Without a fully functioning air conditioner, driving can rapidly become rather hot and uncomfortable, especially during summer. If you notice your car AC not working one day, have it repaired at your local Chevy dealer right away. Let’s look at the most common symptom of a faulty car air conditioner, plus some of the possible underlying problems.
Only Blowing Warm or Hot Air
When you turn on your AC, you expect a gentle blast of cool, refreshing air. If the air blowing into the cabin is warm and refuses to cool down even when you check the thermostat, then you might have low or leaking refrigerant.
Refrigerant is the substance that cycles through the AC system, generating coldness as it changes from gas to liquid and back again. If the refrigerant leaks from one of the hoses, this cooling process will be interrupted. Alternatively, a lack of cold air might be caused by a clogged hose or a fault in the evaporator or condenser.
Parts of Your Cabin Remain Warm
If your AC is working in some areas but failing to cool down other parts of your cabin, such as the rear seats, then something’s wrong with the system. Modern car air conditioners are designed to cool the entire cabin evenly. A technician can help figure out the fault and make sure everyone in your car is equally comfortable.
Weak Airflow From the AC Vents
If the airflow is suitably cold but too weak, then the ventilation fan or blower motor may have a fault. It’s also possible that a leak in the hose seals might be allowing air to escape before it reaches the cabin vent. A buildup of mildew might also have partially clogged the airflow. You’ll need a technician to diagnose and repair the cause of the problem.
Bad Smells Blowing Into Your Cabin
When mildew builds up inside the vents of an AC system, it often leads to smelly and unhealthy air blowing into the cabin. Any bad smell from the AC vents shouldn’t be ignored. A burning smell might indicate an electrical fault with the AC’s wiring. Leaking refrigerant can also generate a rather unpleasant smell from the vents.
Strange Noises Coming From the AC
Malfunctioning air conditioners sometimes make odd sounds when turned on. A gentle rattling sound might be caused by leaves or other debris that have been sucked in and trapped inside the air vents. More serious faults or extensive wear and tear can sometimes cause louder noises, such as screeching or grinding. If you hear any unusual sounds from your AC, have a technician take a look right away.
Have your car’s AC promptly repaired today by experienced professionals at Lithia Chevrolet of Redding. We offer attentive personalized customer service and an excellent range of vehicles and maintenance services.
Connect with us
