Summer is nearly here, which means the days are getting warmer, and we’re looking for ways to keep cool. When it comes to our cars, that means blasting our ACs, so obviously we need to be sure they’re in good working order so we’re not left sweating. Your certified auto techs at Parents Autocare in Minneapolis have put together a list of some of the most common car AC problems so you can catch and fix them early.
Signs Your Car’s AC is Broken
Luckily, most AC problems will give the driver some sign that there is an issue. Signs like air coming out weak or warm, foul smells, or strange sounds when running can all be indicative of different problems. Take note if your car ever starts behaving differently than usual, because it is usually a sign that something is wrong.
Why Your Auto AC Isn’t Working
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the fluid that moves through the AC system to regulate and cool the air. If the refrigerant is low, the air cannot be cooled, leading to warm or hot air being blown into the cabin. While this could temporarily be fixed by adding more refrigerant, this will not solve the overall problem, which is a leak. The fluid does not naturally run out, so if you are low, there is a leak somewhere that must be found and either patched or that area of hose replaced.
Clogged Cabin Filter
The cabin filter cleans the air that moves through the ventilation into the cabin, catching bugs, dust, pollen, and everything else you don’t want to breathe. However, catching all of this will inevitably clog the filter, meaning air will struggle to get through as well. You may notice weak airflow, and any air that does come through may not be as cold as you expect. The filter can also be a common place for mildew or mold growth if there is excessive moisture in the AC system, which can lead to a musty smell.
Compressor or Condenser Problems
Your car’s compressor pushes the refrigerant, circulating it through the whole AC system, while the condenser pulls air through the grate at the front of the car to cool the refrigerant. Between the compressor and condenser, the refrigerant cools at the front, circles back to the cabin to cool the air, then loops back to the front to do it again. If the condenser is faulty, the refrigerant can’t cool, so the air in your vents can’t either. If the compressor is broken, the refrigerant can’t move to bring the cool to you.
Electrical Problems
Almost every component of your vehicle is connected to the electrical system in some way, and your air conditioning is no exception. The electrical system parts — breakers, fuses, wiring, etc. — independently could malfunction or wear out and cause problems, or an overstraining AC system — if it’s fighting a clogged filter, for example — could short a fuse. This will usually look like the AC cycling on and off frequently.
Head Unit or Sensors
A head unit is the part of a car’s dashboard that gives the driver control of their vehicle, including the AC. From here, the driver — and sometimes the passenger, if there are dual controls — can adjust the temperature, fan speed, etc. Sensors are used to tell your car’s AC when it’s reached the temperature set in the head unit. If the sensors are malfunctioning, they may misread the actual temperature, turning the AC off too soon, or making it too cold. If the head unit is faulty, the controls may not be sent to the fans or sensors accurately or at all.
Car AC Maintenance and Damage Prevention
No one wants to sweat out the heat in a Minnesota summer when we could have a working air conditioner instead, so Parents Autocare offers air conditioning repair services to keep you cool. One of the best ways to prevent AC damage is to keep up with your routine maintenance. Replace your cabin air filter annually, flush and replace your refrigerant every 3-4 years, and use your AC’s recirculate setting when it’s humid to prevent mildew. Parents Autocare is happy to help with these maintenance services, inspect your AC, and get your car ready for summer.