Fixing Auto AC in 4 Easy Steps

Summertime can be a rough time for your AC – it just doesn’t seem to be able to keep up with the heat. Well, don’t worry, there are four easy steps you can take to help your AC stay cool all summer long!

Understanding Your AC System

For Auto AC repair, it’s important to understand your AC system. Your AC system consists of three parts: the compressor, the condenser, and the fan. The compressor is what makes the air move in your AC unit. The compressor works by pushing air molecules together so that they can escape from the unit and cool your space. You should check the following:

• The belt size (this will tell you how much power the compressor has)
• The rotation speed (this will tell you how fast the compressor is spinning)
• The noise level (this will tell you how loud the compressor is)

If any of these indicators are off, it may be time to replace your compressor. In addition to checking for problems with your compressor, you should also check for problems with your condenser. Your condenser captures heat from the atmosphere and turns it into cold air. If it’s not functioning correctly, this process won’t work as well as it should. To test if your condenser is working properly, you can use a temperature gun to measure the temperature in different areas of your home. If the temperature readings are off, it may be time to replace your condenser.

Finally, you should check your fan. Your AC unit uses a fan to move air around the unit. If the fan is not working properly, this process won’t work as well as it should. To test if your fan is working properly, you can use a hair dryer to heat up the area near the AC unit. If the fan starts blowing air around the unit more quickly than it should, it may be time to replace your fan.

Checking the Fuses

One of the first things you should do if your auto AC goes out is to check the fuses. If the fuses are intact and the breaker is good, then your AC unit likely needs to be replaced. To check the fuses, first turn off the power to the AC unit by switching off the breaker at the main panel. Next, locate and flip each fuse in sequence from “0” (off) to “1” (on).

Testing the Power Cord

The first step is to test the power cord. Check that the cord is plugged into a working outlet and make sure the voltage is correct. If the voltage is low or there is an issue with the cord itself, it may need to be replaced.

If the voltage is correct but the AC still won’t work, try resetting the car’s computer. To do this, turn off the car and disconnect all of the cables from the car’s electrical system. Next, wait two minutes and then reconnect everything in reverse order. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time to replace the AC unit.

Changing the Filter

One of the most common problems with auto AC is a dirty filter. This can cause the AC to work less effectively, making it harder to cool your car. Change your filter. Here are easy steps on how to do so:

1. Open the hood of your car and locate the air conditioning unit.
2. Find the filters located inside the unit. There are usually two filters, one for the furnace and one for the air conditioning unit.
3. Change both filters if they are dirty or cracked. Be sure to wash your hands after changing the filter to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.

Adjusting the Thermostat

If your car’s air conditioning is not working correctly, you may be able to fix the problem by adjusting the thermostat. To change the thermostat, turn off the car and open the hood. You will see a dial on the dashboard that controls the temperature in the vehicle. Turn the dial to the desired temperature and turn on the car.

Photo by Drazen Zigic