Why is the air conditioning temperature different between the driver and passenger seats?
2 Answers
The difference in air conditioning temperature between the driver and passenger seats may be due to long ducts, changes in air pressure reduction, and uneven airflow, resulting in a perceived temperature difference. You can adjust the fan speed or set the temperature. Here are some additional details: 1. Damaged air conditioning flap: The air conditioning flap motor may be damaged. The flap motor is usually located in the lower middle part of the dashboard and serves as the main switch for the air vents. If the switch is damaged, even if the air conditioning can produce cold air, it will only come out through gaps. Replacing the flap motor requires dismantling the dashboard. 2. Dirty condenser: The main purpose of the condenser is to dissipate heat. If the condenser is clogged with spring catkins or willow catkins, it can cause the engine temperature to rise too high or poor air conditioning performance. When cleaning, be sure to first use an air gun to blow away the debris before washing with a water gun, otherwise it may have the opposite effect, leading to poor air conditioning performance and increased fuel consumption.
It's quite common to have different temperatures for the driver and passenger sides while driving, mainly because many cars are equipped with dual-zone or multi-zone air conditioning systems designed to allow independent temperature adjustments for the driver and passengers. For example, I prefer it cooler on the driver's side, while a passenger might set it warmer, and the system automatically separates the settings. Additionally, if the temperature settings are the same but the actual feel differs significantly, it could be due to sensor failure, such as a sunlight sensor misjudging the temperature on one side; or a duct malfunction, like a stuck air mix vent, causing uneven airflow. Sometimes, issues with the automatic air conditioning module can also lead to erratic temperature adjustments. I'd like to remind everyone that this feature is more common in high-end cars like BMW and Mercedes. During regular maintenance, just check the air conditioning settings, and don't rush to repair the car.
