Why is the car air conditioner not cooling?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car air conditioner may not be cooling: lack of refrigerant, which needs to be replenished in time. Normally, car air conditioners require refrigerant replenishment every 2 to 3 years. If frequent replenishment is needed, the owner should consider whether there is a refrigerant leak. Another possible reason is that the condenser is too dirty and needs cleaning. If the air conditioner initially doesn't cool well, improves after adding refrigerant, but soon encounters the same issue again, it is likely that the condenser has a problem, leading to abnormal refrigerant loss. There is also a situation where the condenser is not leaking but is simply too dirty. In spring, outdoor poplar and willow catkins often float and stick to the condenser. If the owner does not discover and clean them in time, it can cause the engine to overheat or the air conditioner to cool poorly.
It's really uncomfortable when the car AC doesn't cool properly in summer, especially during traffic jams when the heat is overwhelming and makes people easily irritable. I often encounter this issue, possibly due to refrigerant leaks from aging or cracked pipes; or the air filter being clogged with too much dust, preventing cold air from blowing out; if the compressor is faulty, the AC might just hum without cooling; poor condenser heat dissipation can also affect performance. First, do some self-checks: open the glove box, remove the filter to see if it needs cleaning or replacement; pay attention to the sound of the blower when the AC is on—normal operation should have a steady hum; also check if any fuses are blown in the engine bay fuse box. However, these are only basic checks. For more complex issues like electrical short circuits or low pressure, don’t take risks—head to a professional repair shop promptly to avoid accidents in the scorching heat and additional expenses.
