What are the reasons for a truck's air conditioning not cooling?
3 Answers
The reasons for a truck's air conditioning not cooling are: 1. Accumulation of impurities in the condenser, leading to poor heat dissipation; 2. Dust buildup in the air filter, resulting in poor ventilation; 3. Damage to pipes and connecting components, causing refrigerant leakage; 4. Compressor failure; 5. Expansion valve malfunction. The vehicle air conditioning cooling system consists of a compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower. The functions of vehicle air conditioning are: 1. Achieving cooling effects through the continuous phase change cycle of the refrigerant; 2. Removing dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the air inside the vehicle, making the interior air fresher, and humidifying the air to increase the relative humidity inside the vehicle.
I've been driving long-distance trucks for over a decade, and not having AC in summer is simply unbearable. Once I found the AC blowing hot air, which turned out to be due to completely leaked refrigerant – probably because the aging pipes had cracks. If the compressor fails, it won't cool either, often due to a loose belt or seized bearings. If the fan stops working, poor heat dissipation from the condenser can also cause the AC to fail. Later, when I took it to a repair shop, the mechanic said truck AC systems often suffer from refrigerant leaks due to loose connections caused by heavy vibrations. He recommended checking the pipes and listening to the compressor's operation before long trips. I regularly clean the filters myself and replace them monthly to prevent dirt from clogging and affecting cooling. Regular maintenance also saves fuel and avoids breakdowns that could disrupt your journey. Just remember not to go for the cheapest services – reliable shops give more peace of mind during inspections.
I remember last summer when I was delivering goods, the air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, and the car felt like a steamer. After pulling over to check, I found the compressor wasn't working—turned out it was just a blown fuse, and replacing it with a spare did the trick. Also, refrigerant leaks can cause cooling failure; I noticed a slight chemical smell, possibly due to loose seals at the connections. If the fan gets stuck, the condenser temperature soars, affecting performance too. I suggest fellow drivers pay attention to unusual AC noises and abnormal temperature changes, and always carry basic tools and spare fuses. That experience taught me to get quarterly check-ups at the garage—don’t wait until issues escalate. Refrigerant top-ups are best done yearly, especially for trucks on mountainous routes, as they’re more prone to failures. Preventive care saves hassle and ensures safety.
