A stuffy car without an air conditioner on a hot day could be a sweltering ordeal. What’s even more
annoying is to spend a significant amount of time identifying the right mechanic to fix your Car AC
permanently. When thinking about car ac leak fix cost or fix car ac cost, you must diagnose the cause of
the problem.
There are multiple causes behind Car AC problems, such as a malfunctioning radiator, compressor, or filter blockage, car ac coolant issues, etc. Diagnosing the cause is the most critical step of fixing your car’s ac and also the trickiest.
But, once you have pinpointed the cause, fixing the problem is child’s play for you
and can save you a lot of cold cash by ridding you off the dependency on the mechanic to a great deal.
Give this article a read to figure out where to start so that your diagnosis can be quick and accurate.
Steps to diagnose your Car AC problems
Step 1: Check the temperature and speed of the air. Switch on your car’s AC to the maximum and check
if the temperature is cool enough and if the airflow is as fast as it should be. If either or both of the
problems are detected, then there must be issues with the cooling fan, filter, or both.
Step 2: Examine your AC compressor. If the issue persists, check if the middle of the pulley is rotating
with the pulley. If not, the compressor might be damaged or the refrigerant levels might be low. Use a
voltmeter to check if the current is present; if not, then either the electrical apparatus associated with
the compressor is damaged or the refrigerant level is too low to trip the low-pressure circuit. If the
compressor is broken, it will need to be replaced.
Other Reasons Behind Car AC Problems
- Wiring associated with the compressor: Look for the connector of the wiring between the connector and the electric clutch. Unplug it, and touch it with the positive terminal of a wire. If a spark occurs, the wire is functional; if not, then the wire needs to be replaced.
- Look for leakages: Leak detection kits are very helpful when looking for leakage of the refrigerant. Attach the kit/can to the air conditioning system and spray it in the system. The leaks will appear in the color of the spray. If leaks are present, take your car to the mechanic.
- Check the AC accumulator/dryer: Look for desiccant leakages because it can cause oversaturation of the desiccant in the wrong places, damaging the compressor. If the dryer is not functioning properly, moisture can damage the electric circuit and the components of your Car AC.
- Check the AC evaporator: Look for water leaks that may cause improper cooling of the hot air. You can use an electronic leak detector for it.
- Malfunctioning AC condenser: Locate the fan and turn on your car. Wait until your car reaches the operating temperature, and then turn on the AC. If the fan is not turning on, then see your mechanic.
If the problem is only low refrigerant levels, then you need to recharge your car ac. But if the problem
is deeply rooted, you need to see your trusted mechanic.
How to Recharge Car AC?
Get a recharging kit: It comes with a refrigerator can and a pressure gauge.
Locate the low-pressure port: Open your car hood and look for two tubes from the AC. The smaller tube is usually the low-pressure port and is often labeled “L.”
Connect the hose to the low-pressure port: You will know that the hose is secured when you
hear it click into place.
Turn the AC on full blast. This ensures your car is ready to take up the refrigerant.
Slowly release the refrigerator through the hose. This will ensure that the pressure gauge stays at
the green (safe) level. You must never overfill the refrigerant, as it can damage the AC system.
Monitor your AC: Check if your Car AC is working properly after adding the refrigerant. If yes,
then you are good to go.
Detach and dispose: Disconnect the hose and dispose of the empty refrigerator container
according to the safety guidelines.
Safety notes
Handling any electrical circuit and chemical is dangerous! Make sure to follow the basic safety protocols
as mentioned:
- Wear rubber gloves to avoid electric shock and contact with the refrigerant. The refrigerator is super cold and can damage your skin.
- Ensure that you are working in a ventilated area, as some refrigerants can cause suffocation.
- If you are unsure about the recharging process, avoid recharging yourself.
Final Word
Once you have done the diagnosis, it is best to leave the major fixing work to your trusted mechanic to
avoid safety compromises. Your repair cost will depend on the degree of damage, car type, and
diagnostics.
When searching for “Car ac repair near me” or “car ac repair Claymont,” make sure to check
out Auto Worx if you are looking for a durable, reliable, and highly economical solution to your car AC.