What are the reasons for a car not cooling?
2 Answers
The reasons for a car not cooling are as follows: 1. Check for refrigerant deficiency: Car air conditioners generally require refrigerant replenishment every 2-3 years. Insufficient refrigerant leads to reduced cooling efficiency. 2. Damaged air conditioning flap: A malfunctioning air conditioning flap motor is a rare but possible issue. If the flap motor fails, it becomes problematic as it is typically located in the lower middle part of the dashboard, serving as the main switch for the air vents. A failure here means the switch is broken, and even if the air conditioner can produce cold air, it will only escape through gaps. 3. Dirty condenser: The primary purpose of cleaning the radiator and condenser is heat dissipation. During spring, poplar and willow catkins can clog the condenser, leading to issues like engine overheating or poor air conditioning performance. Therefore, after spring, car owners should check if the radiator is clogged with these fibers. When cleaning, ensure to first use an air gun to blow away debris before washing with a water gun to avoid counterproductive results, which could worsen air conditioning performance and increase fuel consumption. 4. Faulty throttle or expansion valve: Malfunctions in the expansion valve or throttle directly result in poor air conditioning performance. Diagnosing these issues is complex and typically requires professional repair services.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and car AC not cooling is way too common. The most frequent issues are low refrigerant, aging pipes leaking Freon, or the condenser fins clogged with willow catkins and dust - wrapped up like a cotton-padded jacket, how can it dissipate heat? Loose compressor belts slipping or seized compressor bearings are also common, just listen for metallic friction sounds in the engine bay. Last week I fixed a car where the owner installed the filter backwards himself, completely blocking the air ducts. Then there are those modification shops messing with wiring - when the fuse blows, the compressor just quits. If the airflow suddenly weakens when you turn on the AC, chances are the evaporator's frozen over - gotta check the temperature sensor. My advice: clean the engine bay monthly, check Freon pressure every two years - it'll save you a ton on repairs.
