Is it normal for the car air conditioner to have no airflow in gears 1-2-3 but normal airflow in gear 4?
3 Answers
It is normal for the car air conditioner to have no airflow in gears 1-2-3 but normal airflow in gear 4. Power of the air conditioner: Different cars have different power levels. For every 1 ton of refrigeration capacity obtained by the car air conditioner, it consumes 2 horsepower. To save space in the car, the condenser of the car air conditioner is usually designed to be smaller, and the operating environment temperature is relatively high. Therefore, to achieve the same refrigeration capacity, the car air conditioner inevitably consumes more power than a household air conditioner. Maintenance of the car air conditioner: When using the air conditioner for the first time in summer, you should first check the air conditioning system, such as checking the refrigerant and whether the air filter is too dirty through the liquid storage tank, and whether there are foreign objects in the radiator. Cleaning of the car air conditioner: The air filter should be replaced regularly; otherwise, the air conditioner will produce a musty smell. In addition, the condenser should also be cleaned regularly, and the water tank should be removed for thorough cleaning.
I used to drive a small car where the air conditioner didn't blow any air at settings 1, 2, or 3, but it immediately cooled down when switched to setting 4. At first, I thought the AC was broken, but when I took it to a repair shop, the mechanic said it was a typical blower motor resistor issue. In most cars, lower settings rely on the resistor to adjust the fan speed. If it burns out, higher settings still work normally because they draw power directly. I didn't fix it promptly, and driving in the summer was unbearably hot—I almost got heatstroke. I recommend not delaying: check the fuse or do a simple resistor test. If the cost isn't high, replace it yourself or get a professional to fix it. While you're at it, maintain the whole system to prevent short circuits, avoiding bigger faults that could affect driving safety. In short, this isn't normal—get it fixed ASAP.
When encountering no airflow at low AC settings but normal operation at the highest speed, this is usually due to a faulty blower motor resistor. In vehicles, the fan speed regulation relies on the resistor assembly to control low speeds, while the highest speed bypasses it via a direct circuit connection. I've helped friends fix similar issues - first check the fuse box to see if the relevant fuse has blown, then locate and test-replace the resistor. In most cars, this component is near the HVAC housing and isn't difficult to remove. If left unrepaired, insufficient airflow affects cabin circulation, especially during long drives in hot weather which can cause fatigue. I recommend prompt troubleshooting - don't underestimate this issue as it may lead to electrical problems or increased compressor strain. Spending a little on replacement parts solves the problem and prevents bigger headaches.
