What Are the Reasons for a Private Car's Air Conditioning Not Cooling?

[RachelAnn]

Air conditioning not cooling is most likely due to a lack of refrigerant. Generally, unless the car is purchased in summer, owners do not carefully inspect or request the 4S store to refill the refrigerant. Therefore, after driving the car for a while and thinking of using the air conditioning in summer, they realize there is no refrigerant, resulting in no cooling. The detailed reasons are as follows: Insufficient Power Supply Voltage: The normal starting voltage for air conditioning is 220V ±10%. In a power supply system with a phase voltage of 220V and a line voltage of 380V, almost all compressors can start at voltages above 200V. Excessive Refrigerant: If a large number of bubbles are seen through the observation window, it indicates insufficient refrigerant. If water is poured on the condenser to cool it and no bubbles are visible in the observation window, it indicates excessive refrigerant.

[CamilaLynn]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, if the air conditioning isn't cooling properly, it's most likely due to insufficient refrigerant or a leak. The AC system is like a circulatory pipeline - without refrigerant, it's like blood not flowing, and even if the compressor is working, it can't push cold air. Other common causes include a worn-out compressor that's stopped working, a clogged cabin air filter blocking airflow, or a condenser covered in dust causing poor heat dissipation and preventing the fan from spinning. You can try replacing the filter yourself first - it only costs a few dozen yuan. But don't randomly add refrigerant if that's the issue. If there's a pipe crack or faulty valve, DIY attempts might worsen the leak. This is especially dangerous when driving on highways during hot weather, as the stuffy interior can lead to fatigued driving. It's best to take it to a professional shop for a pressure gauge system check to drive with peace of mind. Regular checks every six months can prevent problems before they occur.

[StIris]

Last time I went on a road trip, my car's AC was blowing hot air, making me sweat profusely. After troubleshooting, I found the refrigerant was low due to a leak, probably from a hole in the aging pipes. Changing the AC filter myself didn't help, so I drove to the repair shop. The mechanic said the compressor was working fine but the refrigerant pressure was low. It cost me 500 to fix the leak and recharge the system. Other possible causes could be a faulty blower motor resulting in weak airflow and poor cooling, or poor contact in the electrical relay. My advice is not to panic when this happens—first check if the filter is clean and if the compressor sounds normal. Regular maintenance can extend your AC's lifespan, so don't neglect it during long summer drives.

[LolaFitz]

Common reasons for AC not cooling: refrigerant leakage or insufficient charge is most frequent, compressor failure or not running, condenser clogged with poor heat dissipation, dirty filter blocking airflow, or fan motor malfunction. Check if the compressor makes a humming sound when starting—no sound may indicate wiring or fuse issues. Replacing the filter can be a DIY job costing just tens of yuan, but leaks or compressor failure require professional repair. Prioritize driving safety in summer; address issues promptly to prevent overheating risks.

[SanGia]

My lesson learned is that an air conditioner not cooling in extreme heat is extremely dangerous, as the car interior heats up quickly and can easily distract the driver. The causes are often refrigerant leaks or compressor failure, possibly due to electrical short circuits causing high voltage to blow a fuse. That time I went to the 4S shop and found the evaporator frozen, blocking the vents, costing 400 to fix. Regular cleaning of the air intake and checking the pipelines can prevent this. Don't push through in high temperatures—get it inspected to ensure safety.