How to Dignose Air Conditioning Problems With Your Car.

Proper steps in diagnosing air conditioning problems with your car.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• dial thermometer

1. There are 7 basic components to the auotomobile aircondition system: compresser,condenser,drier,expansion valve,evaporator, anti-frosting devices, and the basic control switches. If your air conditioner is not working right, here are a few ideas to begin with. First of all start with the control panel on your dashboard. Most automobiles have an a/c button the turns the compressor on and allows cold air to be circulated. You might have pushed the wrong button.
2. The second thing to check is the actual function of the controls. Do they move at all? The big question is do they feel different than befor when your a/c worked? This could tell if the controls are froze up and need replacing.
3. Now you want to move to the blower fan. Turn on your car and start your a/c as you normally would. Then turn your blower to its highest setting. Can you hear your fan blowing? If you can hear it does it sound weak or whining? This could signal that your blower is malfunctioning or needs to be replaced. If it doesnt work at all, check the fuse for the blower motor. The fuse for your blower motor should be located in the fuse box under the dash. Most autos have the fuses clearly labeled. A blown fuse should be easy to identify. However if you are unsure, replace it with a similar rated fuse and try your blower again. If that fuse blows, you may have a bad blower motor or a short in the circuit. In this case you will need a mechanic to fix it. If the blower motor is working properly you may have another problem.
4. Some of the problems could be that the system could be low or out of freon. This would only occur whenever there is a leak. Usually where ther is a leak, there will be a build up of oil around the component. A dirty condenser is another problem with faulty a/c performance. The condenser cools the high pressure refridgerant vapor after it exits the compressor so it can condense into a liquid.
5. blockages like rust and debris in the system can clog up the system. If the system because obstructed then the flow of refridgerant will become restricted causing a loss of cooling. You will need a mechanic for these issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Never release freon into the atmosphere.