What to Do When the Car Air Conditioner Stops Cooling?
4 Answers
Reasons and solutions for car air conditioner not cooling: 1. Insufficient or low refrigerant: A common reason for the car air conditioner not cooling is insufficient or low refrigerant, which could be due to minor leaks. The solution is to add refrigerant, but note that if adding from the low-pressure side, do not invert the refrigerant bottle; if adding from the high-pressure side, do not start the engine. 2. Loose drive belt of the car air conditioner compressor: Car cooling relies on refrigerant, which is transported by the air conditioner compressor, and the drive belt is a crucial moving part that drives the compressor. If the drive belt is loose, the compressor may slip during operation, reducing transmission efficiency, lowering the compressor's speed, and decreasing refrigerant delivery, leading to the air conditioner not cooling. If the compressor drive belt is too loose, it should be tightened. If it cannot be turned by hand, it is too tight and should be loosened slightly. Of course, if tightening is ineffective or the drive belt is cracked or aged, it should be replaced with a new one. 3. Unqualified refrigerant and frozen oil: Excessive impurities in the refrigerant and frozen oil can clog the car air conditioner's filter, causing it not to cool, increasing resistance and reducing the flow of refrigerant to the expansion valve, resulting in insufficient cooling. In this case, qualified refrigerant should be selected for repairs, as it plays a critical role in the car air conditioner. 4. Moisture intrusion into the refrigeration system: If moisture enters the car air conditioner's refrigeration system, it can cause insufficient cooling or no cooling. If this is the case, replace the desiccant or dryer in the car air conditioner, and then evacuate the system and refill it with the appropriate amount of new refrigerant.
I've been driving cars for decades, and there are plenty of reasons why the air conditioning might not be cooling. The most common cause is insufficient refrigerant, meaning the so-called coolant has leaked out, so you need to check if there's a leak in the pipes. Another issue could be a dirty air filter, which blocks airflow and reduces cooling efficiency—replacing it yourself isn't too hard. If I find the AC blowing hot air in the summer, I first adjust the temperature settings—just in case it's a problem with the knob. Then, I check if the condenser fan is running. If the fan is stuck and can't dissipate heat, the AC will naturally stop working. These minor issues can be handled at home, but before hitting the highway, it's best to get a thorough inspection at a repair shop to avoid breaking down halfway—that would be miserable. Regular maintenance and not overlooking these small actions can save a lot of trouble and money.
When I first bought my car, I also encountered the issue of the air conditioning not cooling properly. I panicked, thinking it needed major repairs, only to find out it was caused by improper use of the air recirculation mode. For example, keeping it on recirculation for too long without switching to fresh air can cause pressure imbalance in the system, reducing cooling efficiency. Another common mistake is not cleaning the air conditioning regularly, leading to mold and dust buildup inside, which blocks the vents and reduces airflow. I once tried adding refrigerant myself but nearly damaged the compressor due to lack of proper tools. I learned my lesson—now when issues arise, I don’t tamper with it randomly but instead seek a reliable technician for diagnosis. Actually, extreme heat can also overload the AC system; simply parking and opening the windows to cool down before trying again often helps.
From a system perspective, air conditioning not cooling could be due to a faulty compressor or electrical circuit issues. The compressor is like the heart of the AC; if it doesn't work, cooling fails. Electrical faults such as blown fuses or loose wiring can also interrupt the current. A dirty radiator can prevent heat dissipation, affecting cooling. A simple self-check is to see if the evaporator is frosted, indicating a system blockage. These issues should be repaired promptly to avoid increased power and fuel consumption. Regular maintenance and avoiding heavy usage can extend its lifespan.
