What are the reasons for the unsatisfactory cooling performance of the Buick Excelle's air conditioning?
3 Answers
Specific reasons are introduced as follows: 1. Insufficient coolant: Under normal circumstances, if the air conditioning is not cooling, you can check whether the coolant is insufficient. If it is, add more. 2. Lack of refrigerant in the air conditioning system: This is the most common issue. A lack of refrigerant is key. When starting the system, first touch the return pipe to judge by temperature. If it is cold, check if the internal fan speed might be low. Clean or replace the internal pipe fins and dust filter. 3. The internal pipe is not cold, and the thick pipe may be flattened: If the internal pipe is not cold, the thick pipe may be flattened. Check the return air temperature; if it's not cold, then check the intake air. If the intake air is cold and frost forms, add refrigerant. If the frost gradually dissipates, it is certain that there is a lack of refrigerant. Compressor aging is not uncommon, and insufficient exhaust is the main issue. The high-pressure fins must be inspected, as dirt can also slow down cooling.
My Buick Excelle also had weak AC performance before. The final inspection revealed the condenser and radiator gaps were completely clogged with willow catkins, like being covered by a thick quilt. The mechanic said this is a common issue with Excelle - poor heat dissipation leading to weak cooling. Additionally, the cabin air filter hadn't been changed for two years and was so dirty you could practically grow flowers in it, directly affecting airflow. Another small detail was insufficient radiator fan speed, especially noticeable when idling at red lights on hot days. If there are signs of refrigerant leakage, mechanics would use fluorescent dye testing. The recommendation is to first clean the condenser and replace the filter - costs less than 200 RMB with immediate effect, much more effective than simply recharging refrigerant. If that doesn't work, then check compressor pressure and temperature sensors.
As a long-distance driver, I've found the main weakness of the Excelle's AC lies in its cooling system. Last time driving on the highway during hot weather, the vent temperature only dropped to 12°C and couldn't go lower. Installing an additional electric fan later solved the issue. Other common causes include: evaporator icing causing sudden loss of cooling (a classic symptom of temperature sensor failure); abnormally hot high-pressure pipes when the expansion valve is clogged; and squeaking noises accompanied by reduced cooling when the compressor belt slips. My personal maintenance routine includes using an air gun to clean the front grille monthly and replacing the dryer every two years. Remember to regularly run the AC on high fan speed with outside air circulation for a few minutes to reduce odors and bacterial growth.
