What causes the Highlander's air conditioning to not cool?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for the Highlander's air conditioning not cooling include the compressor protection device tripping and electrical circuit issues. Here are the specific details: 1. High pressure or overheating: Excessive refrigerant. Appropriately reduce the refrigerant amount. Poor heat dissipation. Check if the condenser tube has dust buildup and clean the condenser. Blockage in the pipeline system. Refer to the pressure gauge for judgment, troubleshooting, and re-system processing. Dust accumulation or scaling on the evaporator or filter. 2. Electrical circuit issues include: Control circuit board failure. Temperature sensor overload, incorrect information. Loose power wiring, poor contact. Start capacitor or compressor start coil burned out.
Last summer, the air conditioning in my Highlander suddenly stopped cooling, leaving me sweating. It turned out to be a refrigerant leak, possibly due to loose pipe connections or aging seals, causing the system pressure to drop too low for the compressor to work. If the compressor had failed, it would have been expensive—costing several thousand yuan. Dirty fans or radiators can also affect cooling efficiency, and I also found that the fan was stuck and not spinning. Electrical issues like burnt-out relays or faulty sensors, which trigger the AC's protective shutdown, are not uncommon. A clogged cabin air filter can block cold airflow, but replacing it yourself only costs a few dozen yuan. I recommend regular checks of the filter and refrigerant levels, along with pre-summer maintenance to avoid breakdowns. My experience is that early detection saves money and hassle—especially avoiding delays that lead to major repairs.
