A few posts back we discussed how your car’s a/c system works. We now thought it would be helpful to talk about diagnosing air conditioning problems.
A common a/c cooling problem is a coolant leak. Typically the coolant has escaped through a hole in the hose or there is a leak in one of the major parts such as the evaporator or condenser.
For newer cars, leaks are not much of a problem since hoses and seals are new. But for older cars, leaks can be a major problem. If your vehicle is not blowing out cold air, it is possible you have a coolant leak.
Sometimes your vehicle’s air conditioning will intermittently blow out cold air. If this is the case, there could be unwanted air or moisture in the a/c system, which causes ice to form and blocks the system.
If you hear some strange noises when you run your vehicle’s air conditioner, it typically means the compressor needs to be replaced. The compressor is the part of the a/c system that takes the refrigerant gas and pressurizes it before it is sent through the a/c system.
Another problem is smelling a foul odor when you start your vehicle’s a/c system. This often comes from bacteria growing in the vents. Chemicals can be sprayed in the vents to get rid of the bacteria and the smell.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, we recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. A Las Cruces auto air conditioning repair or a Santa Fe auto air conditioning repair will make your summer a lot cooler.
