Car AC Repair: A Complete Guide

Buying an automobile is the purchase one dreams of, requiring years of saving and hard work. Over time, a car ac is bound to worn down as the quality of the parts degrades, and constant repair work becomes a common occurrence.

From car AC gas refill to ensuring efficient blower operation, the car air conditioning unit requires constant maintenance work. It is good to have a handy car air conditioning repair guide to solve all the common issues and ensure passengers remain comfortable.

In this blog, learn from A to Z about everything one needs to know about repairing the car’s air conditioning.

What Are The Common Issues Plaguing You?

Bad Smells and Dusty FIlters- The most common issue regarding air conditioning units is often the foul odour and a high level of dust getting into the filters. It can be either resolved by replacing the air filter or thoroughly cleaning it.

If the filter smells of mildew and has bacteria growing, it can be off-putting and require close attention. One way to resolve the issue is by applying an anti-bacterial solution to ensure the filter is spotless and smells fresh.

Another reason the filter may have issues is due to condensation occurring in the heating vent and being  deposited on the car’s floor. It generally occurs on the passenger floor side, and it’s time to get car air conditioning repair work done.

Also read: Best 10 Car Aircon Cleaning Tips

Is The AC Compressor Working?

To check whether the AC works correctly, one must check the engine bay and whether the pulley’s centre is turning along itself. Often, one might hear loud banging, grinding noises and sounds like debris stuck in the compressor.

The compressor clutch is essential as it connects and disconnects the AC compressor from the engine. Its job is to regulate the refrigerant pressure and ensure it does not exceed a certain level. The constant cycle of the AC switch on and off ensures the engine is not overloaded.

If the AC is not working, the compressor clutch may be failing, and one needs to get it checked out by an authorised car mechanic. Look at the middle of the pulley to check whether the clutch is engaged. If the clutch is not engaged, the A/C compressor is broken and needs replacement or a car AC gas refill.

The Air Vents Is Not Operating

When there is no air coming from the vent, it can be quite a confusing and frustrating experience. The owner can DIY some issues, while others will require a more professional hand. Here are some common issues one needs to check for when testing whether the air vent is operating or not:

Electrical issues- Everyone has learned in science classes about how electrical components operate, and let’s go back to it, shall we? The job of a fuse is to ensure that when there is a surge of the current, it absorbs and protects the system. If there is no power in the blower motor, it is linked to issues in the ventilation fuse.

Another culprit could be a relay having issues; subsequently, the current is not regulated.

A damaged motor- Due to constant wear and tear of the AC unit, the blower stops working and starts malfunctioning. Check the resistor in the blower motor, which moderates the fan’s speed. It could be malfunctioning and that is why the blower’s fuse is out.

If you have any of the issues mentioned, it is time to get it checked by the best car air conditioning repair franchises near you.

One of the vents is blocked-  The AC unit has two vents built into it. One is focused on the exterior climate, and the second is on the interior, where the air recirculates. Either one or both of them have gotten blocked, and no air is circulated through the blowers.

One can evaluate the problem by changing the circulation mode to see whether the air vents are working when changing the modes.

How to check for the electrical components?

The electrical components are critical to ensuring that the speed of the blower and the AC unit is well regulated. There can be a significant lack of airflow, linked to issues related to the circuits being blown or a break in connection.

To check whether there is an electrical issue, here are the steps one can take-

1. Check for the wire in the compressor that is leading to the electrical clutch.
2. Take the connector and unplug it.
3. Ensure that a length of wire runs from the compressor wire to the positive terminal.
4. If you hear a loud electrical noise, it’s operating well and the connection is established.

How to check for leaks

AC do not use much or any refrigerant gas to cool. Subsequently, a sudden drop before the regular schedule can be of concern and tends to be abnormal. Coolant levels typically remain stable unless there’s a leak occurring in the two or more pipes forming a seal.

The O ring is known to ensure proper pressurisation, and a breakage can lead to leaks.

To check whether there is a leak occurring  or not one can get  car air conditioning repair done through the following methods  –

First, buy a special torch and dye that can help detect the leaks from the market. Here is how one can do this with a simple checklist-

• Take the dye can and spray it on the coolant.
• The compressor is then used to pressurise it
• Take your black light torch in the dark, and one will see the coolant glow due to the dye.

Another way to figure out the leak is by using a refrigerant detector, also known as a sniffler, often used by AC mechanics to find the possible leakage. If no dye is visible, it could mean that the coolant is simply running low and one needs to add more.

Also read: Car Leaking Water – Common Causes and Repair Solutions Guide

How To Add The Refrigerant Gas

The process of doing a car AC gas refill is a simple process which the owner can conduct on their own with little to no help from any professional—a good amount of car experience and a mechanical mind to follow the guide through is all one needs.

An important note:  

There are two types of refrigerant gas: one used before 1995 was R12, and post-1995, R134 is used. If your car uses R134, it is not user-serviceable and requires a professional service to inject the gas.

Let’s go over the procedure that will help ensure car AC gas refill :

• Buy a refrigerant kit
• Check the temperature of the coolant gas
• Search for the nozzle situated at the lower side port of the AC unit.
• Use a rag to clean the service port side thoroughly.
• Use the refrigerant kit and the pipe hanging off it; connect it to the lower side of the port.
• Make sure the gauge is fully pressurised according to ambient temperatures.
• Turn the top clockwise and ensure that it is fully pressurised.
• When it gets pressurised, shake the can several times to ensure the pressure remains stable.
• Remove the charging house once the pressure is stable.

Upgrading from R12 to R134a

Many owners have consistent issues in older cars regarding the malfunction of condensers, AC units not providing enough cold air, and coolant leaking from the system. In that case, consider upgrading the unit.

Before making the significant change and expensive investment, one must understand the difference between the two systems of cooling and why the transition occurred in the first place.

The biggest reason behind the phasing out of the R12 standard was the environmental concerns that were raised across the globe. The hydrofluorocarbons(HFC) were used for air cooling until it was realised that these chemicals were causing damage to the ozone layer.

It was the primary reason R12 was abandoned, and R134a was adopted as the new standard. There has been some controversy regarding its efficiency, but the fact is that by nearly every study, it’s been proven to be more efficient. The downsides of R12 include higher cooling temperatures and  15% less effective heat exchange

For most ageing cars, sticking to the R12 AC unit doesn’t make sense due to the upkeep cost, and it’s better to upgrade to a more modern AC unit. One can get a new kit installed for about $1000 to $3000.

Conclusion 

The issue of car air conditioning systems getting broken is not uncommon and happens to cars periodically during their lifecycle. The way to resolve these issues is by following the DIY tests and steps mentioned above for repair.

For other problems that require more technical expertise, get car air conditioning repair done by Acton Service Centre and use the information to better follow our professionals recommendations.

Remember, proper maintenance ensures longevity and comfortable car journeys with proper cooling to go.