Car air conditioners function by pumping refrigerant through a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and various other parts and pipes, transforming the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas and back again. If any part of the system malfunctions, you’ll no longer be getting cold air into your cabin. Let’s look at a few potential reasons why you could find your car AC not working, all of which a technician at your local Chevy dealer can repair.
The Air Stops Blowing
If the air ever stops blowing from the AC vents, the blower motor might have malfunctioned. The motor may be damaged in some way or the power might have been cut due to a faulty relay or blown fuse. Damaged hoses or belts could also stop the flow of air, as could a blockage in the air intake vent.
The AC’s Leaking Water
If you find water dripping under the dashboard, the AC’s drain hose might have become blocked. Normally, the drain hose allows the AC’s condensation to run out of the system. Sometimes a buildup of mold can clog the hose, forcing the water to find other ways to leak out.
The AC’s Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is vital to the AC’s proper functioning. Refrigerant also has a long route to travel through all the AC’s hoses, connections, and components. If any part springs a leak, the refrigerant’s cooling process will be interrupted, and your cabin won’t be cooling down anymore.
If you try to search for a refrigerant leak, you may find an oily, transparent substance congealing around one of the connections. However it’s often difficult to locate a refrigerant leak, and technicians use a special fluorescent dye to do so.
The Air’s No Longer Cold
If the AC is only blowing warm or hot air, a failed clutch switch may be preventing the system from turning the refrigerant into gas, which is essential for the cooling process. A clogged or malfunctioning condenser would also interrupt the cooling process, as would a refrigerant leak.
The AC Makes Odd Sounds
Strange sounds from the AC might indicate the beginning of a more serious problem. A worn-out bearing might begin to grind or squeal before it fails. A failing compressor clutch may make rattling noises, but rattling can also be caused by something as simple as leaves or debris getting trapped in the blower’s fans.
The Air Smells Mildewy
If turning on the AC makes your cabin smell mildewy, you might have a buildup of mold somewhere inside the system. This sometimes happens because there’s a lot of moisture inside an AC unit, and it’s more likely to occur with AC systems that are rarely used, which gives the mold time to grow.
Have your car’s AC repaired today at Cheraw Chevrolet. We’re a locally trusted dealership with a great range of cars and welcoming, highly trained staff ready to provide for your vehicle purchasing or servicing needs, whatever they may be.
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