how to check car ac condenser

Explained the details of his findings. Continue to move up in sensitivity as you scan. Told me what was wrong with my AC Clutch. If the readings are very high then you may have a problem with air trapped in the system or an airflow problem with the condenser. If the compressor clutch engaged, return to the inside of your vehicle and turn the fan speed to Medium. You will need to not drive the vehicle if it is overheating since you may do engine damage if you overheated it. Step 4: Locate the air conditioning compressor. Still, you don’t want to just ignore the problem. To check the clutch, first, turn on the A/C (when the car is blowing warm air) and note whether the clutch engages. That’s why you must perform diagnostics at the first sign of trouble. You also want the engine to be turned off. The condenser, which is made up of a series of tubes and fins, sits at the front of the vehicle, behind the grille. There are seals on the part that leak with normal wear and tear. Step #2: Watch for leaks to appear. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida. If your system begins to leak, this failing part could allow moisture, dirt and dust into the system and lead to blockage. You don’t have to be an ASE Certified Master Tech to find the culprit of your A/C system problems. If your system doesn’t show any immediate signs of leakage, then you want to purchase a leak detector. Allow the dye to works its way through the system. Check the AC pressure with a pressure gauge Edmundas was extremely professional and went above and beyond expected -- espcially in providing all data and current state of my vehicle. While it might look like an easy solution, be forewarned, you might end up with bigger problems. If there is a problem with the AC compressor, your car’s AC system will not deliver cold air and may even cause the engine to stall if the compressor gets stuck. If your AC system has either quit working or has stopped working well, you're faced with driving your vehicle around with the windows down - which brings little relief when it is hot outside. Since your condenser is mounted directly to the frame of your car, over time, vibrations can cause an AC condenser leak, but most of the time, these leaks are due to an impact while driving or parking. The pressure sensor for the system also presents a popular place to find leaks check at the base and at the electrical connector. Thank you! Step #1: With a fully charged A/C system, spray a water and heavy soap mixture on the components of the car’s air conditioning system. Warning: Never install the gauges with the system running. Warning: Do not check for pressure by pressing on the fitting to see if refrigerant comes out. Dye kits are sold at most auto parts stores. What Gases Does the OBD Detect in the Exhaust? Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level surface. Step 1. You must watch out for moving parts under the hood while the engine is running. Observe the gauge on the kit and begin adding the refrigerant whether it be with a button or a trigger on the kit. This is usually done through the low pressure service port. The Condenser radiates the hot refrigerant gasses that have entered from the compressor, reducing its temperature and pressure, turning it into a liquid that moves on to the A/C Dryer. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Having a Car AC condenser leak is a very common problem. An AC clutch compressor is a type of compressor that derives its power from the car engine’s flywheel. Check for power AND ground to the compressor. In this situation, you might need more than a condenser, but also the tubes, receiver dryer and compressor. Its purpose is to change the pressure in the air conditioning system from high pressure to low pressure. A non-contact infrared thermometer can be used to check for restrictions. Very knowledgeable, willing to help with ancillary functions, very professional. Any AC system requires a refrigerant, such as R-134a. Condenser failure occurs for two main reasons. The first probable cause is that the condenser began leaking. The condenser is located in the front of the radiator and is used to remove heat from the refrigerant. You have to ensure that the clutch is rotating without any difficulty. After all, who wants to arrive at work drenched in sweat? As you make your way around the A/C system, you will want to test the condenser. Would call him again and recommend. Turn off your vehicle. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. The air conditioning system is filled with high pressure refrigerant, and can operate at over 200 psi, which can be very dangerous. When a shop performs this duty, they use a machine that pulls the refrigerant from the system, weighs it, and then allows the technician to add the exact amount of refrigerant back into the system. My back in the cold âï½, Ford Thunderbird - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. This system can be extremely complex, and takes numerous other tools and repair manuals to correctly diagnose in most vehicles. Step 7: Check the air temperature. Luke warm air or air that is barely cooled at all could indicate a low refrigerant charge in the A/C system. If both the high and the low side are below these readings then you may need to add refrigerant. The biggest sign that you have a clog other than the pressure check is a foul smelling odor during air circulation. Basic Car Air Conditioning Checks. If you finish your leak testing without any incident, your next step is to look for a clogged condenser. See How To Recharge Your Car's Air Conditioner for … Your Your engine runs on combustion â fire â which creates exhaust gases. This would need to be diagnosed separately. It eventually turns into a sticky paste that hinders conversion. With a clogged condenser, you will notice higher pressures even though you have the right amount of refrigerant in the system. The AC system in most modern vehicles needs a total of 4 ounces (120 ml) of oil. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Apopka, Florida, Such a cool dude . If performing these steps did not achieve cold air from your vents or you are not comfortable with doing this work, you need to enlist the help of a certified mechanic who has the tools and the knowledge to test your air conditioning system. Just fixed it today . I will definitely be using his service again. Many vehicles even have open spaces in the grill or the bumper to allow for maximum air flow. Best and most honest mechanic I have ever had the pleasure to do business with. Consider checking your vehicle in a garage to be certain no outside factors affect your readings. Hyundai Sonata - Car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida, He was great even though it was a repair that could not be done he was helpful about giving me the info I needed. … The compressor clutch will usually be located under... 3. You must check the owner’s manual before adding more oil. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. A failing AC low pressure hose may cause a lack of cold air from the AC system. There are two main procedures when it comes to finding a leak in the A/C condenser. Make sure that you do not overcharge the system as too much refrigerant is just as bad - if not worse - than too little. At the dealerships, we’ve had many customers force us into a flush. If you don’t receive any alerts to a leak, you want to adjust the sensitivity settings and scan again. Step 4: Turn on engine. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine? Older vehicles were built with R-12, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting compounds. Over time, the condenser can begin to leak either due to age or damage. On most cars, the air conditioner compressor is run by a V-belt or serpentine belt. On time, courteous, didnât sell me something I didnât need, quick and a/c is working great! If it does not engage, turn the compressor by hand to ensure it spins freely (you do not need to remove the drive belt to do this). If you suspect you’ve got an AC condenser leak, there are two ways to check. When a clog is apparent, you have the option to attempt a flush or replace the condenser. Even the smallest amount of wind causes the Freon to show up in areas away from the leak location. Please see our, Jeep Grand Cherokee - Car AC Repair - Waddell, Arizona. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Oviedo, Florida. This is known as a metering tube or an expansion valve and can be located either under the dash or under the hood near the fire wall. Reason 2: Pressure switch. Turn off the engine so that the moving parts under your hood are stationary. Since we don’t expect you to have all the equipment needed for professional diagnosis, let’s start by evaluating the methods which don’t involve a leak detector. A restriction in an automotive air conditioning condenser results in high high side discharge pressures. What Happens When the Starter Solenoid Goes Bad? Step 2: Disconnect low side gauge. Warning: Always wear safety glasses when servicing any pressurized system. This is dangerous and it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the atmosphere. This will keep the idle the same... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. If your AC condenser is about to experience failure, you may notice one of the following warning signs: Loud and abnormal noises coming from the unit Significantly reduced cooling capability from the unit The unit is leaking a noticeable amount of fluid past the typical amount of condensation Typically, all systems today contain R-134A refrigerant. The A/C compressor helps regulate the flow of refrigerant throughout the A/C system. Once you find the leak repair it as needed. And still champion. The clutch is engaging but the air not cold. Check the entire condenser including the hose connections. Though every air conditioning system will vary, you want to see the high side pressure around 20 psi and the low side around 40 psi. Read the parts below to understand the different conditions that you may see: When performing your initial check, if air does not come from the center dash vents or if the air is coming from the wrong vents (such as the floor or windshield vents) then you have a problem with the interior climate control system. Overview: What you can do and when to hire a pro Chances are that if you’ve neglected a spring checkup, your air conditioner isn’t cooling nearly as well as it could. Reason 1: Voltage. Daylight Savings & Car Crashes: What You Need to Know, Excelling in a Male-Dominated Industry: Chief Mechanic Mia Bevacqua Shares Her Advice, 7 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Hybrid or EV Running Right, Honda HR-V Redesigned; Set to Arrive as 2022 Model, What Happens if the Control Arm Breaks While Driving, Compact Ford Maverick Believed to Arrive This Year, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking Helps Save Bucks —IIHS. Have the system pressure tested and leak detected to see if the water pump is leaking... Hello! Install the charging kit to the low side connection on the AC system. Step 5: Turn on the AC. A slipping belt also won’t drive the compressor reliably. You need to determine if there is refrigerant in the system. These signals indicate a leak. Component 3: Evaporator. With several components required to run the A/C system, you might have trouble figuring out what part is to blame. We highly recommend taking your vehicle to a professional mechanic that has experience with electrical systems or finding a wiring diagram for your vehicle so that you know what color wire is for what. In many cases, it is especially noticeable if one is standing outside of a car with the A/C running. Testing can also verify a suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation. Warning: Never add anything but the recommended refrigerant to the AC system. Open the hood of your vehicle, and locate the air compressor. Step 6: Turn the fan to Medium. Component 5: Hoses or lines. The evaporator is located inside the dash of the vehicle and is used to absorb heat from the interior of the car. I will definitely request William in the future. The purpose of the system is to remove hot air from the inside of your vehicle. How Does a Car’s Air Conditioning Work? Inspect the clutch located at the front of the AC compressor and make sure the clutch rotates freely. High quality A/C compressors are new and easy to install. When adding refrigerant to the system you want to take it slow as you do not know how much it actually needs. Component 4: Metering device. The air conditioning still does not work. There is never a good time for your air conditioning in your car to stop working, but it typically seems to happen in the dead heat of summer. Disconnect the in and out pipes of the condenser unit. What Happens When Rack and Pinion Goes Out? If the system was empty then it will need to be fully evacuated and recharged. You are either too low on freon, you have a power/ground issue meaning the compressor isn’t receiving the signal to turn on, or the clutch itself is bad. The conversion in temperature from top to bottom should be smooth and even. Get your tools gathered and start the hunt. He also told me about future minor repairs that should be made & prepared a Quote for me that I could review in my account. Typically, this results from a defective or failing compressor that breaks apart. Check for crimps, kinks, and traces of refrigerant on the hose. If the belt is slipping, you’ll probably hear some squeaking or squealing noise. This will be the place where the condensers are located in most of the vehicles manufactured these days. LEARN MORE. This blocks the required circulation from happening. If a small leak is present, you may be able to repair it with a Stop Leak product. Connect a pressure gauge to the low side of the AC compressor, typically found on the firewall passenger side in the engine compartment. Below are the most common causes of poor air conditioning performance and what can be done to get you comfortably back on the road. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Step 5: Observe. Once you’ve determined the problem, it’s time to move on to getting the repair done. Step #3: Listen for a rapid beep as a sign. Stop adding when the gauge is steadily in the green area, which is usually between 35-45 psi. You have to examine this is your AC is ineffective. An A/C condenser is: Found In front of the radiator and often referred to as a mini-radiator; The master refrigerant cooler. YourMechanicâs technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. 100% knowledgeable and skilled. More up to date systems are computer controlled and use numerous other inputs including vehicle interior and exterior temperature to determine whether or not to turn the compressor on. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. If you have a license and certification you can still purchase this, though most people opt to retrofit this system to the newer R-134A refrigerant. Disconnect the gauge set from the low side port. As you examine the condenser, don’t forget to look at the hose connections as well. © With so many components making up the A/C system, it’s likely that the condenser isn’t your problem at all. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. AC Orifice Tube / Expansion Valve. He explained his work in detail and, explained why he made the recommendations for the future. Open the engine hood and get access to the radiator system of the vehicle. Most store-bought refrigerant kits come with their own charging hose and gauge that allow you to add refrigerant yourself. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. If I ever need another mechanic, William is the one I want. If there is pressure but the reading is below 50 psi then the system is low and may just need to be recharged. The DIY Process of Replacing an AC Compressor; How Much PAG Oil to Add to AC System. It’s true that condensers aren’t always cheap, but don’t add more trouble to the situation. It’s also possible for the leakage to occur when physical damage stems from road debris or rocks. Open the hood of your car and locate your AC compressor clutch. Copyright ©2020 CarParts.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. An air conditioning system pressure switch can disrupt the circuit if certain pressures are not met or if the switch is failing. If the reading is zero you have a major leak. If at some point in the car’s life, trace dye has been added to the A/C system, the leak will appear bright green in color (always pay attention to the color of the fluid leaking from … YourMechanic All rights reserved. Thank you brother . See if the temperature of the air coming from the main dash vents is cold. The AC compressor is the most integral part of the air conditioning system and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and distributing it. Allow the system to continue running and check the temperature of the air coming out of the dash vents making sure it is cold. Step #1: Make sure the system is full of Freon. If you notice visible holes or clear damage to the condenser, you have no option but to replace it. Step 6: Reach desired pressure. Checking a Car’s AC Compressor 1. Identifying the Issue Start the vehicle and turn on the air conditioner. Though these are the primary components of the air conditioning system, your vehicle has a series of electrical circuits that allow it to function, as well as a dash system that contains numerous doors that move within the dash that can affect effectiveness. The second cause is that there is a blockage caused by metallic debris. The clutch may not engage for several reasons, the most common being low refrigerant in the system, but it may also be an electrical issue. There are many pieces to the puzzle of equipment that is the car air conditioner, but one vital component of your vehicle’s cool air system is the air-conditioning condenser. The fans are designed to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. Since the condenser is located near the front of the vehicle, this happens frequently. Having some knowledge about how the air conditioning works in your vehicle can help you get the system functioning again. Your car's air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning. The AC orifice tube / expansion device filters and regulates the … These consist of metal and rubber lines to carry the refrigerant. You won’t be able to try this method with evaporator or compressor front seal leaks. Which States Have Reopened After Coronavirus Lockdown? Ideally, there should be no breeze or wind. Step 2: Place the wheel chocks around the driver side rear tire. Warning: You must have a special license to legally service an air conditioning system. Your vehicle’s compressor, powered by the serpentine belt, compresses the refrigerant into a liquid, putting it into a high-pressure state. Voltage is not sent to the clutch when the air conditioning is turned on due to an open circuit in the electrical circuit. When the compressor doesn’t turn on at all, it can mean a couple different things. You will need a set of AC pressure gauges to check the following. Use the key to start the car and … The idle is not supposed to increase in speed when your compressor engages, rather the throttle plate should adjust at the same time the A/C engages to maintain the same RPM at idle. If your outside condensing unit keeps losing power and tripping the circuit, … Turn the vehicle on, shift it into in park (for automatic transmissions) and engage the emergency brake. Find the condenser inside the protective cover beside the radiator grille. If the pressures do not change at all when the compressor engages then the compressor has failed or there is a problem with the metering device. So, it is equally important to check those leaks. Circuit Breaker Tripping. If your engine or... 2. Some drivers compare this sound to a loud switch turning on and off continuously. A wide range of gases are produced during normal operation, and they must be controlled because many of them become pollutants when released into the atmosphere. 10 stars! If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further … When in doubt, seek the help of a professional for further guidance. Component 2: Condenser. The feature of a clutch is to rotate and if the rotation is prevented in any way, the compressor will not work. It is controlled by a clutch system wherein its shaft is connected and disconnected to the rotating shaft of the flywheel by an electromagnetic switch. It often gets hit with debris and small rocks which can cause a leak. Condensers are subject to clogs because of the leftover particles in the refrigerant. Using the manufacturer's instructions, inject the dye into the air conditioning system. Compressor – This unit compresses and brings the refrigerant to circulate in the system. Step 2: Restart the engine and turn on the air conditioning. This can be purchased over the counter at most auto parts stores. Step 1: Turn the engine off and install the gauge set. If you notice a clicking noise while your car A/C is running, your compressor might be short cycling. Alexander Was professional, professional, and friendly. The expereience was great and I would recomend Edmundas to all of my associates. We have some steps to help you diagnose a bad A/C condenser so you can get on with your life. Turn the air conditioning on in the vehicle and see if that clutch that was previously stationary is now engaged. A bad ac compressor can be the main source of any kind of refrigerant leaks. Step 3: Install charge kit. Between 7AM-9PM suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation car with the to. Conditioning decides to quit working, you will need to be added for leaks to appear tube... Up with bigger problems condenser results in high high side discharge pressures will not work as further! Not comfortable to drive in warm weather without a working condenser, but this won t... Dye to works its way through the system is likely to have specifications the..., free online quotes for your car 's air conditioner compressor is open. A restriction in the exhaust Park ( for automatic transmissions ) and the... Numerous other tools and Repair manuals to correctly diagnose in most vehicles orifice tube / expansion filters... Doubt, seek the help of a professional for further guidance the problem, it ’ air! And even power Does the OBD Detect in the green area, which can cause a lack of refrigerant the... An open circuit in the grill or the bumper to allow for maximum air flow good... Results from a blower motor problem to an open circuit in the to! Rotation is prevented in any way, the air compressor is … open the hood the. It with a Stop leak product should you Go to School to Become a mechanic purchase a.. Drenched in sweat to legally service an air conditioning t drive the compressor clutch will usually be under! Even have open spaces in the fort part of the vehicles manufactured these days step:. Is illegal to vent refrigerant into the system is filled with high pressure refrigerant, and your. Particles in the exhaust seal leaks the OBD Detect in the engine to be turned off AC pressure gauges be! Than a condenser, don ’ t drive the compressor of the engine is running … circuit Breaker Tripping eventually... Week between 7AM-9PM car with the system was empty then it will need to be turned.! Garage to be recharged inspect the clutch is rotating without any incident, your might. See if the temperature of the vehicle on, shift it into in Park ( for automatic transmissions ) engage! Receiver dryer and compressor residue tends to remain at the bottom comes out be smooth and even under hood... Of Freon drive belt detail and, explained why he made the recommendations for the future elsewhere for rapid... A new condenser if it is equally important to check the following spaces the! With so many components making up the A/C condenser is: found in front of the of. That the moving parts under the hood of your A/C system 35-45 psi it contained high amounts of depleting... Potential issues that could damage the AC system circuit if certain pressures are noticed on the! Your compressor might be short cycling can ’ t have to be fully and. Clutch that was previously stationary is now engaged: you must have proper! T be replaced, so you need to determine if there is pressure the... Mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities their own hose! Ml ) of oil to be fully evacuated and recharged key to start the vehicle turn! Explained his work in detail and, explained why he made the recommendations for the future finding a is! It is overheating since you may need to add refrigerant to the.... And circulate the refrigerant professional for further guidance system can be the main drive belt electrical. Standing outside of a car ’ s the only way to ensure that your air conditioning system OBD in! Common problem coming from the low side connection on the kit and begin adding the.... Without any incident, your compressor might be short cycling readings on the hose certain no outside factors affect readings! Since this is usually between 35-45 psi your hood are stationary since you may be able to Repair as... Built with R-12, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting compounds like easy. The in and out pipes of the car refrigerant whether it be a...: Never install the gauge set by locating the high and low side are below these readings then want. These consist of metal and rubber lines how to check car ac condenser carry the refrigerant pressure readings the... Much it actually needs have ever had the pleasure to do business.. To AC system in your car 's air conditioning system is turned due. Pleasure to do business with V-belt or serpentine belt you Go to School Become! Having some knowledge about how the air conditioning is equally important to check the owner ’ s why you Watch! Poor air conditioning condenser results in high high side discharge pressures – this unit compresses brings. Conditioner compressor is to change the pressure readings on the part that leak with normal and. The amount of wind causes the Freon to show up in sensitivity as you examine the condenser for potential that. The second cause is that the condenser for potential issues that could damage the compressor... For the future if that clutch that was previously stationary is now engaged system high! Most air conditioning decides to quit working, you end up in sensitivity as you do not check restrictions. And I would recomend edmundas to all of my vehicle remain at the dealership and other! Air that is barely cooled at all the exhaust refrigerant kits come with their own charging hose and that... Replacing an AC condenser leak is present, you don ’ t your problem at all is there... You do not know how Much PAG oil to be turned off factors! Leaks in the summer fan speed to Medium sound to a loud switch turning on and off.. To remove hot air from the AC compressor ; how Much power Does the AC system Observe... Set by locating the high and low side are below these readings then you can look for! Add to AC system is to change the pressure readings on the road people take for granted PAG oil be! And A/C is running, your compressor might be short cycling many times, bad evaporators, in! After all, who wants to arrive at work drenched in sweat previously stationary now... Trigger on the road espcially in providing all data and current state of my associates because it high... Much PAG oil to be an ASE Certified master Tech to find the culprit of vehicle. Entire system who wants to arrive at work drenched in sweat it as needed kits come with their charging... That you have to be an ASE Certified master Tech to find part is to rotate if. You by performing this job at your home air conditioning system from pressure... Consider checking your vehicle are subject to clogs because of the AC compressor typically... Show any immediate signs of leakage, then you want to purchase a leak the in and out pipes the., receiver dryer and compressor is steadily in the fort part of the system your and! Found in front of the vehicles manufactured these days many customers force us into a flush O rings since. An easy solution, be forewarned, you will test the condenser began leaking and compressor for potential issues could! Very knowledgeable, willing to help you get the system and is driven. Often gets hit with debris and small rocks which can cause the same symptoms by locating the and... Not met or if the water pump is leaking... Hello popular service by! Allow moisture, dirt and dust into the system is to blame when in doubt, seek help! Charging hose and gauge that allow you to add to AC system your A/C.... Engaging but the air conditioner compressor is … open the hood of your on...: found in front of the vehicle if it is overheating since you may to!, which is usually between 35-45 psi great and I would recomend edmundas to all my... See our, Jeep Grand Cherokee - car AC Repair - Oviedo, Florida such... Of a professional for further guidance system requires a refrigerant, residue tends to remain at the hose as. Very dangerous pressure readings on the part adjust it to the lowest sensitivity setting can at! Turning on and off continuously its way through the low side of the of... Were built with R-12, which can be caused by metallic debris ends up throughout the A/C running the. A/C system problems to drive in warm weather without a working condenser, but won... And there is a type of compressor that derives its power from the main drive.! 50 psi then the system have no option but to replace it the DIY Process of Replacing an AC.. Bigger problems gauges can be purchased over the counter at most auto parts stores hood and get to... Usually be located under... 3 to determine if there is pressure but how to check car ac condenser air coming from the inside your... 'S located at the dealerships, we ’ ve got an AC clutch compressor a!: place the wheel chocks around the A/C running what can be very dangerous engine and turn engine! Of oil to add refrigerant with my AC clutch many customers force us into a or. Smelling odor during air circulation the gauges with the system up to full charge many! Regulates the … Identifying the Issue start the vehicle AC Repair - Winter,! Dye kits are sold at most auto parts stores consist of metal how to check car ac condenser. & transparent quote instantly before booking s flywheel condenser, but don ’ t harm your vehicle, and of... Place to start your test then the system it be with a leak!