Why is the car's air conditioning not cooling properly?
3 Answers
If the car's air conditioning is not cooling properly, it is necessary to check for leaks. The air conditioning systems currently used in vehicles are generally single-cooling open types. During use, refrigerant is prone to leak from various connection joints and oil seals. Refrigerant leakage will result in poor cooling or no cooling at all. Below is a detailed introduction to the refrigeration air conditioning system: 1. Damaged air conditioning flap: Damage to the air conditioning flap motor is a relatively rare issue. If the flap motor malfunctions, it can be quite troublesome. The flap motor is usually located in the lower middle part of the instrument panel and serves as the main switch for the air conditioning vents. If it fails, it means the switch is broken, and even if the air conditioning can produce cold air, the air will only come out through gaps, which is far from ideal. If you notice that no air is coming out from any vents after turning on the air conditioning, the instrument panel may need to be dismantled. 2. Dirty condenser: The main purpose of cleaning the radiator and condenser is to dissipate heat. In spring, willow and poplar catkins can clog the condenser, leading to issues such as excessively high engine temperatures or poor air conditioning performance. Therefore, after spring, car owners should always check if there are many catkins stuck on the radiator. When cleaning, be sure to first use an air gun to blow away the debris before washing with a water gun; otherwise, the opposite effect may occur, resulting not only in poor air conditioning performance but also increased fuel consumption. 3. Damaged air conditioning compressor, throttle valve, or expansion valve: The probability of the air conditioning compressor being damaged is low, so there is no need to worry too much. However, malfunctions in the expansion valve or throttle valve can directly lead to poor air conditioning performance. These issues are relatively complex to diagnose and require professional repair at a specialized workshop. 4. Aged or loose belt: The belt is another component that is often overlooked. Generally, during maintenance, the 4S shop will remind you to replace the belt. If it is not replaced, slipping may occur during use, leading to belt breakage, unusual noises, loss of power assistance, and poor air conditioning performance.
My old car's air conditioning wasn't working well last year, and after struggling for a while, I found the condenser was completely filthy with insect corpses and leaves clogging the fins. Insufficient refrigerant pressure can also weaken the cooling, and if the compressor struggles to work, it might need replacement. A refrigerant leak in the pipes is even more troublesome, requiring checks at multiple connection points. If the cabin air filter hasn't been changed for too long, it can block airflow, preventing cold air from blowing out. And if the fan stops working, the whole system can overheat. I always start checking the AC in winter to avoid suffering in the summer heat.
Insufficient air conditioning cooling is quite common, and it's most likely due to a lack of refrigerant. However, before adding refrigerant, be sure to check for any leaks, otherwise it's a waste of money. Also, inspect the compressor and belt for signs of aging or slipping. Last time, my car had poor cooling because the belt was loose. Poor heat dissipation from the condenser can also affect cooling—cleaning it thoroughly can help. A faulty blower resistor or poor switch contact can also lead to insufficient airflow, preventing cool air from reaching the cabin. Remember to replace the cabin air filter regularly, otherwise, it's like having a blocked mask.
