This guide answers the popular question: Broken AC in your car? This article will help you determine why your car’s AC isn’t working.
In the hot July heat, there’s nothing worse than jumping into your hot car only to find out your air conditioning isn’t cooling properly. Even on cooler summer days, the inside of a vehicle in the sun can quickly exceed 125-degree temperatures. If your air conditioning is blowing cool, but not cold, it could be time to see a mechanic.
In this article, we talk through the most common reasons that your AC may not be working and how to check for the likely cause.
Compressor Issues
To check for compressor issues, turn the engine on and set your vehicle’s AC to Max Cool with fans on high. Locate the compressor on the front of the engine. Ensure that the belt that drives the compressor is still running. If the clutch is engaging and disengaging once every few seconds, this is a sign of low refrigerant. If the clutch is not engaging at all, it could be that the clutch is broken or the compressor is broken, not allowing the clutch to engage or disengage.
Check for Leaks
Refrigerants, also commonly referred to as coolant or Freon (a brand of coolant), are essential to your vehicle’s AC cooling properly. Coolant is stored in a closed system and does not need to be refilled unless there is a leak in the coolant lines. If you notice your coolant levels are low and your AC is only blowing cool air, this may indicate a leak.
Leaking refrigerant is not usually noticeable outside the engine. Meaning, your car won’t have a puddle of coolant underneath it. Coolant leaks are usually slow, and the only way to know that you leak a coolant line is because your AC stops working.
Cabin Air Filter
Not all cars have cabin air filters. Do a quick Google search for your vehicle make and model to locate where your cabin air filter is? According to the car and driver, in most cars, the cabin air filter sits behind the glovebox. You might be able to access it yourself by removing the glovebox from the fasteners that hold it in place. If this is the case, your owner’s manual should guide how to remove the glove box.
Most manufacturers recommend air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles under normal operating conditions.
Contact Truman’s Automotive
If you notice that your AC is not cooling properly, and you know it may be an internal issue, give Truman’s Automotive a call today to schedule your car’s air conditioning repair. If your car has a broken AC, look no further than Truman’s Automotive.