Auto air conditioning system of your vehicle is an important feature that keeps the temperature inside your car comfortable. However, it is one of the things that get worn and damaged due to frequent usage and old age. When your vehicle’s air conditioning fails to provide the right temperature that you need, it’s important to have it checked, serviced, and repaired as necessary.
But how do you determine when your car’s auto air conditioning system is need of maintenance and/or repair? This article walks you through the ten signs of a bad or failing air conditioning which should serve as warnings. Whenever you notice any of these signs, you need to have it checked and repaired right away.
Here are 10 signs that your auto’s A/C unit needs repair:
1. Weak Airflow
A weak airflow coming out of your auto air conditioner means that the air is having trouble reaching your air vents. This can be caused by an accumulated mold or mildew in the evaporator core, loose blower hose, fried ventilation fan, or opened core case seals, blower house seals, or evaporator core case seals.
2. Leaking Dashboard
A visible water stain on your mat can be an indication that your dashboard is leaking. A leaking dashboard often signals a clogged hose, which prevents the system from draining water properly. Over time, age and moisture can cause leaks in the A/C system, potentially damaging other critical components if not addressed promptly.
Your auto air conditioning unit requires immediate repair when you notice these issues, as they can worsen and lead to expensive fixes if left unattended.
3. Losing Its Cool
When you notice your vehicle’s auto air conditioning begins to lose its cool, it may be due to a lack of refrigerant, a clogged expansion tube or refrigerant charging hose, a broken compressor, a malfunctioning blower motor, a damaged condenser or evaporator, or a failed fuse or switch. This symptom might require minor maintenance or a major repair, depending on the root cause.
4. Leaking Refrigerant
The refrigerant is responsible for keeping the interior of your car cool. If you notice your auto air conditioning can no longer provide a cool temperature despite running it for a long time, there’s a strong chance that the refrigerant is leaking. Over time, rubber seals and hoses can lose their elasticity, allowing the refrigerant to escape and reducing the system’s cooling efficiency.
If moisture is present, it can cause damage to the accumulator, receiver, or drier. A leaking refrigerant needs immediate attention because it can affect and damage these other vital parts of your A/C.
5. A/C Starting Out Cool Then Suddenly Gets warm
There are many possible reasons why your auto air conditioning system starts blowing cold air but then suddenly gets warm. One common cause is a clogged expansion valve that blocks the refrigerant from flowing into the evaporator. It could also be due to a damaged compressor clutch that prevents the compressor from maintaining the correct pressure. Additionally, blown fuses or leaks within the system can lead to this issue.
6. Unusual Noise
When you hear unusual rattling noises whenever you turn your car’s auto air conditioning on, it may be a sign of a broken fan belt or a damaged condenser. There’s also a chance that the noise is caused by debris caught in the fan. Unusual sounds should never be ignored, as they could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
7. Nasty Odor Coming From the A/C
When you begin to notice a nasty odor that smells like sweaty clothes, your auto air conditioning cabin air filter may be dirty or worn out. It’s important to have the filter cleaned or replaced as needed. Regularly changing the cabin air filter not only prevents long-term damage to your air conditioning system but also helps improve air quality and reduce fuel consumption.
Aside from dirty or failing cabin air filters, bad odors may also be caused by mouldy evaporator case or air vent. This can put your health at risk because mould can cause allergic reaction to some people. Regular cleaning of the evaporator case and the air vent will help fix this issue.
8. Compressor Clutch Not Moving
When your compressor clutch is not moving, it is a clear sign that your auto air conditioning compressor has a problem. The compressor clutch is responsible for allowing the compressor to engage only when needed. If the clutch stops moving, it can either seize—keeping the compressor permanently activated—or break, which prevents the compressor from receiving engine power. In such cases, the clutch or the entire compressor may need to be replaced.
9. Leaking Oil
If the A/C evaporator, compressor, condenser, lines, or fittings have issues, they may leak compressor oil. Such an oil leak will prevent your auto air conditioning system from functioning properly and producing cool air. While a leaking oil problem may not be easily visible, it is often the underlying reason behind your A/C system’s sudden inability to cool effectively.
10. Burning Odor
When you notice a burning odor as soon as you turn your auto air conditioning on, chances are the compressor’s wirings are burnt or overheated. Damaged or faulty compressor wiring prevents the A/C system from functioning properly. To resolve this issue, the wirings need to be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid further damage.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
The auto air conditioning system is an important component of your vehicle that makes your ride more comfortable. Getting a regular car maintenance check-up is important to keep your A/C system in its best condition and to prevent long-term and more serious damage. Maintenance and thorough check up of your A/C system should ideally be done at least once a year. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Most car shops offer services for air conditioning maintenance and repairs, but not all of them are RACQ approved and offer nation wide warranty. It’s important to entrust your vehicle to the experts who can provide a reliable and high-quality service.
If you need further advice, or for a certified technician to assess your auto air conditioning, call us on (07) 3269 3158 or book a job using the button below. We are located 113 Connaught Street Sandgate QLD 4017. Feel free to visit us at any time.