Car air conditioning is something that most drivers take for granted, but if it stops working or malfunctions, it can be a big problem. The good news is that there are several common issues with car A/C systems that you can diagnose yourself and fix at home. Here's what you need to know:
Are the thermostat and heater core blocked?
The thermostat is the device that regulates the temperature of the coolant (antifreeze) in your car. If the air coming out of your vents feels hot, then there may be a problem with your thermostat. To check this, remove it from its housing and inspect it for deformation or corrosion. If you see any damage and think it could be causing problems with your car's operation, replace it immediately.
The heater core is what heats up when you turn on your heater system; if not functioning properly, it could mean that there are blockages within the system itself. To check whether this is true in your case:
Remove all debris from the inside of the radiator hoses using water only (never use petrol).
Check over them carefully for cracks that would indicate leaking coolant in need of a repair immediately by replacing damaged parts as necessary; once repaired properly they should serve their purpose well again without further problems occurring due to poor maintenance over time.
Is the compressor belt broken?
If your A/C is not cooling properly, it could be the result of a broken compressor belt. The compressor belt is the most common cause of AC problems, but it can also be one of the easiest to fix. If you suspect that your compressor belt is broken, check for cracks or other signs of damage on both sides of it with a flashlight. Replace this part if you find any damage on either side.
If you cannot find a replacement belt at an auto parts store or online, there are two ways to repair a damaged belt:
You can purchase an entire assembly that includes all necessary parts and replace them all at once; this may be more cost-effective than purchasing individual items in some cases
You can replace just the part(s) required for proper operation
Is there a leak in the system?
If you notice your car leaking coolant, it could be a sign of a leak in the system. If this is the case, bring your car to a mechanic for inspection as soon as possible. You can also check for leaks by checking under the hood and looking for any signs of oil or water leaks from anywhere on the engine. Also, check your coolant levels; if they're low, it may be time to refill them.
If none of these things seem to explain why your air conditioner isn't working properly, then it's likely there's something wrong with its functionality rather than its parts themselves.
Is the receiver dryer damaged?
If the receiver-drier is damaged, it will not be able to remove moisture from the refrigerant. This can cause problems with air conditioner performance and durability.
There are a few ways that a receiver drier could be damaged:
The compressor belt breaks and damages the part when it flies off of the pulley.
There are leaks in your air conditioning system, which causes pressure to build up inside of it. When this happens, you might hear a loud hissing noise coming from your vehicle's vents or notice an increase in condensation on your windows when you turn on your AC.
Have you checked your coolant levels?
You've probably noticed that the temperature gauge in your car is rising with each mile and hour you drive, which means there's something wrong with your radiator. But before you go off to buy a new one, make sure that you're not just running low on coolant. If this is the case, add more fluid to the radiator and monitor it for another week or so.
If you don't see any improvement or if there are other symptoms such as overheating when idling or while idle, then chances are good that it’s not just a lack of coolant that’s causing problems. Before buying any parts at all, take it to an automotive ac repair near me for diagnostics first so they can find out exactly what's going on under their hood—and where exactly it went wrong (if indeed anything did).
Dealing with a car's A/C system can be tricky. If you don't feel comfortable troubleshooting it yourself, take it to a mechanic.
If you cannot find an answer online or in your manual, consider taking your car to a mechanic. If you need help finding a reputable mechanic in your area, try using Yelp or asking someone who has recently had their vehicle repaired. You can also ask your local mechanic for recommendations on another trusted shop that does good work.
You should now be able to diagnose the most common A/C problems on your own. If you do have any trouble, or if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting it yourself, take your vehicle to a mechanic. They’ll be able to diagnose and fix any issues that may arise from poor maintenance or other issues with the system.