Summertime and Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

by admin, June 27, 2022, Tips

Most people are not sure how to diagnose their car’s A/C problems. Your vehicle’s air conditioning system is in place to keep you comfortable on hot summer days and your car is putting in some extra effort to run it. When it doesn’t work, you’ll find yourself in a sweat worrying and trying to stay cool by rolling down windows to stay cool. Keep in mind that an issue with your a/c can actually lead to other issues? This is why getting any air conditioning system issue fixed in a timely manner is important to your vehicle’s health, not just your comfort. If you have any of these issues happening with your vehicle’s air conditioner them it’s probably a good idea to start the process of elimination to find a solution.

AC Smells Like Mildew
No Cold Air from A/C
No Air Coming from the Vents
Air is Cool but Does Not Get Cold
Car AC Makes Noise When Turned On
Water on the Floorboards
Air Conditioning Goes from Cold to Hot

The air conditioning system in your vehicle is very complex and uses many different parts to take in air, filter it, and cool it to the right temperature. An a/c issues commonly stem from a leak or from a bad compressor. Issues can also be caused by clogged filters, a broken cooling fan, a faulty radiator, or your a/c may just need to be recharged.

Here are some ways to troubleshoot your vehicle’s air conditioning issues based upon the symptoms listed that are being experienced.

AC Smells Like Mildew

Bacteria, mold, fungi, and other micro-organisms may develop behind the dashboard on the evaporator. This growth produces a foul odor that comes out of the vents.

No Cold Air from A/C

There is a refrigerant leak

Air is Cool but Does Not Get Cold

The cooling fan isn’t running
Blocked or Failed Condenser
Failed Clutch Switch
Blocked or Failed Condenser
The system needs to be recharged to the right pressure settings

No Air Coming from the Vents

A blown fuse or bad relay
Damage to the blower motor or blower resistor
Damaged belts and hoses

Car AC Makes Noise When Turned On

Could be as simple as leaves or other road debris blocking the unit and producing all sorts of unusual noises
could also indicate a major component could be in failure
A bearing is worn out the air conditioning will produce a grinding or squealing sound
A rattling sound could indicate the compressor’s clutch has failed

No Cold Air from A/C

The compressor is faulty
There is a voltage problem such as a wiring issue or blown fuse
There is a leak somewhere within the system

Water on the Floorboards

Mold and Bacteria over time builds up and can clog the drain line. The drain line is a rubber hose that begins in the evaporator heater box, goes through the floor, and to the undercarriage to remove excess moisture. Once plugged, water from the condensation fills up the heater box and begins dripping out and onto the floor of the vehicle, typically on the passenger side.

Air Conditioning Goes from Cold to Hot

Blocked expansion valve that dispenses the correct amount of refrigerant to the evaporator has failed and, if moisture is present, causing the valve to freeze

One thing to note is that almost all air conditioning problems are caused by a Freon or refrigerant leak. Looking for a leak first will usually find the cause of the problem. Give your local auto body shop a call or just stop by for car a/c repair and service so they can check the Freon levels, look for leaks, test the condenser and compressor, and also see if the pressure is correct. Once the issue us determined, they will provide you with the services needed to get you driving comfortably again.

Looking for a Reputable Automotive Collision Repair Shop in Southampton, PA after an accident or need help if your air conditioning system is not working properly? Give Tri-County Collision a call.

Tri-County Collision Center is an ASE / I-CAR® GOLD certified auto body shop located in Southampton, PA. Call one of our technicians today to learn more about our collision repair and auto painting services. We are OEM certified collision repair facility for INFINITI, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Acura, Honda, GM, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge and Jeep.

Tri-County Collision Center is conveniently located near the PA turnpike, route 95 and Street Road, County Line Road and Second Street Pike at 995 Jaymor Road, Southampton, PA 18966. Give us a call at 215.322.5350 or just stop in if you’re in need of auto collision services.

Tri-County Collision Center’s shop hours are Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, and Saturday by appointment. We would be happy to supply you with an auto repair quote online or over the phone and we always welcome comments and suggestions.

Need a tow or a rental car due an auto collision accident? No worries, Tri-County Collision Center also provides services for tow, rental car, and insurance claims assistance. You are in good hands with a trusted collision shop in Southampton, PA.

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Summertime and Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Looking for a Reputable Automotive Collision Repair Shop in Southampton, PA after an accident or need help if your air conditioning system is not working properly? Give Tri-County Collision a call.