5 Common Car Air Conditioning System Problems

Even though a car air conditioning system is considered a luxury in some countries, we know it is a standard, and essential part of an automobile's features here in the U.S. While auto manufacturers routinely equip cars with air conditioning systems, sadly they have forgotten to include the air conditioning service and maintenance in their standard maintenance program. Consequently, car owners fail to acknowledge a problem and pay heavy fees to get the air conditioning fixed or replaced. So, what are some common car air conditioning issues, that when addressed in a timely manner, can rescue car owners from paying a lot of money for labor and parts?

1 - Moisture

An air conditioner lowers the insides temperature, cools, dries and cleans the air by forcing the warmer air to release outside. This process holds true for car systems as well. Therefore, if moisture or debris contaminates the air conditioner installed in the car, it will fail to cool the surroundings.  

2 - Pungent Car Interiors

Bacteria, fungi and micro-organisms can develop when the air conditioning system is not in use especially during winters. These germs rapidly grow behind the dashboard if left untreated and significantly contributes to “sick car syndrome”.  

3 - Low Refrigeration Level

The refrigerant used in car air conditioning diminishes by 15% annually. Especially during winters, when the system is not in use, seals can dry out which deteriorates the productivity of the unit.

4 - Soiled Condenser

The condenser is responsible for cooling the high-pressure refrigerant vapors exiting the compressor. Blockage of the condenser due to the presence of dirt, grime or debris will constrict the air flow and no cooling will take place.

5 - Mechanical Complications

Compressor malfunction, defective compressor clutch, defunct pressure switches and non-working valves will lead to poor cooling or no cooling at all.

Possible Solutions

• Low refrigeration level can be rectified by re-filling the gas in the refrigerant tanks or fixing any noticeable leakage.
• A malfunctioning air conditioner system can be treated by a repair specialist who eliminates the growth of micro-organisms and restores fresh and vibrant car interiors.
• A clogged condenser can be cleaned by employing a good quality flushing agent that vaporizes quickly and does not leave residue in the system. Replace the condenser if it has been used for many years and giving frequent problems.
• Switch on the air conditioning unit and check if the compressor, compressor clutch switch, fuses, wires, fan belt and compressor seal are functioning adequately. Check whether the oil in the compressor has been contaminated. Flush the AC unit to replace the old oil with the new.
• For efficient working of the air conditioning unit, it is advised to regularly replace the expansion valve, accumulators and receiver driers.
• Upon confronting strange noises emanating from the air conditioning unit, skilled an air conditioner technician should be immediately contacted.

Attending to the air conditioning system can save car owners from the cumbersome process of replacing the unit, and paying unnecessary expenses.