Carl’s Corner – Auto Repair Help DIAGNOSE – A/C SYSTEM DOESN’T BLOW COLD AIR SYMPTOM SUMMARYThe air conditioning system is not cooling as expected. The air conditioning system may require an extended period of operation to reach the desired output. USUAL CAUSELow refrigerant level is the most likely cause of poor cooling from the air conditioning. If there is no cool air coming from the air conditioning system, an electrical malfunction could be the cause. A defective relay, compressor clutch coil or damaged compressor are all possibilities. DIAGNOSISThe air conditioning system is equipped with safety switches that automatically turn the compressor off when the A/C refrigerant level becomes low. This prevents compressor damage, since the lubricant for the compressor is circulated through the system by the refrigerant. When the pressure switches are activated, power to the compressor is interrupted regardless of the position of the A/C dash switch. Recent regulations have prevented most consumers from doing the repairs.

Special equipment is now used to remove the refrigerant, referred to as “evacuate” prior to opening the refrigerant system. Special leak detectors are used to detect leaks around hoses, fittings, and valves. Once pinpointed, the leak will have to be repaired once the existing refrigerant, if any, is removed. PRECAUTIONS, TIPS, and NOTESThe refrigerant system is under high pressure at all times. During operation, the high pressure side of the refrigerant system can reach pressures of over 275 PSI. Use extreme caution when working around the A/C system. Never disconnect or vent the refrigerant to the atmosphere. Refrigerant can cause extreme frost bite or blindness if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes. Repairs to the A/C system are best left to trained service personnel using the proper test and service equipment. Repairs can be made by the consumer, however, the system should be evacuated using the proper equipment by trained service personnel prior to any component replacement.

After the system is repaired, it will have to be recharged using the same type of equipment.If you’re about to go to bed and want to avoid nightmares, you might want to put off reading this until morning. rv ac unitsIf you’re about to get in the car, please read on.portable shop ac unit While Black Death is not the same as the deadly plague during the 14th century, a car A/C system experiencing Black Death will be infected like the plague. heat pump vs air conditioner costBlack Death starts out inside the compressor after refrigerant breaks down. Since refrigerant acts as a working fluid much like how motor oil is the fluid which provides lubrication to protect the engine, a refrigerant breakdown will result in ugly wear, starting in the compressor.

From there, the sharp and grimy metal particles created during compressor breakdown can then travel through the rest of your A/C system, wreaking havoc on the entire system. Before you know it, all cold air, and airflow for that matter, will be long gone. Cue the A/C grim reaper. The best protection from Black Death is an A/C Performance Check. We feel your pain and discomfort caused by weak airflow. The sweat alone is enough to drive any of us crazy. However, there are a lot of factors at play. If you notice reduced airflow early on –rather than later– take the right step and have it looked at before other fatal A/C system damage can occur. Whatever’s the cause of your airflow problems, we have the answer. Schedule an A/C Performance Check. Typically, no, but some vehicles have Driver Information Centers (DIC) that may display the status of many vehicle systems. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for more information. There are several reasons an A/C system can lose its cool.

Bring your ride to us as soon as you start noticing this symptom, it could mean the difference between needing a small repair, or worse, a large one. Here’s what can cause your cold air to lose its cool. Leaks can be devastating. When an A/C system develops a leak, you have what’s called an “open system.” If you or your technician discovers the leak early, your repair will be less expensive. Unfortunately, if a leak has been affecting your cold air for a while, moisture will most likely have entered your A/C system and may have damaged other vital and expensive parts. Well, like many complicated stories, there’s never one simple answer. A/C systems are a fickle breed. Your best bet is to have us inspect your system for any of the following listed symptoms. Sounds like you have an odorific problem on your hands. There are a few issues that may be causing this smell. While we’re no C.S.I. unit, the ways to detect an A/C system leak are not far off from an episode of the ever popular investigation show.

Rubber seals and hoses can also lose their elasticity over time and breakdown allowing Freon to escape and moisture to enter your vehicle’s A/C system. Moisture is the kiss of death for your A/C system, mixing with refrigerant and creating a system destroying corrosive acid. Quick fact: If moisture is present, it could damage your accumulator, receiver or drier. Remember, these devices are responsible for removing moisture from the A/C system and will eventually stop functioning once they are exposed to an open system (leak or crack).Almost every single electrical system on a car is powered through some kind of switch or electrical relay, and the AC system and compressor are no exception. The AC compressor relay is responsible for supplying power to the AC compressor and clutch. Without this relay, the AC compressor will not have power and the AC system will not function. The AC compressor relay is no different then other electrical relays - its electrical contacts will eventually wear or burn out, and the relay must be replaced.

When the AC compressor relay has failed or is beginning to fail, it will begin to display symptoms that indicate it may be time for it to be replaced. The AC compressor is powered by the relay. If it is not functioning properly, then the AC system will not be able to produce cold air correctly. When a relay is starting to fail, it may give weakened or intermittent power to the compressor, which will result in weakened or intermittent function of the AC. The AC may function fine in one instance, and then shut off, or deliver inconsistent performance in another. This may be a potential sign that the relay may be going out. 2. AC compressor is not turning on One of the most obvious signs that the AC relay may have a problem is that the compressor is not coming on at all. In most cases, when the AC is turned on you will be able to hear the compressor switch on. It will usually produce a familiar clicking noise from the clutch being activated. If when you turn it on you do not hear the clutch being turned on, then perhaps it may not be getting power, due to a failed relay.