When the Oklahoma heat shows up, a weak car AC system can become a big problem fast. If your car AC is blowing hot air instead of cold air, there are a few common causes. Some are simple, but others can lead to bigger repairs if they are ignored.
At Priebe’s Auto Clinic & Tire Center in Oklahoma City, we can inspect your AC system and help find out why your vehicle is not cooling like it should.
1. Refrigerant Leaks or Low Charge
One of the most common reasons a car AC blows warm air is low refrigerant. Refrigerant is what allows the AC system to remove heat from the air and blow cold air into the cabin.
If the refrigerant level is low, there is usually a reason. Many times, the system has a leak. This leak may come from a hose, seal, condenser, evaporator, or another AC component. Simply adding refrigerant may help for a short time, but if the leak is not repaired, the AC will likely stop cooling again.
Signs of low refrigerant may include warm air from the vents, weak cooling, or the AC working better sometimes than others. Below you can see our tech, Tommy, checking a Honda for AC System Leaks. He uses a Special UV Dye and Light that help to find the leaks.
2. Compressor Failure
The AC compressor is one of the most important parts of the system. It helps move refrigerant through the AC system so the air can be cooled properly.
If the compressor fails, your AC may stop blowing cold air completely. In some cases, you may hear odd noises when the AC is turned on. You may also notice the AC clutch not engaging or the system not building the pressure it needs.
Compressor problems should be checked quickly because a failing compressor can sometimes send debris through the AC system, which can make the repair more expensive.
One of the most common AC Compressor Failures is the Clutch, but on the Tesla AC Compressor there is no clutch. It failed internally.
3. Cooling Fan Issues
Your vehicle’s cooling fans help remove heat from the AC condenser. If the fans are not working correctly, the AC system may not be able to cool the refrigerant properly.
This can cause your AC to blow warm air, especially when sitting still or driving slowly in traffic. You may notice the AC cools better when driving down the road but gets warmer at stoplights or while idling.
Cooling fan problems can be caused by a bad fan motor, relay, fuse, wiring issue, or control problem. The Cooling fan or Condenser fan runs air over the AC Condenser to make sure the system cools properly.
When to Schedule Car AC Repair in Oklahoma City
If your car AC is blowing hot air, it is best to have the system inspected before the problem gets worse. The issue could be a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, cooling fan problem, or another AC system concern.
Priebe’s Auto Clinic & Tire Center has been helping Oklahoma City drivers since 1983. If your AC is not keeping up with the heat, schedule an inspection today and let our team help get cold air blowing again. Visit us at PACOKC.COM or call 405-523-2172 today to schedule an appointment!
