Air conditioner failure is a problem that often sends drivers to auto repair centers in the summer. Cooling problems in cars can be difficult to diagnose, so learning more about a few potential issues can help you work with an experienced repair technician to get your car’s AC running again. Use this guide to gain a better understanding of your vehicle’s cooling system.

4 Common Causes of Car Air Conditioner Failure

1. Loss of Refrigerant

The AC unit in your vehicle relies on refrigerant circulating throughout the system to function properly. If the refrigerant is leaking from the hoses or another part of the cooling system, you’ll find it difficult to keep your car cool. An auto repair technician can inspect the system to determine the source of the leak, so it can be sealed before more refrigerant is added.

2. Broken or Frayed Wiring

The wires that connect the various components of your air conditioning unit are responsible for relaying signals that tell your cooling system how to operate. When these wires become loose, broken, or frayed, those electronic signals won’t be relayed.

Auto repair professionals have special tools to help them test connections and isolate loose or lost connections. After the problem is found, repairing or replacing the wire usually takes just a few minutes.

3. Jammed Blend Air Door 

The blend air door is a device that keeps hot air from the engine from making its way into the passenger compartment.

However, the blend air door can sometimes get jammed, making it seem as though the AC unit isn’t working properly. It won’t take long for a repair professional to get behind your dashboard to loosen or replace the blend air door.

4. Faulty Compressor

The AC unit relies on a compressor that causes pressure to build up in the coils where the refrigerant is processed. As the refrigerant is allowed to expand, it gets colder, and that’s how the air is cooled.

If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, the refrigerant won’t decrease in temperature, preventing the unit from cooling the air. Your mechanic can determine what’s causing the compressor to fail and fix the issue.

To get your vehicle’s air conditioning up and running, contact the skilled auto repair technicians at Cabarrus Import Service in Concord, NC. This team has been providing auto repair services for more than 24 years. Their 47-point inspection ensures they’ll diagnose any problem you may be experiencing with your vehicle. Schedule an appointment online or by calling (704) 793-4122.