What could be the reason for a car's air conditioning suddenly failing to start?
2 Answers
If a car's air conditioning suddenly stops responding, it could be due to blocked pipelines, excessively high or low pressure; poor heat dissipation; a blocked expansion valve; too little or too much refrigerant; or the compressor not operating. Check the pressure of the refrigerant; if the pressure is too low, it indicates a lack of refrigerant, which needs to be replenished, as insufficient refrigerant can affect the cooling performance of the air conditioning. Also, check whether the blower in the air conditioning system is operating normally and the size of the air flow. Below is an introduction to air conditioning maintenance: 1. Comprehensive inspection of the air conditioning: When using the air conditioning for the first time in summer, first inspect the air conditioning system, such as checking the refrigerant and whether the air conditioning filter is too dirty through the reservoir, and whether there are any foreign objects in the radiator. 2. Pay attention to the cleaning of the air conditioning: The air conditioning filter should be replaced regularly; otherwise, the air conditioning may produce a musty smell. Additionally, the condenser should also be cleaned periodically, and the radiator should be removed for thorough cleaning.
I've driven quite a few cars and encountered situations where the air conditioning wouldn't start. There are usually several common reasons for this. The first is an electrical circuit issue, such as a blown fuse. You can find the corresponding air conditioning fuse in the fuse box, pull it out, and check if the wire is broken—this is the easiest point to fix. The second is a compressor problem; the compressor clutch might be stuck or severely worn, causing no response when starting. If the refrigerant has leaked, the system will detect insufficient pressure and won't start, which is more common in winter. The third is weak battery power, especially when starting the car slowly on hot days, where the power isn't enough to drive the compressor fan and clutch. I had this issue last time—low battery power caused repeated restart failures. Another possibility is a broken switch or relay, where pressing the button gets no response.
Normally, I recommend regularly checking the fuse box and battery voltage. Air conditioning is used heavily in summer and is prone to problems, so preventive maintenance can save money. Check the refrigerant every two years to avoid leaks. These checks are simple and can be done yourself. But if you can't solve the issue, it's safest to go to a professional shop for diagnosis. In short, don't ignore minor faults—address them promptly to avoid damaging the car. If a problem arises while driving, don't push through; pull over safely—safety comes first.
