Low refrigerant levels are the leading cause of car air conditioners failing to work. Low refrigerant levels are a normal part of an air conditioner unit. It will lose less than.5 pounds per year. Any loss exceeding.5 ounces per year is considered a leak. It is important to determine the cause of low refrigerant levels. Blockage or restriction within the system is the next most common problem. The compressor not being able to build enough pressure or engaging improperly is the last cause of air conditioning problems.
The signs of a blocked air filter are reduced airflow and less defrosting functionality. In addition to causing dust, pollen, or other pollutants inside, a clogged air filter can also cause a reduction in cabin airflow. The condenser sits behind the car's grille. Dirt and road debris can cause condenser efficiency to decrease.
Once you have mastered the onboard diagnostics system, it appears that the O2 sensor, airflow sensor, and electric load detector, as well as the alternator FR Circuit, and evaporative emission controller system, have all decided to cease working. It could be a simpler fix. In some Honda Civics, for example, a bad terminal, or a poor connection in a part of the underdash fuse/relaybox could cause all the above diagnostic trouble codes to be set.
There are two options available to you if you suspect your A/C is leaking. You can use black light-enabled drugs. Many refrigerants are mixed in with UV dyes which allows them to shine under a blacklight. You can also use the "sniffer", a special device that can pinpoint the chemical compounds of the refrigerant and detect leaks. Ask your service technician for more information about these options.
It is bad news. But, what causes a leaky A/C? The short answer is moisture and age. The rubber hoses of your A/C begin to lose elasticity, allowing Freon to escape and moisture to get in. Moisture can react with the refrigerant in your A/C, creating a corrosive chemical that will cause your A/C to explode from within. This is something that you should have checked and repaired by a skilled mechanic.
There are several ways to detect a leak in your air conditioner. Black light-enabled colors are one option. Many refrigerants have UV dyes that allow them to be visible under a dark light. The "sniffer" is a special tool that can detect potential leaks and pinpoint chemical compounds in refrigerants. These options are available to you if you ask your service technician!
Replacement of cabin air filters is often necessary due to clogging. Clogged filters reduce airflow to the AC system which can lead to a decrease in cooling and eventually a blowout. A clogged cabin filter reduces airflow and makes it difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures inside the vehicle. Firestone Complete Auto Care has a technician who can either check it or locate the filter.