Car Air Condition System Common Problems

Most vehicles on the market today come with air conditioning, but most drivers pay little attention to the air conditioning in their car until something is wrong with it and they no longer have access to that convenience. When this happens it does not always mean a pricey trip to the mechanic, especially if you understand the basic concepts of automotive air conditioning.

Leaking Refrigerant

Newer vehicles usually do not have problems with their air conditioning, but when older cars have an air conditioning system that appears to be failing one common cause is that the refrigerant has run out. This can be because the car is old and the refrigerant is simply gone or because of a leak that might have developed in the AC compressor, the evaporator, or in a hose.

Sporadic Temperatures

If you turn on your car's air and feel warm air blowing out, it is likely because some moisture has built up in the assembly. When this happens ice accumulates and clogs the tube in the evaporator. Usually a simple trip to the mechanic will remedy the situation because he will have the tool that is needed to remove the ice.

Considerations

Your electrical system could also be faulty and cause your air conditioning to malfunction. Usually this is because the electrical charge from the battery is not strong enough to move the compressor clutch or it lacks enough voltage to trigger the compressor.

Noisy Compressor

Several things can cause your air conditioning to make noises when you turn it on. Hopefully, the noise is coming from something minor in the engine or from one of the hoses, but it could also be a much more expensive problem like the AC compressor, which would likely have to be replaced.

Smelly Air

If you turn your car's air conditioning on and a foul smell comes blowing out of the vent, it is likely that you have bacteria in your evaporator. A mechanic will need to use a special cleaner to flush the smell out and rid your system of the bacteria.