Why is the car air conditioning not warm enough?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the car air conditioning is not warm enough and the corresponding solutions: 1. The vehicle has just started, and the engine temperature has not yet risen. It will provide warmth after the engine warms up. 2. Insufficient coolant. A lack of coolant can also prevent the car air conditioning from heating. Adding coolant will solve the problem. 3. Damaged water pump. A faulty water pump can disrupt the coolant circulation system, leading to the air conditioning not heating. Replacing the water pump is necessary. 4. Clogged heater core. A blocked heater core prevents the hot water from the engine from circulating into the core, causing the air conditioning to not heat. Cleaning the heater core is the solution. 5. Faulty radiator fan. If the radiator fan runs continuously, it will dissipate heat constantly, making it difficult for the coolant in the radiator to warm up, resulting in the air conditioning not heating. Inspecting and repairing the radiator fan is required.
The AC not being warm enough might be due to a clogged heater core. I've encountered this several times over more than a decade of driving—if coolant can't flow through, heat can't be transferred. Another possibility is insufficient coolant, which you can check yourself by popping the hood and seeing if the level in the translucent reservoir is below the minimum mark. If the thermostat is stuck in the open position, that’s also a problem—the engine temperature will never rise enough to produce warm air. A dirty cabin air filter can also reduce airflow, making it feel less warm. A damaged water pump impeller or a slipping belt can affect circulation efficiency too. Last time, my car’s heater control valve was stuck, and replacing the part fixed it. Winter without heat is miserable, so I’d suggest checking the coolant level and cabin filter first. If that doesn’t solve it, head to the repair shop quickly.
