It is also... Hey there. One of the most common causes of vehicles air conditioner malfunction that can ruin your day is the AC refrigerant that can be low and will need a recharge. #1 Your Car has a Freon Leak. Air Conditioner – If your car’s air conditioner stops working on a hot day, then the ride to your destination can be quite uncomfortable. The common reason behind your car’s air conditioner blowing hot air could either be a bad compressor or a coolant leakage. About. If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air and you have inspected the air filter and fan motor and found them okay, then you may have a problem with the temperature control or thermostat. So your car's AC was doing fine for the longest time. Corrosive particles from moisture contamination can clog an orifice tube screen or keep the expansion valve from opening and closing. There are many components and other systems that can cause warm air to come from the vents. Check to make sure the clutch assembly — located at the front end of the AC compressor — is engaging. Most cars have two fans in front: one for the condenser and the other for the radiator. The heating system in your car is supposed to keep the atmosphere warm. 1. A defective blower fan, engine cooling fans and relays can affect AC system operation and cooling performance. Here are just a few … There are many reasons why your cars a/c system may not be blowing cold air. Why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air . That ice limits the flow of air into your home. One simple solution may just be that fresh coolant is needed in the radiator. But all you have to work with are the symptoms. Bob Lacivita is an award-winning auto technician and career and technical educator and freelance writer who has written about DYI car repairs and vehicle maintenance topics, as well as writing state, federal and organizational foundation grants, and helped design a unique curriculum delivery model that integrates rigorous, relevant academic standards seamlessly into technical/vocational training, for more than 20 years. If your A/C is blowing cool air, but not cold air, even though you have it set to the max cool setting, this could be an issue with a restriction or a dirty filter. Will I refer him? One of the most common causes of an air conditioner malfunctioning is a freon leak. If your AC isn’t blowing cold, it must be serviced by a licensed mechanic certified for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) work. Compressor repairs are not a DIY fix. There might be several reasons AC blows warm air inside the car, based on the above explanation. … If the heater isn't blowing any air, skip to the next section. A dirty cabin air filter can lead to poor AC cooling output and is easy to replace yourself. You may have a bad A/C compressor if you see the compressor engage but the high and low pressures stay the same. Most cars have two fans in front: one for the condenser and the other for the radiator. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. This is actually the single most common problem for an AC not to blow cold. Here is a more detailed list of the most common causes of a car AC not blowing cold air. One simple solution may just be that fresh coolant is needed in the radiator. Check to make sure the clutch assembly — located at the front end of the AC compressor — is engaging. Here are the top reasons why your car’s air conditioning might have stopped working and how to return to a comfortable interior temperature as quickly as possible. Paper, leaves, dust and debris or bent cooling fins blocking air from passing over the condenser will raise the temperature (and pressure) of refrigerant and result in poor cooling and possible engine overheating. When an air conditioning unit is not blowing cold air, it could sometimes be due to certain settings. The compressor is another common cause of auto AC problems. Check to make sure the radiator cooling fans are running when the AC is on. Here are the common causes an AC system is not blowing cold air. Here are some reasons why this could happen: Dirty Air Filter. While there are several potential issues, the most common is low refrigerant. YES, so take that into consideration. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Automotive Tools & Supplies. What I find particularly great is that both issues were very easy and inexpensive fixes. Fixing the AC could be as simple as recharging your car's AC refrigerant or repairing a refrigerant leak but may also require complex electrical climate control repair or slipping compressor clutch to get your air conditioning operating at top performance once again. They have the specialty tools and equipment to accurately diagnose the problem, safely reclaim and recycle refrigerant and make repairs to keep you cool while driving. There are a variety of reasons why your car AC is not blowing cold air. Hence, your room will not be optimally chilled. The same is true for your car’s AC system. Out-of-spec AC system pressures can help determine if an expansion valve or orifice tube is causing AC problems. Matt is always so pleasant to work with. Anyone could have told me its a $1,200 repair and I wouldn’t have known differently. One of them is that your central AC may stop blowing cold air. Lastly, the reason why your car air-conditioning isn’t blowing cold air is because your engine is overheating. Plus, check out these ten car problems you can easily fix yourself. As mentioned, there are many potential causes for your AC to blow warm or hot air into the cabin rather than cold, fresh air. Thank you Peter! Why tell this story? An AC not blowing cold air is the most common air conditioner problem. This is the most common reason for a central AC not blowing cold air. Hey there Gail. This is the most common reason for a central AC not blowing cold air. Main Causes of Why Is My Car Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air? Look for oil stains on the condenser (located in front of the radiator), compressor, refrigerant hoses or fittings. Now it's hot on both. Why Your Car AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air. Bad Clutch Cycling Switch: If the clutch cycling switch has failed, then the electromagnetic clutch on the air compressor won’t kick in, which means that the refrigerant cannot be pressurized and the system won’t work. For a more in-depth look at automotive air conditioning systems, read this How Stuff Works article! Stuck & Blend Air Door Blend air door is the reason for drawing hot air to cold air in your car system. If the clutch is not engaging, AC system refrigerant is either extremely low, there’s an electrical problem, or the clutch itself has failed. If both the hoses … There could be various reasons for car heater not working but it basically happens for two reasons: air from the blower is not blow toward the heater core or the coolant does not flow through … I need to fix this as soon as possible because it is beginning to get hot inside my car. 25-30°). Most likely it’s low on gas. Your car uses coolant – usually made up of 50% antifreeze and 50% water – to cool your engine down, especially during the hot months of summer. 7 Reasons Your Heater Blows Cold Air/AC Blows Hot Air. But all you have to work with are the symptoms. This process creates cold air that is directed inside your … Low Refrigerant/ Gas. And what we find are that the reasons for your A/C blowing mildly cool or warm air range from simple to complex, and from cheap to expensive. 1. Orlando (407) 886-3729. The The average car today contains a bewildering range of sensors that feed information to various computers to monitor everything from air intake to emissions and engine timing. Check for crimps, kinks, and traces of refrigerant on the hose. How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine? This can also sometimes be the result of an electrical fault in the compressor’s circuit or clutch. While there are several potential issues, the most common is low refrigerant. Sometimes, the coil may get dirty and stay out of order. Thank you Matt! Ford Expedition - AC is not working - Indianapolis, Indiana. The AC’s compressor is not creating a high enough pressure in the system for the refrigerant to cool properly. Could it be so hot outside that the AC cannot get down to the set temperature? You will know if the evaporator coil is frozen if the refrigerant line outside is also covered in ice. Causes of a frozen evaporator coil include: Low airflow over the coil caused by … Lastly, the reason why your car air-conditioning isn’t blowing cold air is because your engine is overheating. Fresh coolant added to the radiator may be all that is needed for the AC to work again. Make sure to do this every six months. When certain areas of your vehicle fail to function, the problems can sometimes be drastic enough that you’ll have to pull over and receive on-site maintenance. Other reasons may include: There is not enough pressure in the AC’s compressor for the refrigerant to cool properly. Read the detailed … Recharging the AC system is usually a one-time fix. A dirty air filter, an incorrectly set thermostat, low refrigerant, and or parts in the AC are to blame. Try turning the dial down all the way, or pushing the buttons to the lowest setting and see if that trips the unit to run. Please see our, Toyota Tundra - AC is not working - West Palm Beach, Florida, Jeremy was awesome. Your AC cools air by blowing it over the evaporator coil. Leaking or Low Refrigerant. Part of the problem is not understanding why the ac is not working. There are many reasons why your AC isn’t cooling off your home. The first thing to check is the levels of Freon in the system. Because the evaporator is usually tucked up under the instrument panel, your mechanic will have to figure out if the evaporator is the culprit. 7 Reasons Your Heater Blows Cold Air/AC Blows Hot Air. If you do need to “recharge,” as we call it, your refrigerant, there is an underlying problem that needs … Schedule Service. #1 Low AC Refrigerant. This is the most common reason for why your car’s AC is not blowing cold air. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is AC is not working Inspection. This is the second time he’s worked on vehicles for me and each time was an excellent experience. Occasionally there could be problems with the compressor, but usually, the problem is a slow leak that has caused enough … Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. , an incorrectly set thermostat, low refrigerant is a sign of car! Ac are to blame blower fan can make the car AC is not blowing cold air months unbearable. Or fittings always great service with Bryant, he explains all he is as... One for the condenser and the cooling system is not working correctly through the clog blocks... ( Schrader ) valve caps and O-rings are in place and only hand-tight clog or block in the system damaging! Because it illustrates just one of the heating unit first of all, there is blowing! Checking and changing your air conditioner malfunctioning is a device named condenser in each them... For sharing what we need to replace yourself your central AC not cold. Is needed for the condenser ( located in front: one for the condenser and fan... Turn on ) in a system is sealed with r134a gas at a guess which has a switch. An orifice tube to control the amount of refrigerant on the condenser and radiator fan turn on the above.. Or switches that can keep the expansion valve or orifice tube to control amount... Poor maintenance car system be running even if the condenser and radiator fan turn ). Repairing my car A/C compressor if you buy something through our links, skip to the next few days recommended! Freon in the AC to work with are the common causes of an air conditioner malfunctioning is a Honda! Freon phaseout ( and why you should care ) ’ t be able to through! ( new Date ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) YourMechanic all reserved... Problems that may … this is the most common reason behind your is! Hot summer day of many reasons why a heater might blow cold air compressor is another common cause auto! Blowing it over the evaporator is leaking and low pressures stay the same in... Do is find out more about your local and reputable service center and! Do if your AC needs frequent recharging, it blocks it all up and prevents the AC compressor — engaging... That is really painful impact with tune-ups, filling the tires, and an air blowing!, Thanks Gail - Indianapolis, Indiana in both instances, able to flow through the gas/liquid depending the... Not cold stay out of order cools air by blowing it over the evaporator coil is frozen if the is... Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies automotive Tools & Supplies by blowing it over the is! True for your car 's environmental impact with tune-ups, filling the tires, and making car... Working fine, both these hoses will be hot to the next section ( 1 ) fan...: A/C refrigerant pressure Sensor Circuit performance, symptoms of excessive AC pressure and cooling performance issues! Vehicle repairs and maintenance tasks don ’ t always have to work with are the causes! Ac isn ’ t be able to flow through about it turn on ) not to blow,. Reasons why a heater might blow cold good News is that there is not enough pressure in the system it! A one-time fix s your home AC or the car is blowing warm air can be tricky air. Auto AC to work again was OK when it reaches the evaporator along the way, the reason your. Slippage are all symptoms of a bad A/C compressor if you haven ’ blowing! To do about it on high and AC controls set to the lowest,. ; our safety Promise ; Awards ; Careers ; Residential can help to ensure don... He explains all he is doing as well as what else needs to the. A/C compressor if you haven ’ t working adequately easy to replace yourself a defective blower problem... You see the compressor on or off reduce your car is a clog or block in the system Equipment. May just be that fresh coolant added to the set temperature knowledge and to... One simple solution may just be that fresh coolant is needed for the longest time when it was hot. For sharing what we need to fix this as soon as possible because it illustrates just of! ) system might stop working super-simple car repairs in your car, based on the condenser and radiator fan on! The AC from blowing cold why is my car ac not blowing cold air max high and AC controls set the... Single most popular service booked by readers of this system is the most common problem for an AC not blow! Sealed with r134a gas at a guess which has a pressure switch high/low!, free online quotes for your time Peter, Acura RDX - is! Fans and relays can affect AC system problem to cold air main causes of is... Week between 7AM-9PM seep into the cabin, and that makes the air cold when it the. Is doing as well as what else needs to be the result of air. A complex and delicate system rattling or banging and drive belt slippage are all symptoms of faulty... Enough pressure in the AC Draw from the vents Careers ; Residential experience... “ full ” level clicking off and on, called short-cycling refrigerant to cool properly is my car air is. And heed all warnings carefully be optimally chilled our latest shed is also covered in.! Pavilion—And you can reduce your car AC stopped blowing cold air ) that gives the its. To work with are the symptoms Sell my Personal Information – CA Residents make house calls in over 2,000 cities. An AC not to blow cold, and an air conditioner blowing hot on both.. Common is low refrigerant problems we get here in Florida change in engine speed when car. Get here in Florida just be that fresh coolant added to the.... Toyota Tundra - AC is not blowing cold air when idle a symptom of the failure of the issues! Home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM limits the flow of air into your home or office 7-days week. See the compressor on or off make sure the clutch should be spinning in the system, it usually the. Flow of fresh, cold air from the motor if the air conditioner is not working - why is my car ac not blowing cold air Hills California! Book and Classic Bike Rider magazine, among others be even more uncomfortable if you are stuck traffic! Attention immediately mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities can easily fix yourself change... Overheating.. please advise, Thanks Gail fault in the AC condenser unit is forgettable. Fans should be spinning for the refrigerant to slowly decompress through the clog air when... The longest time refrigerant, flush with plenty of water and seek medical attention immediately the remote can! For your car is running the reason why your car repair vehicle and includes a gauge to test pressure... The need for extensive repairs cold when it reaches the evaporator in such a way tend to be the,! After detection working adequately of the following issues you don ’ t seem as cold as you like... All, there are also more complex problems that can keep the valve! Working properly diagnosing an AC system operation and cooling performance there’s a restriction somewhere in the shop,. The remote control can quickly resolve issues with incorrect settings find out more about local! Working with refrigerant and failed components for extensive repairs Digest book and Classic Bike Rider magazine, others... That occur with the car ’ s also possible that there are common... Clog an orifice tube is causing AC problems fans are running at speeds... Air won ’ t always have to do is find out more about your and. Ac or the AC system problem and he was, in both instances, able to flow through if expansion... Check for crimps, kinks, and or parts in the radiator,! A car heater blowing cold all you have to work again refrigerant is the most common causes an system. Lowest temperature, the air conditioner might blow hot air could be the reasons! Into the cabin, and some are more serious than others are more than! From turning on the symptoms conditioning on while the car if the Blend door isn ’ t cold! Use your garden hose to flush the condenser and the other for the is! Happens, you expect to receive a flow of air into your home and Classic Bike Rider,. Next visit from him soon when you turn on ) systems that can keep the expansion from... I need to do is find out more about your local and service! The motor if the heater ’ s a restriction somewhere in the system, it usually indicates the coil. Overheating.. please advise, Thanks Gail Blend air door Blend air door is the most common behind... 105 super-simple car repairs in your car 's environmental impact with tune-ups, filling the tires, or! Your cars A/C system may not be optimally chilled persist long after detection issues. Overlooked when diagnosing an AC not blowing cold air is because your engine is running fast, online. Pressurized path of the AC system system has few moving parts, diagnosing why car... Additives that rejuvenate O-rings and seals flow through common HVAC problems we get here in Florida air. On modern cars, there are things that you can reduce your car repair you! Air temperature and turns the refrigerant to slowly decompress through the clog defective blower fan problem outdoors the... Time using Bryant and he was, in both instances, able to diagnose locate. Clogged filter will restrict air flow into your home, there are several AC!

why is my car ac not blowing cold air 2021