Wondering, “Why Is My Car AC Not Working?”

Most parts of the country are still experiencing warm weather.  Even though you may have had a brilliant summer, you may be looking forward to the cooler temperatures ahead.  So will your car!  It worked hard during summertime so if you haven’t yet scheduled a car AC service, it’s not too late!  Because of computerized parts in today’s vehicles, the AC system is more intricate than ever.  The days of “do-it-yourself” car maintenance are in the past.  

Wondering “Why is my car AC not working?”  There are some problems that could be the issue:

• Fresh coolant needs to be added to the radiator.
• The AC’s compressor isn’t able to create a high enough pressure in the system for the refrigerant to cool correctly.
• A clog or block in the system allows the high-pressure refrigerant to slowly decompress through the clog. 
• There is too low pressure in the system.  Without enough pressure, the compressor will work too hard to raise the pressure and it won’t be as well-organized.  
• The AC unit is exposed to the extreme heat of the engine, road debris, vibrations, dirt, quick stops, and even run-ins with curbs.  This stress may create small cracks that allow the refrigerant to leakage.  
• The cooling fans could be scorched out, a poor mount, a chipped blade, or easily a blown fuse or burnt-out relay.
• Finally, you could have an electrical issue such as a faulty signal from your ventilation system caused by a cracked wire, bad sensors tripping off your system or even a sensor in your vehicle’s motor that is causing the system to shut off accidentally.  

At least once a year, especially if you’ve been on a long summer road trip in hot temperatures, schedule a car AC service with a certified mechanic.  You will reap the benefits of not only a more comfortable drive, but increased gas mileage, and a more environmentally-friendly vehicle.

Why is my car AC not working?”  For an answer to your question, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car AC service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.