So, if your vehicle’s A/C is only pushing out hot air, you need to take steps sooner than later to get the problem repaired.
For assistance, our ASE-certified repair crew here at Rov-N-Techs has compiled a list of the most common air conditioning problems that you can diagnose on your own to get your A/C back in working order — or to at least know the problem prior to bringing it into our repair shop in North Scottsdale.
The six most common car A/C issues are:
Reason #1: Your Vehicle is Leaking Refrigerant
A refrigerant leak can happen at any time in the air conditioning operation and so it’s oftentimes difficult to locate the precise location of the leak. The most common areas where leaks are located are at A/C system hose connections.
Typically, it’s possible to notice an oily substance collecting around these connections, which is likely the origin of the leak. You or a service tech can utilize a sealant (specially designed for air conditioning systems) found at most auto parts retailers to seal the leak.
Reason #2: The Condenser is Blocked
The condenser of your vehicle’s A/C unit is intended to re-chill hot refrigerant after it gets compressed. This is accomplished utilizing the airflow coming through the front of your vehicle when driving. If the condenser is obstructed by some kind of debris from the roadway, it will then be unable to correctly cool the refrigerant and your vehicles system is going to continue to function with overheated refrigerant. This is going to quickly cause the A/C unit to only blow hot air.
In a lot of vehicles, the condenser is located at the front of the vehicle, so it should be easy to visibly see if anything is obstructing it. This can easily be removed from the grill of your vehicle and the problem should be resolved.
Reason #3: The Condenser is Broken
If there doesn’t seem to be anything obstructing the condenser, it’s possible that it may simply be broken. A failed condenser can be affected by a perforation from road debris coming through the grill of your vehicle and damaging the part, or failed equipment.
If you see any noticeable perforations in the condenser after a visual inspection, usually the only way to fix the problem is through replacement.
Reason #4: Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are probably the most difficult issue to diagnose when it comes to an A/C unit that has stopped functioning. Initially, a visual inspection of all the wiring should be carried out to see if any wires are frayed or broken.
When any impaired wires are located, they should be fixed with electrical tape or altogether replaced. When you are unable to visually find any electrical problems, it might be time to take your vehicle to a knowledgeable repair shop for additional diagnosis.
Reason #5: Faulty Cooling Fans
When fans aren’t functioning properly, your condenser might not receive correct cooling. After a while, this could cause your vehicle to begin emitting hot air only. The best way to see if the cooling fan is impaired is by way of a visual diagnosis.
Damage in the fan can be caused by debris from the roadway and replacement is the only truly way to handle the issue. Other general problems with cooling fans comprise of blown/faulty fuses and other electrical problems. These issues might have to be handled by a professional unless you have knowledge of electrical work.
Reason #6: The Compressor Has Gone Bad
The compressor keeps your A/C moving continuously. Without it, the refrigerant is unable to circulate through the system and your vehicle will never get cold air. The most typical reason that a compressor fails is due to long periods of time without being used. Disuse tends to shock the system when it is beginning to be used again like in the spring or summer after sitting inactive throughout the winter months.
To best confront this issue, Rov-N-Techs suggests running your A/C system on full blast for at least fifteen minutes around once every three weeks or so, disregarding the outside temperature. This is going to help keep the compressor fresh and prolong its overall lifespan.
Range Rover Repairs By Rov-N-Techs In Scottsdale, Arizona
Rov-N-Techs performs all factory recommended services on Land Rovers & Jaguars at affordable prices! Master Technicians, Joe Caraway and Kevin Curtis worked at Land Rover of North Scottsdale for 10 years before opening their own shop in 2006 under the name of “Rover Techs”. Now known as “Rov-N-Techs” Joe and Kevin offer over 35 years of combined Land Rover experience. Contact us today!