Air conditioning problems – shut offs, breakdowns, smells, blows hot air

Almost every modern vehicle including cars, trucks or vans come with an air conditioner. It is a luxury that many people take for granted. With a push of a button, you can feel cold air on your face blowing from the built-in vents in your car. It is an easy, simple and a value-added advantage in a hot weather.

Air conditioning problems

You are not the only one experiencing car air conditioning problems. It is common for air conditioners to break down after a certain time. There are many causes for the breakdown but air conditioning systems are usually seen to have problems such as those described below.

Air conditioner blows hot air?

Does your air conditioner blow hot air instead of cool air? This is a very commonly occurring problem in cars. This problem can be associated to one of the following reasons:

  • The air conditioning system may have run out of refrigerant
  • The compressor might not be working when the air conditioner is switched on
  • Some impediment may not be letting the system work properly
  • The blend air door may be stuck inside the HVAC in heat position not letting any air go through the A/C evaporator No matter how good you are with cars and mechanics, these problems can only be diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic.
Refrigerant Problems

The most common A/C problem is the lack of refrigerant. Usually leakages cause low refrigerant levels. Before the refrigerant is recharged, any hose or compressor leaks should be checked. This can be done effectively by a mechanic.

Bad Smell

Bacteria in the evaporator can cause the air conditioning to blow foul air. Aside from the bad smell, bacteria can also cause certain health problems. One easy, do-it-yourself technique to solve the bad odour is to spray disinfectant in the evaporator or through the vents. When the air smells like oil or gasoline, you should immediately consult a professional mechanic as it can be dangerous.

Blown fuse or wiring problem

If the air conditioner does not switch on, there might be a blown fuse or a loose wire. You can temporarily correct the problem by replacing the fuse but it is not a permanent remedy. It should be checked by a mechanic to determine the cause of a blown fuse or loose wire to avoid future problems.

Defective compressor?

If the air conditioning does not turn on, one fault can be related to the compressor. The compressor might not be turning on causing the fault. The compressor should be repaired or replaced as per the instructions of a mechanic.

Intermittent cooling?

This problem is easy to identify. If you have alternate cool or warm air blowing, it can be a result of moisture and air in the conditioning system. This problem is rectified by purging moisture and air from the air conditioner using a vacuum pump. In addition, intermittent cooling can be caused by electrical issues such as:

  • Compressor clutch
  • Temperature control sensor
  • Defective switches and relay
  • Air conditioner control module
Noise in the air conditioner?

If you hear a noise from the air conditioning system, it can be associated to:

  • Contamination in the refrigerant
  • Problems with compressor
  • Wrong type of fuel is used
Solutions

The solution to the above mentioned problems is just one – consult a mechanic. The mechanic will then solve the problems as he deems fits. Some of the ways to solve the problems are:

  • Low level of refrigerant can be solved by refiling gas in the tanks and fixing any identifiable leaks.
  • Bad odour can be removed by eliminating micro-organisms’ growth and restoring a fresh smell in the car.
  • If the condenser is clogged, it can be cleaned using good quality flushing cleaner that can quickly vaporise the residue present in the air conditioning system. In addition, the condenser can be replaced if it has been used for a long time.
  • It is important to check if the compressor, fuses, compressor clutch switch, compressor seal and fan belt are working properly. In addition, the compressor should be checked for contamination and replaced if needed.
  • Strange noises can be solved by checking the whole conditioning system for any broken or loose parts.
Why Choose Sunnybank Hills Car Care?

If you are experiencing the following air conditioning problems, it’s important that you consult a mechanic immediately. This can be due to problems with your car’s cooling system.

  • Smell or smoke coming from the vents
  • Temperature gauge is reading higher than normal
  • Warning lights indicating engine overheating
If you continue to drive in these conditions without repairs, your car can be damaged even further. This can increase the repairing costs even more than they need to be. A worst case scenario can leave you stranded when your car breaks down. We specialize in air conditioning problems for BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Toyota, Holden, Ford, Citroen, Hummer, Lexus, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and other brands.

We have qualified mechanics and specialists who are happy to serve you whenever you need us. Our ‘A’ grade mechanics are available 7 days a week to fix your car problems.

If you cannot come to us, our mechanics can come to you and get your car back on the road. Our work is fully guaranteed and warranted. We are keen to repair your car to the highest standards.

The benefits of working with us are quality, delivery and low costs.

Try us!