What Causes Intermittent Operation of Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Multiple reasons are as follows: 1. The air filter in the vehicle's air conditioning system is excessively dirty and needs replacement. 2. The air conditioning compressor lacks refrigerant, causing abnormal operation. 3. The air conditioning control panel is damaged. 4. The vehicle is equipped with automatic air conditioning, which shuts off the system when the set temperature is reached. There are two operation modes for the vehicle's air conditioning system: 1. First mode: Press the AC switch directly to activate the system, then adjust settings via the control panel to achieve desired cooling. 2. Second mode: Press the AUTO button to enable automatic air conditioning, after which only temperature adjustment is needed for normal operation without interference.
I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and have seen many cases of intermittent air conditioning failures. The most common issue is with the AC compressor clutch, which is responsible for compressing the refrigerant. If it's worn out, it can slip intermittently, causing the AC to fail. Additionally, insufficient refrigerant or leaks can also cause this problem, as unstable system pressure leads to erratic AC operation. The electrical system is also crucial—aging relays or sensors with poor contact can cause the AC to work intermittently. Another possibility is a stuck fan motor or a clogged condenser, which affects cooling efficiency. When encountering such issues, I recommend car owners first check the fuses and relay box—it's a simple DIY task. If unsure, it's best to visit a professional shop to test the pressure and check for refrigerant leaks, as attempting DIY fixes might worsen the problem. Especially during hot summer weather, safety is paramount to avoid overheating without AC on the road.