They say you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone. Never is this saying more true than when it comes to car air conditioning. When it is working, we take it for granted.
However, the second it stops working, we realize just how vital it is. Especially during the warmer months, a broken car AC is not just inconvenient, but could also be dangerous. If you have a car AC not working, there are a number of issues that could be the cause. Read on to find out the most common causes of car AC problems, and what you can do to fix them.
1. Car AC Not Working At All
If your AC is not working in the car at all, the most likely cause is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is essential for your car’s cooling mechanisms. When there is a leak, your car AC will stop functioning.
You can call a mechanic to fix this problem, but this can be costly and time-consuming. A better solution is to purchase an AC recharge kit, which will quickly plug any leaks and fill your car with the refrigerant that it needs to get up and running again.
2. No Air Coming Out of Vents
If the AC will switch on but there is no air coming out of the vents, a number of car issues could be at play. You might have a blown fused or a damaged belt. There may be something blocking the air intake or there may be damage to the motor blower.
Try and inspect the problem yourself to see if you can identify it. A blocked air vent can usually be resolved at home, but anything else may require professional car repairs.
3. Air is Cool But Not Cold Enough
If the AC is just not getting as cold as you want it to, the issue may also be a lack of refrigerant. You can address this yourself with the steps described above, or call a mechanic.
Another cause might be a failed clutch switch, which will prevent the air compressor from turning the liquid refrigerant into gas. If this is the case, you will need to call an AC repair technician.
4. Car AC is Making Weird Noises
Your car AC should always be quiet. If it is making a lot of weird noises, then there is definitely a problem. This may be the result of a broken compressor or clutch switch, or there may be road debris blocking the unit.
If there are strange noises, stop using the AC immediately, as continuing to use it will make the problem worse. Instead, arrange for an inspection and see if the problem can be resolved by yourself or a technician.
Your Car Questions, Answered
These are the main reason why your AC is not working in your car. If you need more information and advice on the everyday car problems we all face, as well as how to fix them yourself, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our expertly-curated Car Maintenance section for expert hacks on how to keep your car in perfect condition all year-round.