4 Signs Your Car Needs Air Conditioner Repair

An air conditioner might be a bit of a luxury but an integral part of your safety. When you are stuck in a hot car, even for a short amount of time, without an AC, you may quickly feel dehydrated and irritable. 

The AC also helps prevent heat exhaustion while driving. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the signs of a malfunctioning car AC to detect any problems.

Below are some common warning signs your car's air conditioning needs repair.

1. Weak Airflow

Weak airflow from your car's air conditioner could mean the air is having trouble reaching the vents. The most common reason for inadequate airflow is a lack of refrigerant due to a leak in the system. 

First, check if your refrigerant levels are okay. If the level is fine, then inadequate airflow could be due to several other reasons, including:

• A loose hose
• An open or damaged AC seal
• A dirty cabin air filter
• Accumulated mold or mildew in the evaporator core, or
• A broken or clogged ventilation fan.

Restricting the airflow from your car's AC vents makes the system seem like it isn't working correctly.

2. Leaking Dashboard

Water leaking down the dashboard is usually a result of condensation. Condensation is normal when you first turn on an AC unit after a long period of disuse. However, if condensation builds up in the vents, the AC may have problems cooling your car.

A vehicle air-con comprises various parts and components, including a compressor, condenser, refrigerant, and evaporator. Together, the components change the gas to liquid and back to gas while cooling the air. As your AC unit cools the air, moisture collects around your dashboard.

A car's AC unit also has a drain line that carries moisture from the evaporator to the outside of your vehicle. But sometimes, the drain can clog and not drain moisture, causing water to pool around the dashboard.

A leaking dashboard can result in severe mold problems and water damage to your car's interior. 

3. Foul Odor

A foul odor from your car's AC could mean a couple of things are wrong. The smell could result from a dirty cabin filter or a duct leak.



Mold is another cause of unpleasant air-con odors. If you smell a sour or musty odor when the air conditioner is running, mold or mildew may be growing in the system. The mold often grows on the evaporator case or the air vent.

If the odors smell like something burning, you might have an overheated compressor. Whichever the case may be, you should tend to foul odor problems before they cause another part failure or health complications.

You can eliminate the foul odor by cleaning out the vents with a disinfectant spray. Or you can clean the evaporator with a foaming cleanser. However, if the cause of the smell is a leak, your AC will need professional repair before you use the system again.

4. Weird Noises

While your car's AC is not completely noise-free, weird noises when switching on should be a cause of concern. Strange noises are an indicator of mechanical problems in the air conditioning system.

Weird noises such as buzzing, clicking, or rattling mean your AC is faulty. If you have experienced strange noises while driving, you should have the AC inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

When the air conditioner is not working correctly, not only will your comfort suffer, you may also be putting your safety in jeopardy. Some AC problems are more easily avoided than others. But no matter what kind of issue your AC is having, catching the problem early helps. Your best bet is adequate preventative maintenance.

Powers Transmissions Complete Car Care can help if you have a faulty air conditioning system in your car. Feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions or concerns.