Why does the car air conditioner not cool after being exposed to the sun?
2 Answers
Car air conditioner not cooling after being exposed to the sun is caused by: 1. Severe internal wear of the compressor; 2. Refrigerant leakage; 3. Circuit system failure; 4. Blockage of the liquid storage dryer; 5. Excessive moisture in the dryer or too much dust in the filter; 6. Excessive refrigerant added to the car air conditioning system. The maintenance methods for car air conditioners are: 1. Regularly check the refrigerant and freezing oil; 2. Clean the surface of the condenser; 3. Clean the surface of the evaporator. The car air conditioning device, referred to as car air conditioner, is composed of a refrigeration system, heating system, ventilation and air purification device, and a control system.
It's really frustrating when the air conditioning doesn't cool properly after being exposed to the scorching summer sun. I encountered this issue last year. The main problem is the cabin temperature soaring to 50-60°C, making it hard for the AC to handle such a high heat load immediately. My suggestion is to open the doors and windows for 2-3 minutes before starting the car to let some hot air escape. Then, turn on the ignition. Set the AC to the lowest temperature and highest fan speed, and switch to recirculation mode for better efficiency. If it still doesn't work, there's likely a system issue: the most common causes are refrigerant leakage or insufficient levels, a clogged condenser with dust or leaves reducing cooling efficiency, or a loose compressor belt losing power. For older cars, the AC filter might not have been changed in two years, blocking airflow, or the refrigerant pipe joints may have aged and started leaking. It's best to visit a professional shop to check refrigerant levels with a pressure gauge and clean the condenser fins while you're at it.