Tips for Troubleshooting Car Air Conditioning Issues

Although often neglected, your car's air conditioning system is essential in ensuring your comfort while driving. However, since this component is often overlooked, air conditioning problems tend to crop up at one time or another. The good news is that some of these problems can easily be solved if you know how to troubleshoot them. However, it should be noted that not all auto air conditioning problems can be solved using simple hand tools and a basic knowledge of the system. If troubleshooting does not help, it is always best to take your vehicle for a professional auto service. Here are some of the tips that you could use to troubleshoot your car air conditioning system.

Inspect the Air Conditioner's Air Filter

Your auto air conditioning's filter helps move air from the unit located under your vehicle's hood to the interior of your car. This cabin filter can be located beneath the dashboard, in your vehicle's glove compartment or under the hood of your car. After locating the filter, you need to extricate it from its location so as to inspect it for clogs. Clogged filters will typically have a blackened appearance due to the accumulation of grime and debris. If cleaning the filter does not eradicate all the dirt, you should consider having it replaced with a new one.

Inspect the Air Conditioner's Condensor

Your auto air conditioning's condensor is located under the hood of the vehicle. It is typically situated near the radiator. If the condensor is clogged, the flow of air will be impeded, hence, there will be insufficient ventilation from your air conditioning system. The good news is that you do not have to remove the condensor for you to clean it. All you would have to do is take your garden hose and direct the flow of water right at the condensor's grille. Concentrate on the lower louvers, as this is where debris tends to collect, thus causing clogging in the condensor.

Inspect the Air Conditioner's Cooling Fan

In the event that your auto air conditioning system is not emitting any air, chances are the problem lies with the cooling fan. Typically, the cooling fan will be located under the hood of the vehicle. In the event that it is not working, there could be a number of causes. These include a malfunctioning temperature sensor, a malfunctioning control module or perhaps signals are not relaying between the cooling fan and the vehicle's electrical sensor. It is not recommended to try to fix a faulty cooling fan on your own due to the electrical components attached to it. Instead, enlist the services of an auto mechanic, as it could require replacement.

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