Noting may feel better and more refreshing than hopping into a car and pressing the air-conditioning button on a hot scorching day. But what if you push down on the button and nothing happens? Most people take air conditioning for granted until they realize there is a problem. Before melting like ice cream under the sun, it may help to try to do a little bit of troubleshooting. This may save you some money and avoid you from traveling inside a solar heater on wheels. Causes of Car Air Conditioning not Working A car’s air conditioning system is made of several components. Basically, any component may break and cause the air conditioning to malfunction. The main components of air conditioning are as follows: the compressor which is basically the air conditioner’s power unit, refrigerant made out of chemical gas that condenses at low temperatures, the condenser which turns the refrigerant into liquid form, the expansion valve which regulates how cold the air blowing may get, the receiver/dryer, responsible for removing moisture, and finally, the evaporator which moves heat to the refrigerant, ultimately cooling your car. Following are some common problems that may cause your A/C to not work. • Double check if you have pushed on the right button. There are many cases of people switching on the wrong button and then driving all the way to the mechanic to only find out the wrong button was pushed. • Use fluorescent dye and check if there are any refrigerant leaks. Should there be signs of leaking, consider that you may purchase auto supply refill kits with a leak sealer. If unsure, better go to a mechanic. • One possible cause for an A/C malfunction is the accumulation of dust particles and debris in the condenser. Cleaning the condenser with a strong air blow may help remove such debris. • Try to listen if the fan is actually working. Turn your blower to it’s highest setting and listen. Does the fan make any noise or does it sound not right? If the fan does not work at all, the problem may be in the blower’s motor fuse. This can be found in the fuse box right under the dash. Replace the fuse and try again. If there are still problems you may need to replace the blower motor by an authorized mechanic. • Start your car and turn on the air conditioning. Look under the hood and check if t the pulley in the center of the compressor is moving. If not , there may be a problem with the clutch of the compressor. This may simply mean you have to replace a fuse or that there may be a wiring issue in the dash of the car or you simply may have to add some refrigerant. While you may attempt to repair your car’s A/C and be successful, realistically, this is not really a do-it-yourself job unless you really know what you are doing. If you are unsure or hesitant to diagnose and repair your car’s air conditioning unit., you are better off consulting with a professional authorized mechanic. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil
