If your car’s AC is working but not cooling, it can be frustrating, especially on hot days. There are a few common reasons this happens. The problem could be a low refrigerant level, a clogged air filter, or a broken compressor. Sometimes, simple issues like blocked vents or dirty parts can stop the AC from working right. Your car will stay cool if you know the possible causes.
7 Reasons Your Car AC is Working But Not Cooling
Air conditioners keep our cars cool, but they sometimes malfunction and stop working. Seven common reasons for your car AC is working but not cooling and how to fix them are as follows.
1. Low Refrigerant Level
What cools the air in an AC is the refrigerant. If the refrigerant is low, then your AC can’t cool properly. This problem might occur when there is a leak in the system. Call a professional to check for leaks and top off the refrigerant. Don’t take this step yourself; it can become quite dangerous.
2. Dirty Air Filter
An air filter keeps dust and dirt from entering your AC. The dirt, over time, fills up the air filter, and this fills up to stop good air movement. If the filter becomes dirty, your room’s AC has to work more to cool your room. Check your air filter every month and replace it if it appears dirty.
3. Thermostat Malfunctions
The thermostat controls the temperature in your home. When it has malfunctioned, your AC may fail to know when it should switch on or off. Sometimes, the thermostat needs a change of the batteries. Other times, it could be working in the wrong mode. First of all, ensure it is in cooling mode and set to a temperature that is less than the room.
4. Block Registers
The registers give you cool air in your home. If furniture, rugs, or curtains block the registers, you will not feel the cool air. Additionally, if someone by mistake closes the register, the air will not flow as needed. Be sure to walk around and find out that all of your registers are open and nothing blocks them.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is located inside your air conditioner. The former cools air but sometimes freezes. It usually happens because of a lack of airflow; this can be due to a dirty filter or a problem with the fan. When it’s frozen again, turn the AC off and let it thaw. If it continues to happen, you’d better call a professional for inspection.
6. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located outdoors and are used to take heat out of your home away from your AC. If they collect dirt or leaves on top, they can’t cool very well. So, it is always a good idea to keep the space around your condenser unit clean and free. If the condenser coils are really dirty, you should hire a professional to clean them properly and safely.
7. Electrical Problems
The AC may stop working due to certain electrical causes, such as a tripped breaker or an internal fuse blown. Check if any of your switches in the breaker box is turned off, you can just turn it on but if it still doesn’t work, call an electrician.
These are common reasons why your AC might not work. Some issues, like changing the air filter, are easy to fix. For others, like low refrigerant or frozen coils, it’s best to get help from a professional. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these problems and keep your AC running smoothly all summer.
How to Check Car AC problems
Check if the car AC working but not cooling when set to its coldest setting. If not, check the compressor-find out if the clutch engages and check if there’s an unusual noise. Check the refrigerant level levels usually indicate a leak. Check thoroughly the hoses, condenser, and compressor for signs of leaks, through the use of UV dye when necessary. Inspect the cabin air filter; if obstructed, it can impede airflow. Check that the blower motor and fan operation are good on all options. Last but not least, inspect the fuses for any that have blown and check the relays in the fuse box to ensure proper operation.
How to Fix Your Car AC issues
Car AC issues can be resolved by the following steps, first, you need to check the refrigerant level. If it is low charge it with a recharge kit, but get a technician to work on the leaks if any. The cabin air filter needs to be cleaned, or if worse, replaced since a dirty or clogged cabin air filter minimizes the flow of air. If the compressor doesn’t start, it may need a clutch or electrical or refrigerant repair to solve the problems. Check the blockage of the AC condenser and if there is a blockage then clean it.
If the blower motor is not working, then it can be required to be replaced. Assess if the fuses and relays of cars are working or not. Sometimes leakage in the system can be hard to solve for a layman; therefore, if these basic procedures do not work, consider visiting a mechanic.
Reasons for car AC not cooling
- Refrigerant Low: One of the most common causes is low refrigerant levels, which essentially means there is a leak in the refrigerant or the level is low and the AC won’t cool properly.
- Faulty Compressor: Compressor pumps refrigerant around the system. If it is malfunctioning or broken, then the air conditioner won’t cool.
- Clogged Cabin Air Filter: Sometimes, dirt on or blockage in the filter may block the cabin from getting a proper flow of air, and this makes it blow weak, warm air.
- Condenser Problems: It clogs with debris so it cannot dissipate heat; therefore, the air conditioner will not cool as efficiently as it should.
- Failure of the Blower Motor: The blower motor fails to pump the air through the vents in case it is faulty so that there is no cold air circulating in the rooms.
- Electrical Issues: A blown fuse or relay, or blown wiring may cause the failure of an AC system.
- AC Leaks: Damaged hoses and seals leak refrigerant so that cooling efficiency suffers.
In case this troubleshooting does not work, then it is recommended to seek the services of a car mechanic who would further inspect the vehicle.
Automotive air conditioning repair
An Automotive Air Conditioning Repair resolves issues that fail to cool the air in your car. The auto mechanic would check for low refrigerant bad compressor or clogged filters. Recharging refrigerant, cleaning the condenser, and replacing faulty parts are examples of this. Regular maintenance keeps the AC clean, and getting the refrigerant checked prevents major problems and maintains the system in great condition