What’s Wrong With My Air Conditioner?
My A/C is blowin’ it!
Is your car blowing hot air on you no matter how far you turn the dial to cold? Don’t sweep that problem under the carpet! Faulty A/C isn’t just an annoying inconvenience to be left for summer maintenance, it’s a safety hazard that should be treated as such.
Many things can go wrong with your vehicles A/C, first, let us cover the most common issue.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak will slowly drain your A/C’s power and efficiency. A refrigerant leak can occur at any point in the air conditioning process and it’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Leaks can happen at the evaporator, hoses, or compressor, and they can be devastating. Even if your coolant is half full, your A/C system will still blow cold air. However, your A/Cs power and efficiency is significantly reduced. Natural wear-and-tear, road salt, damage from an accident, and moisture are all potential culprits of a leaky A/C. Moisture is an especially nasty offender as it mixes with the refrigerant, forming a corrosive acid which breaks down other components in your system and causes tiny pinhole leaks.
What can you do?
Check for a wet or oily substance occurring around hose connections, because they’re indications of a leak. You can also check the sight glass (some air condition systems have a glass window near the receiver or accumulator). If the glass is clear and there is no cold air, there is likely a leak. If you see bubbles or foam, the system may be low and need a refrigerant recharge. Another option is to get your mechanic to do a visual inspection!
Other culprits behind faulty A/C
Worn compressor: If your air conditioning suddenly stops working or starts making strange noises, it may be time to replace your compressor. The compressor keeps your refrigerant circulating throughout your A/C system. The most common reason for a compressor malfunction is long periods of time without use. Lack of use tends to shock the system when it finally is used again such as in the spring or summer after sitting dormant all winter long.
Broken or blocked condenser: When your air conditioner blows only hot air, this can indicate problems with the condenser. Typically, road debris causes damage or blockage to the condenser. In most vehicles, the condenser is found at the front of the car, so it should be easy to see if anything is blocking it. If nothing appears to block the condenser, it’s possible that it may be broken altogether. Typically a broken condenser must be replaced.
Other possible problems include: electrical issues (such as a blown fuse), faulty blower motor or resistor, or a damaged receiver/dryer.
If your vehicle’s A/C stopped working, it may be an inexpensive and easy fix. One of our certified technicians from Go Dodge Red Deer can help you out!