(02) 9716 8888
The air con of a car is a critical element and it can be stressful and actually quite dangerous if your air con is not working in your car on a hot summer day. Car air conditioning is used to cool the air in the passenger compartment and eliminate foul odors, reduce the humidity inside the car, and purify the air.
It comprises a series of components: a compressor, a condenser, a temperature sensor – or several, or none in some cars -, a fan, refrigerant gas, and an evaporator. At least, this is the basic scheme of most of the air conditioning systems of our vehicles, although there may be slight differences between them.
In the air conditioning system of a car, there are two sections: the low pressure and the high pressure. The compressor is where the high-pressure section starts and where, in a way, the process of running the air conditioning begins. The condenser itself, where the compressor sends the refrigerant gas, already begins to cool.
However, after filtering, it is at the expansion valve that the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced, causing the refrigerant to vaporise and absorb a large amount of heat. A particular fan makes the air – hot – pass through the evaporator to cool it, and this air already cooled will later be sent to the passenger compartment.
All this occurs in a closed circuit, which means that the process starts again from the evaporator by passing the refrigerant through the compressor. Here the same thing happens again cyclically.
When the air conditioning in your car is not working properly, it may be due to one of the following causes:
Compressor problems
This is a widespread air conditioning failure. It is possible that it is burned or the cables are not properly connected. If you do not find the problem, it is always recommended to visit an expert like Automobile Hospital.
Dirty or clogged filter
This is the cheapest and the least severe breakdown. There is an obstruction preventing the passage of cold air. The solution is to clean it or replace it with another if it is already old.
Electrical problems
These are common causes of air con not working in a car, such as blown fuses or different electrical breakdowns.
Leaks in your car’s air conditioning
The air circuit is closed, and although some losses of the refrigerant gas may be registered, these are minimal and should hardly be noticed when the vehicle is used. It is possible that when you have to charge the air conditioning gas, it is because of a leak.
Problems due to lack of maintenance
The most common problems with air conditioning in cars are the lack of cleanliness, the absence of refrigerant, or foul odors that come from the air conditioning. In any case, we always recommend putting yourself in the hands of a specialist.
How To Repair Your Car Air Con:
Identifying The Issue
When your air con is not working in your car, start the vehicle and turn on the air conditioner. Use the key to start the car and turn the air conditioner on high. Feel the air coming out of the air conditioner and assess how warm, cool, or cold it is. If the air is warm to cool but not cold as it should be, there may be an issue with airflow.
Check to see if the cooling fans on your radiator are running. If they are not, there may be an electrical issue. You may need to replace the cabin air filter in your vehicle to increase airflow. Replacing the cabin filter may help get rid of any unpleasant smells in the car.
Look to see if the AC compressor is running
You will need to ensure the air conditioner compressor is working to determine the correct course of action to make repairs if necessary. Locate the air conditioner in the engine bay and look to see if the center of the pulley is turning along with the pulley itself.
There is a clutch that engages when the air conditioner is working. With the clutch engaged, the middle of the pulley will rotate along with the pulley itself.
If the clutch does not engage, the AC compressor may be broken and require replacement, or it may just need to be filled with refrigerant.
Check the wiring leading to the AC compressor
Most compressors have a wire leading to the electric clutch. Find the connector in the middle of that wire and unplug it. Take a length of wire and run it from the compressor’s wire to the positive (+) terminal of your battery. If you hear a loud clack, the electric clutch is functioning properly. If not, it will need to be replaced.
Replacing your AC compressor may require specialised tools. Bring your vehicle in for repairs in Automobile Hospital if the compressor or clutch needs to be replaced.
Look for leaks in the air conditioning system
You can purchase leak detection kits to help you identify any leaks in your air conditioning system from Automobile Hospital. These kits provide a dye that will run through the lines and seep out of any leaks or cracks, making them visible to the naked eye.
Connect the leak detection can to the low-side service port and spray it into the air conditioning system.
If you spot any leaks, you will need to take your vehicle to the Automobile Hospital immediately.
How Much Is It To Get Air Conditioning Fixed In A Car?
The average cost to get your air conditioning in your car fixed atcan range between $100 – $1,400. The lower end of the scale generally includes replacing a few parts like hoses, sensors, compressors, or condensers.
Extensive auto air conditioning repairs can cost $1000-$4,000 or more, depending on the make and model of your European car. Automobile Hospital is the best place to go when it comes to air con not working in a European car.
Where Can I Get My AC Fixed In My Car?
When your car’s AC unit goes out, it can be unbearable during the hot daytime hours. Before you even get that far, contact Automobile Hospital to have a mechanic take a look at your air conditioning issues and to get the AC fixed in your car.
Automobile Hospital is a Sydney mechanic specialising in European cars like VW, BMV, Audi, and Lamborghini.
Automobile Hospital gives a solution to your car troubles. Suppose you notice a problem with your air conditioning, contact us today and let us help you get your air con fixed and car ready to drive for those summer roadies!
