Car AC Not Working? Here are the Possible Causes

by | Jun 23, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

For most Minnesota drivers, having working AC in their car or truck is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity. When the air conditioner stops blowing cold air or quits blowing air altogether there are can be many possible causes. Here are a few of the most common problems.

Refrigerant Leak
A car’s air conditioning system uses a refrigerant fluid that vaporizes at low temperature to cool the air that blows through the vents inside the vehicle. If the refrigerant is leaking you will notice the AC gradually becoming less effective at cooling the air. Leaks can occur in the compressor, evaporator or hoses. As cars get older it’s not uncommon for leaks to occur from broken seals or worn out rubber connections.

When refrigerant levels are too low you may notice the compressor is cycling on and off more frequently. You may also hear a hissing sound coming from the hood and oil residue around AC hoses and fittings.

Electrical Issue
When you adjust the fan and temperature controls inside the vehicle you are signaling the AC and heat control module computer to change the airflow and refrigerant levels. If a mechanical dial or switch breaks in the dashboard, the electrical signal will not be sent and the system will not work. The control module itself could also be defective. Because electrical malfunctions can have many causes, an experienced mechanic should diagnose the cause and identify the parts that need to be replaced.

Compressor Malfunction
The AC compressor’s job is to distribute refrigerant through the system and compress low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-pressure refrigerant gas before passing it to the AC condenser. The symptoms of a malfunctioning compressor are similar to a refrigerant leak – a gradual or sudden loss of cooling. Because the AC condenser is placed in front of the radiator, it’s exposed to road debris and is more vulnerable to impact damage in an accident.

If your car’s AC has stopped working, stop by Parkway Auto Care. We can quickly diagnose the cause and recommend solutions to get the cold air blowing again.