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Chill Out: Signs Your Auto AC Is Malfunctioning

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While most people understand common auto issues like alternator trouble, cooling system issues, and oil change requirements, few people understand how to deal with their car's air conditioning system. If your previously reliable air conditioning starts to malfunction, you need to be able to identify the problem and have it addressed. Here are a few common issues and tips to deal with them.

Cold Air Is Intermittent

When you run your car's air conditioning system, it should blow cold air constantly while it's running. Unfortunately, sometimes this isn't the case. If your air conditioning system is blowing cold air intermittently, that's a sure sign that something isn't right. In most cases, an intermittent problem like this is due to freezing on the evaporator. If there's ice built up on the evaporator, it won't be able to cool the air. When the ice melts, the system starts functioning properly again. Change the air filter in the system and make sure that the evaporator drain isn't clogged. Your local auto mechanic can check this for you if you don't know how.

Air Is Warm, Not Cold

When you first turn on your air conditioner, it usually blows warm air at first until the evaporator starts to cool the air passing through the unit. If, on the other hand, the air doesn't cool off at all, that means you've got a malfunction in the system. In most cases, warm air is the result of a malfunction in the condenser. The condenser coils are supposed to cool the refrigerant, which is used to cool the air in the system. If the condenser is dirty or clogged, it can't do the job. In addition, if the condenser fan isn't working, it won't pass the air over the coils to cool it. You'll need to have the system inspected by a mechanic to determine the source of the issue.

No Air Comes Out At All

If you turn on your air conditioner and no air comes out of the vents at all, it's often an indication that the blower motor itself has failed. It may simply be a blown fuse, so check your car's fuse panel first before you assume it needs to be replaced.

In addition to the blower motor, the problem could also be a complete failure of any of the other components in the system. Most modern auto air conditioning systems are equipped with safety overrides that shut the system down when one component fails. This prevents serious problems, like electrical issues.

If you're having any of these problems with your car's air conditioner, consult your local mechanic today. They can help you get to the root of the problem and fix it. For more information, contact a company like Modern Auto Air.


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