What Causes a Car's Air Conditioner to Stop Blowing Air After Running for an Hour?
2 Answers
If a car's air conditioner suddenly stops blowing air, it could be due to the following malfunctions: 1. Blower Motor Failure: The blower motor is the core component responsible for air output in a car's air conditioning system. If it is damaged, the air conditioner will inevitably stop blowing air. Causes of blower motor failure may include overheating and damage to internal coils or capacitor failure. 2. Clogged Cabin Air Filter: A clogged cabin air filter is one of the reasons for blocked air ducts and the most common one. Outside air passes through the cabin air filter before entering the car, trapping various airborne particles, which can easily lead to clogging. If the air conditioner stops blowing air, you can remove the cabin air filter and check whether it is clean. 3. Control System Malfunction: Possible issues include faults with the air blend door, air conditioning computer, or control switches.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered quite a few situations where the AC stops blowing air after prolonged use. The most common issue is the AC blower motor overheating and automatically shutting down. If the cooling isn't adequate, this component tends to fail after working for an hour or two. Additionally, if the cabin air filter is too dirty and clogged, the airflow gets blocked, especially during frequent AC usage in summer. Another possibility is the evaporator freezing up—when the temperature drops too low, ice forms and blocks the air vents, preventing airflow. My suggestion is to stop the car, turn off the engine, and wait half an hour for the system to cool down before trying again. If it still doesn't work, it's best to visit a repair shop for a check-up. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the filter frequently, can prevent such issues and save on repair costs, especially during long trips where safety comes first.
