Your car might be able to get by without air conditioning, but if you live in a harsh climate, it might be a different story. Your car’s air conditioning system is more complex and vulnerable than the system in your apartment or home, so it’s understandably more prone to problems. When it begins acting up, you may be able to take care of the problem yourself, without consulting a professional mechanic. Many problems are not as serious as they might seem, and if you’re lucky you can avoid an expensive trip to the repair shop.
Here are some things to check:
The Blower Fan If cold air won’t circulate, check the blower fan. To do so, turn on the AC and set it on max. If you can’t hear the blower or the sound is muted, it needs either to be repaired or replaced. This is a cheap repair.
Fuse If the blower fan is okay, the problem may be the fuse connected to the fan’s motor, which is located under the dash. Your car manual should have a schematic of the cars fuses that tells you which and where. (Go to Wrenchwise.com for more information) If the fuse is blown, replace it. If it blows again, the circuit may have a short in it, or the blower motor may be faulty. If so, you will need a professional mechanic.
Compressor If the AC blows but the air is warm, the magnetic clutch on the compressor may need replacement. The shaft seal could be faulty, too, allowing fuel to leak. If so, replace it. This is a serious repair that should not be postponed. Leaking fuel is a safety hazard.
Fuel Make sure that your AC system has the right fuel. If you have just bought a used vehicle or had you car serviced at a less than reputable establishment, you may have the wrong oil. Older cars have R-12 AC units, which require mineral oils. Newer vehicles have R-134A systems, which run on PAG oils.
Also check for leaks as well as stains that indicate leakage has occurred. Look around the hose in particular. It sometimes develops holes.
Pressure Car air conditioning systems have low and high pressure ducts which can develop myriad problems. For instance, when the low pressure duct undergoes high pressure, the Freon in the system may overcharge. If the high pressure duct experiences low pressure, problems may occur with the Freon, the expansion valve, or one of the tubes. As you check the ducts, consult your owner’s manual.
Miscellaneous
Other things that could make your AC malfunction include faulty control. The control buttons should move easily, and the circulation switch should be on.
