How to Top Off Your Car's Air Conditioning System

AceAuto_How-to-Top-Off-Your-Car_AirConditioningSystem

It’s summertime and the living should be easy. That is, if the air conditioning in your car is working properly. Before you get hot and bothered by an A/C that isn’t keeping you cool, take time to go over a few basic steps. There are some parts you can check yourself to see if you can get it going again.

Buying a Recharge Kit

At the first sign of a unit that’s not functioning properly, go to your auto supply store and pick up an A/C Recharge Kit. Open the kit and read through the directions. Follow them carefully and see if the kit will solve the problems you are having. It is possible that by recharging your air conditioning it will start blowing cool air again.

Checking the Pressure Sensor

Another place you want to look is in the pressure sensor. Check your unit and try to locate the low pressure sensor to make sure that it is working as it should be. You can check the current pressure using a special gauge. If you see that the pressure is low, fill it using the recharge kit. Follow the instructions carefully so you are sure to fill it to the correct pressure. Once you start filling it, stop every 10-15 seconds so you can take another reading using the pressure gauge. This will give you the current level. Keep starting, stopping and checking until the gauge shows that you have reached the correct level of pressure.

Analyzing the Compressor Clutch

Check that your air conditioning unit’s compressor clutch is engaging. However, there are several things that can go wrong with this part of the unit. Depending on the problem, repairs can range from inexpensive to replacing the whole compressor clutch. For instance, if it is not engaging properly or if it is making a noise, there can be many causes and it is not always easy to pinpoint the exact reason. An example of these problems could be a clogged condenser, a faulty condenser fan, pressure that is too high or even an overcharge. In any of these instances, it is important to evaluate the entire air conditioning system to know which pieces need to be replaced.

Filling the AC Compressor

Once you've determined your compressor clutch is functioning, and your pressure is low, attach the recharge kit to the low pressure sensor and begin filling, checking the pressure gauge every 5-10 seconds. Once the pressure reaches 'normal' levels, go take a seat in your car and see if it's blowing cool air again. If it is, then you're done!

When to Get Help from a Professional

After trying to evaluate and fix the problems you are experiencing with your car’s AC, go ahead and turn it on and see if you have fixed it. If it is now blowing cold air, you did it! Get in and enjoy! However, if the unit is still not blowing cold air, it is time to take it to a specialist. Contact Ace Auto Repair today for a Free A/C repair estimate.

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