my car's AC work?
..... Before attempting to determine the problem with your vehicle's air conditioning, you may want to obtain a quick understanding of how it works in the first place. Contrary to what you might believe, according to AutoZone, AC systems cool the air by removing hot air and moisture.
..... Basically, as described by the company, when you turn on your AC, refrigerant flows through the system and absorbs heat form your vehicle's cabin where it is removed. Through a series of parts and processes, the heat is released into the atmosphere and the process repeats itself.
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There are several reasons why your Ac may be blowing out warm air rather than cool. According to AutoZone, some of the possibilities include:
* Insufficient airflow in the cabin: This could be a problem with a bad blower motor, but more commonly a plugged cabin air filter.
* Not enough refrigerant: The gas they circulates thorough the system can leak.
* The compressor may not be cycling: A clutch issue or a compressor failure can prevent the air conditioning system from being able to disperse the heat that was absorbed by the refrigerant.
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The expansion value is clogged: A blockage in the expansion valve could mean cooled refrigerant can't circulate back to the cabin.
* The Radiator is blocked: Debris blocking the condenser, mounted behind the radiator, could make it impossible for the heated refrigerant to cull effectively.
* Electrical issues: Electrical connections could be loose or damaged or a part, such as the HVAC control, may not be working well.
Diagnosing and fixing the issue
..... Depending on the issue, you may be able to diagnose and fix it yourself. here are some possible strops you can take to achieve a quick fix:
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Check the cabin air filter condition and replace it if it's dirty of clogged.
* Check that the heater fan is blowing. if it's only blowing on high speed, the blower motor resist might be faulty or a fuse might be blown.
* Clean off the radiator. If it is plugged with debris, wash it off to allow air to pass drought it and the condenser.
* Check all the wiring connections for the AC system that you can access, check along the wires for rubs or cuts.
* Check the refrigerant level and top it up if necessary using a DIY refrigerant kit.
..... If a DIY diagnosis doesn't reveal the root of the problem, or you aren't able to figure it out, AutoZone recommends that you involve a professional to avoid spending a lot of time and a small forture, just to end up at a mechanic anyway. Additionally, it is important to keep up on routine maintenances, including checking and replacing the cabin air filter, especially during the warm summer months. It is recommended to have your air conditioning system professionally inspected at least once a year to identify potential issues before they lead to significant problems.
..... Finally, regularly running the air conditioning, even during cooler months, can prevent seals form drying out and cranking, which can lead to leaks.