What is the reason for one side of the car air conditioner having airflow while the other side does not?
3 Answers
There may be a blockage in the air vent. Below is a related introduction to car air conditioning: 1. Introduction to car air conditioning: Car air conditioning is composed of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components. It is an air conditioning system used to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the car, providing a comfortable environment for the driver. 2. Working principle: When the compressor is working, it sucks in low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator. After compression, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increase, and it is sent to the condenser. Inside the condenser, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser and liquefies, turning into a liquid. When the liquid refrigerant flows through the throttle device, its temperature and pressure decrease, and it enters the evaporator. Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the car's internal air passing through the evaporator and evaporates, turning into a gas. The gas is then sucked in by the compressor for the next cycle.
I remember one time when I was driving, the air conditioning was only blowing from the right side with no airflow at all on the left—it was really uncomfortable. After checking for a long time, I found that the blend door was stuck. That’s the part that controls how air is distributed between the two sides. It might have been due to dust buildup or lack of lubrication, making it hard to rotate and blocking airflow to one side. Sometimes, a dirty cabin air filter can clog some of the vents, especially in dusty areas. There could also be minor issues with the control panel, like a faulty temperature sensor causing the system to misjudge and only send air to one side. If you encounter this problem, you can first try adjusting the vent mode or switching between recirculation and fresh air to see if there’s any change. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to take it to a professional shop to check the servo motor or ducts. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the air ducts in time, can prevent such issues and avoid driving in sweltering heat during summer, which affects both mood and focus.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I'd like to point out that uneven airflow from the AC is often caused by stuck air duct flaps or servo motor malfunctions. The flaps, which are plastic components that control airflow direction, can become stuck over time. The servo motor, though small, plays a crucial role in opening and closing actions. Sometimes, inconsistent temperature settings can also lead to uneven air distribution. Additionally, blockages in the ducts should be checked, such as foreign objects lodged behind a vent. It's advisable to first inspect the cabin air filter for dirt or try replacing it—a simple DIY fix that can save trouble. If unusual noises persist or adjustments prove ineffective, consider potential issues with the blower motor resistor or control module, which require professional diagnostic tools. Never overlook minor issues, as they can lead to more significant system damage.
