Troubleshooting Tips For Automotive Air Conditioning
Normally, if your car is more than five years old you can expect to encounter some problems. One common problem is the air conditioning. When warm air is blown from the vents, especially during summer, this means something is wrong with your air conditioning. But before seeking professional help investigate the matter first, because it could just be a simple problem that you can fix yourself.
- Look at the air conditioner control on the dash. Most cars today have complicated cabin controls, and without your knowledge you could have pushed the wrong button and turned off the conditioner compressor and turned on the recirculation system. It is best to check the controls always.
- Find the fuse box. It is usually under the steering wheel. The problem could be about the fuse of the A/C system. Check the fuse of the A/C system if it is broken or not. Replace it with an exactly the same amperage rating if it is broken.
- Turn on the blower fan. Kill the engine and turn off the radio if you think the air conditioning is not functioning normally. Turn on the ignition key. If the fan is silent, it is time to check the fuse box for any burnt element of any of the fuses there. Burnt fuses need to be replaced with the same amperage rating.
- Examine the direction of the air coming out from the vent. The louvers might be stuck in the defrost position. This won’t be a problem if your car is new because the lovers of new cars are controlled electronically. A vacuum line controls the louver for older cars. There could be a leak in the vacuum hose or it could be the fuse that is causing the problem.
- Get professional help if after investigating you find oily spots in the air conditioner hose fittings, as this could mean a refrigerant leak. Make sure the engine and the air conditioning is out when you take a look around the air conditioner.
- Seek professional help if the problem involves refrigerant leak or a worn or destroyed drive belt for the air conditioner compressor. This will stop the compressor from functioning normally. Vehicles with one serpentine belt will not affect only the air conditioning but all the other components. That is why professional help is needed here.