All of us have enjoyed the wonderful pleasure of starting our cars and feeling the cool air flow through them due to the air conditioner. It’s the ideal approach to beat the summer heat while also adding delight to our car trips. But what if it doesn’t work as expected?
For specific knowledge of what to do when your car AC compressor running but won’t take freon, continue reading!
How AC Works in a Car?
Let’s simplify the process of understanding your car’s conditioning (AC) system. Warm air from inside your car is drawn in by the air conditioning unit, which cools and returns it for your comfort.
Compressor: The compressor is the most important part of the air conditioning system. It pushes a special liquid called refrigerant through the AC pipes. This liquid reduces heat from your vehicle’s interior. When you switch on the air conditioning, the compressor, which is powered by a belt connected to the engine, operates on its own.
Condenser: It is a miniature heat exchanger located behind the vehicle’s radiator. One side of the condenser pulls heat from the interior of your car, while the other side cools the air.
Evaporator: A similarity of a magic cooler is the evaporator. It draws heated air from within your car and sits close to the front. It changes the heated air into cold air using the compressor’s refrigerant. The cool liquid refrigerant absorbs the heat from the heated air passing over the evaporator and turns it into a gas.
Note: Let me address the question you’ve been wondering about all along now that you understand why does coolant reservoir keeps emptying and why your car needs one.
5 Common Reasons Behind AC Compressor Issue
1. Insufficient Freon Levels
A possible cause of your AC compressor not taking in additional Freon might be a low refrigerant level in your system. The compressor cannot take in more refrigerant when the system is standard on Freon because it is not receiving the signal to turn on. The trick to solving this is to add additional Freon. Refrigerant capacity in most cars ranges from 28 to 32 ounces, depending on the make and model.
2. Clogged Air Filter
When an air filter is clogged, outside air cannot enter the air conditioning system, which stops the compressor from getting the signal to start pumping in additional Freon. Look for any dust or particle buildup in the air filter housing of your car to verify this. If discovered, change the air filter immediately to restore the flow.
3. Blocked Pipes
Pipes that are blocked or have restricted flow to or from the AC compressor may also need to be upgraded for the compressor to absorb more Freon. The buildup of debris or other blockages slows down the airflow in these pipes, preventing the compressor from receiving additional coolant. It becomes crucial to remove any obstructions to ensure the compressor works correctly.
4. Faulty AC Clutch
Another possible reason could be a defective AC clutch assembly. With the help of this arrangement, the compressor motor may start and stop as required because it is connected to its driving belt. If the clutch part malfunctions, it may limit coolant intake, stopping the compressor from operating. Replacing the clutch component is a simple solution, assuming your HVAC unit is free of any other underlying issues.
5. Faulty Compressor
Another possible cause of an AC compressor not taking Freon is a malfunctioning compressor. It’s a good idea to let a professional handle this diagnosis because it involves disassembling and examining the genuine parts. It is recommended to seek a specialist’s knowledge if you suspect a broken compressor. They can decide whether a replacement is necessary, thus saving you money and unnecessary repair efforts.
What to Do When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Take Freon? Easy Fixes
- Use a pressure gauge to determine the amount of refrigerant in the AC system.
- Look for any apparent indications of refrigerant leakage in the AC system.
- Examine the area surrounding fittings, connections, and other parts for any oily residue since leaks may cause insufficient refrigerant retention.
- Ensure the kind and volume of refrigerant you use is appropriate for your car.
- To find out the exact specs, check the owner’s manual or the sticker under the vehicle’s hood.
- In the AC system, air can block the flow of refrigerant.
- Use a vacuum pump to remove air; DIY pump kits are available, but it’s recommended to seek professional assistance.
- Check for possible blockages that might restrict refrigerant circulation in parts such as the receiver-drier, expansion valve, and other factors.
- Consult a qualified technician or automotive AC specialist if you cannot determine the issue or find a solution.
Final Word
A detailed inspection of several components is necessary to diagnose the problem if your air conditioner is not taking Freon. Start by looking for apparent damage or leaks, then use an electronic leak tester to find possible problematic areas.
