As summer approaches, temperatures start to rise sharply across Texas, and there’s nothing more frustrating for car drivers than their air conditioning (AC) breaking down. If you can’t seem to get cold air out of your AC even though it’s turned to the highest setting, there may be several reasons for your problem. Identifying what the issue may be is the first big step to getting it resolved. Here at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, our professional service team is standing by to help get your air conditioner working again before the summer heat hits.
Common AC Problems
Your air conditioner is critical to maintaining a pleasant temperature in the cabin and keeping it from getting stuffy. If your AC isn’t working properly, you may notice that it’s only blowing cool air even though you have it turned to cold. Since your AC system relies on several different components, you need to consider several issues as the potential root cause of the problem.
You may be able to diagnose and even repair some of these issues yourself, or you may need help from one of our professional service team members. Before we look at the most common AC problems and how to solve them, let’s explore how your AC system works.
How Does Your AC System Keep Your Cabin Cool?
Your air conditioner starts by heating the refrigerant into a gas before sending it to the condenser to remove the heat and convert it into a liquid. After the refrigerant has been filtered for impurities, it passes through the expansion valve, which cools it to a temperature well below the surrounding air. The cold refrigerant then travels to the evaporator core, which extracts heat from the air before pumping the cold air into your cabin. As you can see, there are many stages throughout this process where a problem can arise.
Clogged Air Filter
One of the easiest problems to resolve is a clogged air filter. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can get into your air filter over time, which is why routine maintenance schedules recommend replacing it regularly. If your filter is clogged, you could clean it out yourself or have your cabin filter changed to help clear the air inside your Chevrolet Silverado or Equinox. At our Lewisville service center, we can do this in no time as part of a comprehensive maintenance appointment.
Compressor Issues
Another common source of the problem is the compressor, which helps extract hot air from the cabin. To identify the problem, start your car’s engine and turn the AC on high. Then, observe the compressor to see if the clutch engages. The clutch is the center piece that engages the pulley to the compressor shaft. If the clutch engages and disengages every few seconds, your system may be low on refrigerant, which you can top up. If the clutch isn’t engaging at all, it may be faulty. Alternatively, a fuse may be blown, or a cycling switch may be broken.
You can investigate these possible scenarios by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage reaching the compressor. If voltage is flowing, chances are your clutch isn’t working properly and may need replacing. If voltage is absent, it’s more likely that the problem is with a cycling switch or fuse. Even if you can’t repair the issue yourself, diagnosing it can help save time at the service center.
The compressor itself could be defective. Like many other components, a compressor can get contaminated by debris from wearing parts, causing it to underperform or malfunction.
Leaks in the System
Another frequent source of AC problems is a leak. Since your AC system consists of various components, there are numerous points where leaks could develop. These include in the hoses and on the fittings between the hoses and components.
One of the simplest ways to find out if you have a leak is to use a leak detection kit. These kits work by injecting dye into the system and using a UV light to see where the dye is escaping. Then, it’s a case of replacing the leaky hose or repairing a fitting. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry. Leak detection kits usually come with detailed instructions on how to use them. Just follow the step-by-step guide to get to the bottom of the problem.
Low air pressure is also a sign of a leak, although this symptom by itself won’t tell you where the leak is. You can detect low air pressure by using a pressure gauge on your AC system.
Problems With the AC Condenser
After the refrigerant has absorbed warm air from the cabin, it turns into a gas. Then, the condenser uses air to cool it down and return it to its liquid form. Typical problems with the condenser include refrigerant leaks and contamination by external debris. The cooling fan motor may also have malfunctioned. One of the most obvious signs of an issue with the cooling fan is if you notice that it isn’t running or running slowly even when the AC is turned on high.
Get Your AC Working for Summer at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville
If you’ve tried the various DIY steps and are still having AC trouble, why not schedule a service appointment at our Lewisville dealership? Our Chevy service team consists of professional auto technicians with extensive experience troubleshooting car AC systems. You can reserve an appointment using our online tool or swing by during opening hours. Don’t forget to check out our service specials ahead of time to see if you can make any savings with one of our great incentives.