Car air conditioners suddenly no longer cooling down is a situation that worries many drivers, especially on hot sunny days. However, this phenomenon may stem from many different causes. Identifying the correct damaged part will help car owners repair effectively, avoiding unnecessary component replacement.
According to experience shared by Mr. Tran Minh Tien - lecturer of Automotive Technology - Dung Quat College of Engineering (Quang Ngai), one of the common errors is that the refrigerator leaks cold fluid (or cold gas).
When the air conditioning system is punctured or leaks gas, the cooling ability will gradually decrease and then disappear completely. In addition to the air conditioning no longer being cold, some cars also experience a moldy odor or unpleasant odor in the interior if the air conditioning system is covered with a lot of dust or leaks.
Air conditioners on cars have a fairly long lifespan and can be used for many years if the system is properly maintained. To extend the lifespan of this part, car owners should clean the air conditioner periodically about every 6 months to once a year to remove dust, mold and limit corrosion that causes the air conditioner to oxidize.
Another part that also often causes the phenomenon of weak air conditioning is the drainage valve. This is a detail responsible for regulating the amount of cold fluid entering the cooling system. When the valve operates normally, the amount of gas circulating will be controlled appropriately to create optimal cooling efficiency.
If the drainage valve is stuck or operates incorrectly, the flow of cold fluid will not be properly regulated, reducing the cooling effect or causing the air conditioner to lose its cooling. This is a fairly common error but is easily confused with a gas shortage if not checked with specialized equipment.
Meanwhile, air conditioner compressors are parts with high durability and rarely break down. However, when it is determined that the compressor is broken, the usual solution is to replace it, because repairs often do not bring long-term efficiency.
The cost of compressor replacement depends on each vehicle line and the type of component used. Genuine compressors are often significantly more expensive than products from independent component manufacturers. However, Mr. Tien recommends not using old, used compressors because it is difficult to assess the actual quality, posing a risk of damage again after a short time.
In addition to mechanical damage, the electrical control system of the air conditioner is also a cause of car air conditioners stopping working. The faults may stem from sensors, electronic control boxes or wires that are broken, oxidized or damaged by mouse bites.
For electrical defects, garages often use diagnostic machines to read data from sensors and identify abnormal parameters. Incidents related to power lines need to be checked by experienced technicians to find the correct location of damage and repair thoroughly.
Therefore, when the air conditioner shows signs of weak cooling, loss of cooling or abnormal odor in the car, the car owner should take the vehicle to a reputable repair facility for a comprehensive inspection. Accurate diagnosis of the cause from the beginning will help save costs and ensure the air conditioning system operates stably for a long time.
