Why does the car air conditioner sometimes cool and sometimes not?
2 Answers
Insufficient refrigerant due to low refrigerant levels or compressor issues. Below is an introduction to automotive air conditioning: 1. Introduction to automotive air conditioning: The automotive air conditioning system consists of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components, designed to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle, providing a comfortable environment for the driver. 2. Working principle: When the compressor operates, it draws in low-temperature, 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, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser and liquefies, turning into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then flows through the throttle device, where its temperature and pressure decrease, and it enters the evaporator. Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside the vehicle passing through the evaporator and evaporates, turning into a gas. The gas is then drawn back into the compressor to begin the next cycle.
I had an issue with my car's air conditioning working intermittently before, which was quite annoying. At first, I thought it was the system protecting itself due to the hot weather, but later I realized that wasn't the case. Possible causes include insufficient refrigerant due to leakage, poor contact of the compressor clutch, or electrical faults like a burnt-out relay. I took it to a repair shop, and the technician checked the pressure and found a refrigerant leak. After refilling it, the problem was fixed. I suggest not ignoring such issues—driving without AC in hot weather can easily lead to heatstroke and is unsafe. Get it checked at a professional shop early to avoid higher costs later. Also, check the AC filter during car washes to ensure it's clean, as dirt can affect cooling. Overall, regular checks can save you trouble and money while extending your car's lifespan.
