What are the reasons for a car's air conditioner not cooling?
2 Answers
There are several main reasons why a car's air conditioner may not be cooling: Reason one: Insufficient or low refrigerant level. The solution is to add refrigerant, but please note: if adding from the low-pressure side, do not invert the refrigerant bottle; if adding from the high-pressure side, do not start the engine. Reason two: Loose compressor drive belt. If the air conditioner compressor's drive belt is too loose, it should be tightened. If the belt cannot be turned by hand, it indicates the belt is too tight and should be slightly loosened. Reason three: Moisture has entered the refrigeration system. Replace the desiccant or dryer in the car's air conditioning system, and at the same time, evacuate the system again and recharge with an appropriate amount of new refrigerant.
Last time I drove my car, the AC was blowing hot air, which really stressed me out. I figured it might be due to refrigerant leakage or insufficient system pressure, which would prevent the compressor from working. A clogged cabin air filter is also a common culprit. I checked my filter and found it completely covered in dust. After cleaning it, the situation improved slightly but still wasn't cold enough. Then I measured the refrigerant level and sure enough, it was critically low. Compressor issues would be even more troublesome due to the high repair costs. Electrical faults like blown fuses also need checking. I tried replacing it with a spare fuse and luckily that solved the problem. AC problems are most annoying during hot weather. I recommend getting a comprehensive inspection by a mechanic during seasonal transitions every quarter, rather than waiting for a breakdown. For safety, if the AC isn't working, remember to frequently open windows for ventilation.