What are the symptoms of a broken car air conditioning evaporator?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a broken car air conditioning evaporator include the car air conditioner not cooling, the car air conditioning system lacking refrigerant, 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. The car evaporator is located inside the dashboard. When the air conditioner is turned on, the evaporator needs to exchange heat and cold, causing a large amount of condensation to form on its surface. At the same time, outside air entering may carry various dust, bacteria, impurities, etc., which stick to the surface of the evaporator along with the condensation. Additionally, when the air conditioning evaporator is not working, it remains in a warm, dark, and humid environment for a long time, making it very easy for a large number of molds and various bacteria to grow. Once mold encounters a suitable environment, it can multiply quickly. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary, and it is recommended to clean it once a year.
I often encounter air conditioning problems while driving. The most typical symptom of a broken evaporator is that the air conditioning doesn't cool properly, blowing out warm or room-temperature air, which makes driving on highways in summer extremely frustrating. What's worse, there's a strong musty or sour smell in the cabin, like old carpet, which is very unpleasant. Sometimes, you might notice water leaking onto the floor, soaking your shoes, because the evaporator is positioned low and accumulated water leaks out. If not repaired promptly, the smell can linger for days and may foster bacteria, leading to health issues. I once suffered from headaches until the faulty part was replaced. Overall, this significantly reduces driving comfort, so it's advisable to check the air conditioning system early to prevent minor issues from escalating.
As someone who has dealt with numerous car issues, I've found that common symptoms of a damaged evaporator include a sudden drop in air conditioning cooling efficiency or complete loss of cooling, where cold air turns into warm air. Another telltale sign is strong odors, often musty or rotten smells, emanating from the vents, usually caused by water leakage and mold growth in the evaporator. Water stains frequently appear on the floor mats, soaking the interior. If left unaddressed, the air conditioning system's pressure imbalance can lead to additional damage to the compressor and piping, significantly increasing repair costs. During my own repair work, I've encountered cases where owners ignored minor leaks, resulting in complete refrigerant loss and costing them thousands extra in repairs. Regular maintenance can prevent these hidden dangers.
