What Causes a Car to Suddenly Stop Cooling?

[DiEden]

Reasons why a car air conditioner stops cooling: 1. Insufficient or low refrigerant: A common reason for a car air conditioner not cooling is insufficient or low refrigerant, which may be caused by minor leaks. 2. Excessive refrigerant: Too much refrigerant can also cause the air conditioner to stop cooling. The proportion of refrigerant in the air conditioning system must meet specific requirements. If the proportion is too high, it can affect heat dissipation. Similarly, adding too much cooling oil during maintenance can also reduce the heat dissipation of the cooling system. 3. Loose compressor drive belt: Car cooling relies on refrigerant, and refrigerant transmission depends on the air conditioning compressor. The drive belt is a crucial moving part that drives the compressor. If the drive belt is loose, the compressor may slip during operation, leading to reduced transmission efficiency, slower compressor speed, and decreased refrigerant delivery, resulting in the air conditioner not cooling. If the compressor drive belt is too loose, it should be tightened. If it cannot be turned by hand, the belt is too tight and should be loosened slightly. Of course, if tightening does not work or the belt shows signs of cracking or aging, it should be replaced with a new one.

[DiAdriel]

The car AC suddenly stopped cooling? I've experienced this many times. The most common issue is refrigerant leakage - when there's insufficient Freon in the system and the pressure is too low, the AC can't function properly. It could also be a compressor problem, like a loose belt or failed clutch, preventing proper operation and cold air output. Another possibility is blown fuses or short circuits, especially during summer when electrical loads are high - a short circuit can shut down the entire system. I suggest starting with simple checks: pop the hood and inspect the fuse box, replacing any AC-related fuses. If that doesn't work, it might be a dirty/clogged condenser or faulty expansion valve affecting the refrigeration cycle. Don't delay AC repairs - take it to a professional shop for proper diagnostics. Driving in summer heat without AC is miserable.

[JoshuaFitz]

The air conditioning in my car wasn't cooling properly a while back, but I managed to fix it myself. First, check if a fuse has blown—it's in the small box near the driver's seat. Just find the corresponding numbered fuse and replace it to test. Sometimes, it's due to insufficient refrigerant, and you'll need to add some new Freon, but don't tamper with it yourself—the high-pressure system is dangerous. If the compressor makes unusual noises or the belt is worn, have a mechanic inspect it. Also, if the air vents' fan is stuck or the filter is too dirty and clogged, it can prevent cold air from blowing out. Cleaning the filter is simple—you can do it yourself by opening the glove compartment, removing it, and washing it. Pay attention to any unusual sounds from the AC while driving to catch small issues early and avoid major repairs.

[VonDaniel]

I remember last year when I was driving to the seaside for fun, the car's AC suddenly stopped blowing cold air halfway, which was really frustrating. It turned out that the compressor clutch was broken and couldn't connect to electricity, so it stopped working. It could also be due to a refrigerant leak in the system, with all the Freon leaking out, causing a pressure imbalance. Another possibility is that the condenser fins got clogged with mud and dust, preventing heat from dissipating. If you encounter this issue, don't panic. First, open the windows for ventilation to cool down, then find a safe place to stop and check. Regularly maintain the AC system at a service center—small tasks like cleaning the filter and refilling Freon are essential. Take preventive measures to avoid breakdowns on the road.