What Causes Intermittent Air Conditioning Failure in Cars?
2 Answers
Reasons why car air conditioning sometimes fails to cool: 1. Insufficient refrigerant; 2. Dirty condenser; 3. Loose air conditioning compressor belt; 4. Air in the air conditioning pipeline. The car air conditioning system, abbreviated as car AC, is used to regulate and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the car to an optimal state, providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers and reducing travel fatigue. The car air conditioning system is divided into: 1. Ventilation system: Its function is to ensure indoor ventilation while the car is moving; 2. Refrigeration system: Its function is to lower the temperature inside the car when the external environment temperature is high; 3. Heating system: Its function is to heat the air inside the car or the air entering from outside.
I've encountered this situation before where the AC suddenly blows hot air while driving in summer, with cooling performance fluctuating between good and bad, which is quite a headache. I've thought about some common causes, such as low refrigerant levels or minor leaks leading to pressure fluctuations and intermittent cooling; the fan sometimes fails to spin, especially in traffic jams where heat dissipation is poor; the compressor clutch aging and failing to engage under high load; or the expansion valve getting stuck, obstructing the cycle. I also noticed that a dirty cabin air filter can reduce airflow, making the air less cool. It's advisable to check the fan when parked—if it's not spinning, it needs repair; cleaning the surface dust off the condenser yourself might help. Regular maintenance can prevent major issues, and getting a professional shop to check refrigerant levels and leak points is more reliable.
