Why Does the Truck Air Conditioning Suddenly Stop Cooling?
2 Answers
Truck air conditioning suddenly stops cooling due to reasons such as condenser impurity buildup, air filter dust accumulation, and damage to pipelines and connecting components. Condenser impurity buildup: For vehicles within 2-3 years, pipelines and parts are not prone to failure. The main reason for air conditioning not cooling is often the condenser. The solution is quite simple—the condenser is relatively sturdy. Using an air gun or water gun during car washing can remove most impurities. Air filter dust accumulation: Generally, it is advisable to replace the air filter every 3 months. In harsh environments like construction sites or mining areas, the replacement interval should be shortened accordingly. Damage to pipelines and connecting components: Automotive air conditioning systems consist of numerous parts. Over time, connected hoses and components inevitably age or loosen due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and vibrations, leading to refrigerant leakage and the air conditioning failing to cool.
As a long-haul truck driver, I've encountered several instances where the air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, all due to minor issues that accumulated over time. The most common problem is refrigerant leakage—pipes age and crack while driving, causing the refrigerant to leak out completely. Another frequent issue is the compressor belt becoming loose and slipping, preventing the fan from turning. Once, during a summer highway drive, my AC completely stopped working, and it turned out to be a blown fuse, which was fixed after replacement. Another time, the condenser was clogged with dust, leading to poor heat dissipation and system failure. I regularly check the belt and refrigerant levels now and recommend everyone not wait until it breaks down to inspect—early maintenance saves trouble. If it happens unexpectedly, first check the fuse and fan, as these are things you can handle yourself.
