Auto Air Conditioning Troubleshooting
It is true that air conditioning companies offer high quality products with corresponding warranty coverage. However, drivers and vehicle operators should not take these for granted. The real guarantee lies in the car owner’s or user’s hand. Basic knowledge of auto air conditioning troubleshooting should at least be acquired. Here are tips to troubleshooting minor problems in automobile air conditioning units:
Odd noises when auto air conditioner is turned on:
Check for and remove trapped gravel bits or road debris in the belt ridging. If not, the unit may be overly charged with coolant which locks the compressor thereby causing a hammer sound or a loud thump. Knocking sounds may also be heard when there is too little coolant. As these pose a risk to the compressor, it is better to consult a mechanic.
Bad odours from air conditioners:
Mostly, the very cause is mould or mildew growth in the unit. Moulds can be removed by scented commercial anti-mould sprays. To prevent their growth, dry the vents by running the auto air conditioner for at least a few minutes before parking the car every night. If your auto air conditioner has a re-circulation switch, turn it off when parking. If you do not have it, turn the air conditioner switch towards the “Max Air” position when shutting off the engine.
Lacking air flow across the condenser:
Check the motor of the cooling fan (found near the condenser) when it is turned on. For units with a fan blade, see to it that the fan is functioning and is turning fast. Keep the vents free from anything (papers, pens, clips and others) that could slip through and get stuck in the openings.
If switches and controls are intact, check the fuses underneath the dash. Damaged fuses are very obvious. Replace these with ones with the same rating. In handling this, consult your unit manual.
Overheating:
Do not let the engine run hot. Turn it off and let it rest. To avoid overheating, make sure that the unit’s cooling fans are working properly.
Low Freon levels and pressure:
The problem cannot actually be immediately felt by the driver or passenger. This is checked and determined by certified HVAC mechanics.
Warm air instead of cooled one:
This is a very complicated problem requiring inspection of the entire climate control system. First, inspect the heater valve found in line with refrigerant lines. But before doing so, the auto air conditioning troubleshooting tip here is to work with a warmed up and running engine and with the unit controls turned to max. Then, find and check the two heater hoses by touching to see if they feel hot. One hose should be cooler. If both are hot, there is a problem with the valve or its control. Also, check the refrigerant hoses. If there is any oil without outside source, there is refrigerant loss. Replacement of those components, recharging, and retesting of the system is essential.
Now, you can be a mechanic of your own car air conditioner. For better results, keep a manual with you in the car. It is better to use troubleshooting tips from the manufacturers themselves.