In the summer we all want a cool car, especially on a long drive. Sometimes the air conditioning seems like it's not working properly and I get semi cool air temperature. I wonder if my engine is too hot or is there another problem
The air conditioning (AC) performance is important because it keeps the vehicle's interior temperature under control. If your AC pressure is persistently too high, it points to an underlying issue. When the pressure of the AC system is too high this might indicate a leakage or diminishing amount of refrigerant, both of which require immediate attention.
When I turn the AC on and it's warm, sometimes I turn up the fan hoping things will get cooler faster. If the AC temperatures are abnormally warm, this could indicate an issue with the compressor that might need repair or replacement. We'll discuss about how AC pressure can determine the health your AC system.
Why Is AC Pressure Too High? Causes And Solution Importance of the AC ReadingsProblems with AC PressureCondenser Fan ProblemsProblems with the AC SystemSystem Blockage and RestrictionsConclusionAdditional Questions
Higher than normal temperature readings while testing your AC might indicate other problems as well. High temperature readings from your AC can indicate damage is occurring to your AC system. It needs to operate within a specific pressure range. High pressure might gradually lead to the failure of the compressor. If not corrected in time, the repairs can cost a fortune.
High pressure inside the condenser fan can causes the aluminium to distort and evaporator coils to leak. The cost of repair and replacement of compressor is high (about $450 plus $700 labor - price fluctuates greatly depending on car) as the dash might need to be removed for repair. Higher than normal air pressure is usually a consequence of two situations.
One, your AC system might be facing limited or no airflow through the condenser. This, in turn, might be a consequence of bad condenser fan motor. If you have debris near the fan blocking the flow, you will face the same issue. Second, the other reason for a high-pressure reading can be an overcharged system.
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The condenser fan of AC system works at different speeds and capacities. Hence, a malfunction might reduce its efficiency along with speed. This, in turn, leads to the inability of the fan to effectively cool the system and pass air. You can personally test the speed of the fan with easily available DIY equipment.
Overcharging of the system is usually caused due to an excess of refrigerant in the system. It can also be because of excess oil in the system. To test for an overcharge system, you would need to measure the pressure of the system. Make it a point not adding more refrigerant to the AC system, unless you know for sure it is low.
To avoid overcharging of the system, first check for leaks. Get a leak check kit or gas sniffer (Amazon Link) to find any underlying leakage. Do not allow any airline to be open as this causes the air to enter into the system, resulting in high-pressure readings.
When checking for leaks, make sure the look at the lines, hoses, and compressor. You may need to replace one of these parts or just an O-ring. Do a visual inspection and look for oil leaking from any of these areas, and you'll know there's a leak.
Most of the vehicles currently use the R134a refrigerant (Amazon Link) in the AC systems. Older model cars from the 90s or older might use R12. Either way, you can use R134a in your car, although you may need an adapter for older cars.
Overcharging the system and leaks are some common reasons for AC issues. However, other issues could be: loose wiring, slipping belt, low or old oil in system, and the use of wrong compressor lubricant can cause issues with your coolant system. For a specific diagnosis, you need to check both the AC low and high pressure side readings.
Check it Yourself With a Pressure Gauge (Amazon Link)
If your condenser has blockage or restriction of air flow, the high pressure side reading would be high while the low side readings would drop over time. To rectify this problem, you should remove and blockage and clear any debris. After removing the debris, check the readings again. If the issue persists, it is highly likely that something in your system needs repairs.
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It is very uncommon to get high low side pressure readings with normal high side readings. If you are experiencing this, this might be because your condenser is not cycling in the correct manner. The cycles are cutting in and out too rapidly, giving those high low side readings. You might not be able to rectify this malfunction on your own.
The high low side readings (with normal high side readings) are a result of thermostat switch malfunction. The thermostat might have the wrong range of temperature. To get normal readings, you would need to get the thermostat switch replaced by a local mechanic.
Avoid this common mistake while testing. Avoid adding excess refrigerant to the system. Adding excess refrigerant can cause problems with the AC temperature, the condenser, and other components.
I think the best solution is to do a thorough inspection of your AC system before undertaking any repairs. This could save you time and money. In my opinion it's better to take your time at the beginning and understand all the steps before making a costly mistake.
If your AC system is not working properly, it's time to do an inspection. You can diagnose many problems yourself by using a pressure gauge that shows the high and low pressure line readings. In addition, you can check for leaks yourself doing a visual inspection, using a kit, or an electronic sniffer.
But I advise that you contact an experienced mechanic for the best results when doing bigger repairs and releasing pressure from your AC system. Mechanics have all the right tools, and experience to diagnosis and repair your car's AC system.
What should I do if the condenser fan doesn't turn on?
With the engine on, turn the AC to high and open the hood. Wait 5 minutes or til the car reaches normal operating temperature to see if the condenser/radiator fan turns on. If the fan doesn't turn on, turn off the car and wait 30 minutes for things to cool down. Check to see if anything is blocking the fan from turning. Check electrical connections. If all seems fine, you may need to replace the fan, the temperature sensor, or something with circuity, like the fuse for the condenser fan.
