Did Your Car AC Breakdown? Here’s How to Fix It Yourself and Save Money

• Did you know you can easily fix your car’s AC by yourself? If not, this article explains how you can do that.
• What can cause a car AC to suddenly stop working? This article also provides all the answers to that.
• Learn the easy ways to fix your car AC at home without going to a professional.

Cars, trucks, and SUVs built today are not really designed to be driven without the air conditioner on. While the fuel prices might be too high for anyone to think of putting on their car ACs, we cannot deny that there’s that feeling of knowing that every part of your car is fully functional.

 So, what do you then do in the case your car AC spoils? You can fix it yourself.

What Can Cause the AC to Stop Working in a Car?

The most common problem is that the refrigerant leaks out and you need to recharge the system. While you can recharge it yourself, and more on that below, you also should find the leak so you don’t leak more fluid in the atmosphere. 

Often, the best way to fix your A/C is to take your car to a professional who can diagnose it because compressors, blenders, fans, and other problems could cause the system to blow hot air. Most cars’ and trucks’ air conditioners work very efficiently and air at the vents should be close to 40 degrees coming out when the A/C is in full cold.

Why is My Car’s Air Conditioner Running but not Cooling?

Often, you’ll hit your car air conditioner button and nothing happens. You’ll hear the compressor turn on, and maybe feel it working, but all you get is hot air blowing from your vents. 

That’s most likely due to a leak in the system. Your refrigerant, which is a high-pressure gas, can escape through even a pinhole leak. Some still call it Freon, modern cars and trucks use two types: R124a or R12. Fixing that musty smell, however, is a different job.

There are Four Ways to Diagnose your System Yourself

The first thing to do if your car’s AC stops is check fuses. Most mechanics will check the A/C compressor fuse to make sure it’s not blown. You can learn where that is in the manual. But, if it’s not that simple, these are the four signs that your car needs more refrigerant:

1. Your car blows room temperature air, or worse, hot air when the A/C is on.
2. You can’t hear the clutch click on. Your compressor won’t kick on if there’s no pressure in the system. So, if you don’t hear the click at the engine, there may be a problem. The compressor is what runs the system and can cause your gas mileage to go down when you turn it on.
3. A visible leak is a clear sign that you not only need refrigerant but also need a new hose. Luckily, a new hose isn’t too expensive at the local O’Reilly.
4. Did your compressor ice over? Ice on the compressor means that moisture got into the system and took the place of the refrigerant, and it froze.

How to Recharge a Car’s Air Conditioner

Recharging your car air conditioner system is one of the most satisfying and easy do-it-yourself jobs. Most auto part supply stores sell little bottles of AC refrigerant. Make sure you get the right kind, but almost every car sold after the 1990s uses R134a. The kits from an auto parts store come with a hose, a gauge, a bottle of refrigerant, and a connector. All you do is connect the hose to the low-pressure service port of the car’s AC, which you can find with a quick online search.