What are the symptoms of a bad car evaporator?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a bad car evaporator include the car air conditioning not cooling, the absence of refrigerant in the car air conditioning system, and the smell of car air conditioning refrigerant or refrigerant oil in the cabin. If the car evaporator is clogged, a car air conditioning manifold pressure gauge can be used for inspection and diagnosis. Here are the methods for cleaning a car air conditioning evaporator: 1. Disassembly and cleaning. This operation can easily damage air conditioning system components, and improper sealing during installation can lead to air conditioning system failures. Generally, this cleaning method is not recommended unless there is damage to air conditioning system components that requires disassembly and replacement. 2. Traditional air conditioning foam cleaner cleaning. Traditional air conditioning foam cleaner cleaning mainly relies on foam reduction and the airflow speed of the blower to remove dirt. The disadvantage is that it cannot clean targeted areas, and the water droplets after foam reduction can easily damage resistors such as the air conditioning blower resistor. 3. Visualized evaporator cleaning. This cleaning method is currently popular in the market, allowing the entire cleaning process to be seen clearly and targeted cleaning of dirt. The advantages are thorough cleaning, comprehensive sterilization, and system antibacterial properties. Since specialized equipment is required, it is recommended that car owners go to a professional cleaning shop for this service.
My car's air conditioning has been acting up lately. When I turn it on, the air coming out of the vents feels lukewarm, almost the same as the outdoor temperature, making the car stuffy and unbearable, especially in traffic jams. There's also a strange musty smell, like damp clothes that haven't dried properly, which is really unpleasant. Upon closer inspection, I noticed water stains near the floor mats—it turns out the evaporator core is leaking refrigerant, leaving the interior damp and prone to mold. If left untreated, these symptoms can affect the entire AC system over time, potentially overburdening and damaging the compressor. I think it's best to get it fixed at a reputable shop as soon as possible, rather than waiting until summer when the heat becomes unbearable. Addressing it early saves both hassle and money.
During my last long-distance drive, I noticed the air conditioning becoming increasingly ineffective. Even with the temperature set to the lowest and the fan at maximum speed, it still wasn't cool enough, and a musty, unpleasant odor started to spread inside the car. Upon inspection, I found water droplets dripping from the vents, wetting the carpet, which raised concerns about mold affecting health. A malfunctioning evaporator typically manifests as: a sharp decline in cooling performance, persistent foul odors, and water leakage. If left unrepaired, it can damage the interior environment and comfort, and may even affect other electrical components. My personal advice is to take the car to a 4S shop for diagnosis as soon as such issues arise, to avoid causing further damage by attempting DIY fixes.
