What are the causes of car air conditioning malfunctions?
3 Answers
Car air conditioning malfunctions can be caused by issues with the power supply, temperature, heat exchanger, and other components. The specific reasons are as follows: 1. No power connection: The air conditioning may not blow air because it is not properly connected to the power source. In this case, check whether the plug is loose or if the remote control is malfunctioning. If the plug is loose or the remote control is not working, the air conditioning will not blow air. 2. Low heat exchanger temperature: The air conditioning may not blow air because the temperature of the indoor heating exchanger is too low. When using the air conditioning for heating in winter, if the temperature of the indoor heating exchanger is too low, the air conditioning will automatically stop blowing air to prevent cold air from being emitted. 3. Frost formation on the heat exchanger: The air conditioning may not blow air because the outdoor heat exchanger has frost buildup. When using the air conditioning for heating in winter, if the indoor temperature is too low or the humidity is too high, the outdoor heat exchanger may accumulate a large amount of frost. In this case, the air conditioning will automatically activate the defrost function, and the indoor unit will naturally stop blowing air.
Car air conditioning problems can be really frustrating. I've repaired AC issues for many car owners and found most causes are quite common. Refrigerant leaks are the most frequent - when pipes age or get damaged, the gas escapes and the AC won't cool no matter how long you run it. Compressor failures are troublesome too - if the belt loosens or bearings seize, refrigerant can't circulate. I remember one car had a noisy blower because leaves got stuck in the fan. Simple issues like blown fuses just need replacement. For electrical system faults, pay attention to control panel wiring, especially in older cars where aged wiring often causes poor contact. Don't skimp on cabin air filters - if unchanged for six months, they clog up like bricks, reducing airflow and breeding bacteria. Staying alert to these conditions can help avoid most problems.
The car air conditioning is a complex system, and when it malfunctions, the cause must be traced through the entire cycle. Insufficient refrigerant is like a person lacking blood, causing the compressor to idle. If the compressor's clutch is stuck by oil dirt, the refrigerant cannot flow between the condenser and the evaporator. If the expansion valve is blocked by impurities, high-pressure liquid cannot be delivered to the evaporator, naturally reducing the cooling effect. On the electrical side, a faulty pressure sensor can cause the computer to misjudge, and a malfunctioning temperature controller will repeatedly start and stop the compressor. Additionally, aging resistors in the blower can result in only high speed without low speed. Aging seals in the pipes causing refrigerant leaks often occur at the turning interfaces. If the condenser's fins are clogged with mud, poor heat dissipation becomes more obvious under high summer temperatures. These faults usually require professional equipment for detection.
