What are the symptoms of excessive refrigerant in car air conditioning?
3 Answers
Symptoms of excessive refrigerant in car air conditioning: 1. The suction and discharge pressures of the air conditioning system are too high, and the equipment operates at elevated temperatures; 2. The current value of the compressor power supply is significantly higher than normal, and prolonged operation may burn out electrical components; 3. The condenser is filled with refrigerant, reducing the heat exchange area, leading to high-pressure protection phenomena after the car air conditioning is turned on. Car air conditioning is designed to regulate and control the temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness within the enclosed space of a vehicle. The role of the air conditioning refrigerant is to lower the temperature of the air inside the car. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling medium in the evaporator and then transfers the heat to the surrounding air or water in the condenser, where it condenses.
A while ago while driving, I noticed the air conditioning cooling effect was getting worse and worse. The air vents felt lukewarm with little cool air, but the compressor noise was unusually loud, as if struggling to operate. Later when I opened the hood, I saw severe frosting on the pipes which felt hot to the touch. An experienced mechanic explained it was caused by overcharged refrigerant, creating excessive system pressure that overwhelmed the compressor, reducing efficiency under heavy load. Left untreated, this could damage compressor seals or even the entire piping system, drastically shortening lifespan. Since then I've learned to precisely measure refrigerant levels with pressure gauges - better slightly underfilled than overfilled. Repairs can cost hundreds, so regular maintenance shouldn't be neglected.
I enjoy fixing minor car issues myself, and I've personally experienced overcharged AC refrigerant. The symptoms are obvious: when you turn on the AC, the air blowing out isn't cold but rather slightly warm, and the compressor makes loud, startling buzzing noises. If you open the fuse box or check the pipe connections, you might see oil stains from leaks, indicating excessive pressure forcing it out. If this condition persists, the AC filter can get clogged, and the compressor is prone to burning out, leading to costly and troublesome repairs. Now I know to use a simple pressure gauge before adding refrigerant to ensure it's within the green range. Don't cut corners by overfilling, or you'll end up with more problems than benefits, making the AC uncomfortable to use.
