how to check car ac condenser

Get your tools gathered and start the hunt. If the belt is slipping, you’ll probably hear some squeaking or squealing noise. Using the supplied UV light and glasses you will inspect all of the components and hoses of the air conditioning system and look for any glowing material. The condenser is mounted on the front of your car in front of your radiator, the fans and just about anything else that can protect it. One is used by us mechanics at the dealership and the other method works well at home. See How To Recharge Your Car's Air Conditioner for … Observe the gauge on the kit and begin adding the refrigerant whether it be with a button or a trigger on the kit. Turn the vehicle on, shift it into in park (for automatic transmissions) and engage the emergency brake. There are seals on the part that leak with normal wear and tear. Which States Have Reopened After Coronavirus Lockdown? Thank you brother . © 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. The compressor clutch will usually be located under... 3. Basic Car Air Conditioning Checks. Next, check the compressor control circuit to make sure power is getting to the clutch. These signals indicate a leak. 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. Ideally, there should be no breeze or wind. Turn off the engine so that the moving parts under your hood are stationary. LEARN MORE. As the internal parts disperse, the metallic debris ends up throughout the entire system. An air conditioning system pressure switch can disrupt the circuit if certain pressures are not met or if the switch is failing. The purpose of the system is to remove hot air from the inside of your vehicle. Inspect the clutch located at the front of the AC compressor and make sure the clutch rotates freely. 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. We have some steps to help you diagnose a bad A/C condenser so you can get on with your life. This would need to be diagnosed separately. Identifying the Issue Start the vehicle and turn on the air conditioner. Use the key to start the car and … Many vehicles even have open spaces in the grill or the bumper to allow for maximum air flow. Should You Go to School to Become a Mechanic? If the reading is zero you have a major leak. 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. That’s why you must perform diagnostics at the first sign of trouble. Step 2: Place the wheel chocks around the driver side rear tire. Thank you! On most cars, the air conditioner compressor is run by a V-belt or serpentine belt. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Checking a Car’s AC Compressor 1. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. 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. When the condenser leaks, depending where and how big the leak is, all of the high pressure refrigerant can and will eventually leak out, disabling the entire AC system. Make sure that you do not overcharge the system as too much refrigerant is just as bad - if not worse - than too little. A bad ac compressor can be the main source of any kind of refrigerant leaks. Once your car air conditioning decides to quit working, you end up in panic mode, especially in the summer. If you don’t receive any alerts to a leak, you want to adjust the sensitivity settings and scan again. Warning: You must have a special license to legally service an air conditioning system. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. Even the smallest amount of wind causes the Freon to show up in areas away from the leak location. The condenser tubes can’t be replaced, so you need a new condenser if it cracks or breaks. Connect a pressure gauge to the low side of the AC compressor, typically found on the firewall passenger side in the engine compartment. Keep all articles of clothing tightly secured. 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. P2613 OBD-II Trouble Code: A/C Refrigerant Distribution Valve Control Circuit High, How to Troubleshoot a Small Engine Problem, Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Low Pressure Hose. If testing reveals an apparently good condenser, then you can look elsewhere for a problem without having to replace the part. So, it is equally important to check those leaks. YourMechanicâs technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. Much like a radiator, an air conditioning condenser is used to get rid of heat.But instead of working with the engine cooling system, the condenser helps cool the AC's refrigerant.. He also told me about future minor repairs that should be made & prepared a Quote for me that I could review in my account. A non-contact infrared thermometer can be used to check for restrictions. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Car AC Repair. In this situation, you might need more than a condenser, but also the tubes, receiver dryer and compressor. Final Note About Car A.C. The condenser is located in the front of the radiator and is used to remove heat from the refrigerant. 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. Step #1: Make sure the system is full of Freon. Its purpose is to change the pressure in the air conditioning system from high pressure to low pressure. An AC clutch compressor is a type of compressor that derives its power from the car engine’s flywheel. The air conditioning still does not work. Condensers are subject to clogs because of the leftover particles in the refrigerant. Install the charging kit to the low side connection on the AC system. Below are the most common causes of poor air conditioning performance and what can be done to get you comfortably back on the road. You must check the owner’s manual before adding more oil. On time, courteous, didnât sell me something I didnât need, quick and a/c is working great! Some drivers compare this sound to a loud switch turning on and off continuously. These consist of metal and rubber lines to carry the refrigerant. Step 2: Install the gauges. Explained the details of his findings. 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. What Happens When Rack and Pinion Goes Out? The clutch is engaging but the air not cold. The conversion in temperature from top to bottom should be smooth and even. Reason 3: Input issue. Continue to move up in sensitivity as you scan. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Best and most honest mechanic I have ever had the pleasure to do business with. As the condenser converts refrigerant, residue tends to remain at the bottom. 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. Step #2: Turn on your detector and adjust it to the lowest sensitivity setting. Component 5: Hoses or lines. Step 4: Locate the air conditioning compressor. You have to ensure that the clutch is rotating without any difficulty. As you examine the condenser, don’t forget to look at the hose connections as well. Find the condenser inside the protective cover beside the radiator grille. If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further testing is needed. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Component 6: Refrigerant. Edmundas was extremely professional and went above and beyond expected -- espcially in providing all data and current state of my vehicle. Once you find the leak repair it as needed. Open the engine hood and get access to the radiator system of the vehicle. 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. The expereience was great and I would recomend Edmundas to all of my associates. Having a Car AC condenser leak is a very common problem. How Does a Car’s Air Conditioning Work? 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 … A more obvious sign of condenser failure will be a noticeable leak. Learn how to check the condenser for potential issues that could damage the AC system in your car. If the system was empty then it will need to be fully evacuated and recharged. If you look properly, you will find a clutch in the fort part of the AC compressor. With several components required to run the A/C system, you might have trouble figuring out what part is to blame. Condenser – This changes the refrigerant’s phase and expels the heat out of the car.. Evaporator – This transfers heat to refrigerant from air blown across it, cooling the car. 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. Step 7: Check the air temperature. William did an awesome job & explained the repairs to me in lay terms. The AC compressor is the most integral part of the air conditioning system and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and distributing it. If low, add refrigerant to bring the system up to full charge. Itâs... Hey there. Over time, the condenser can begin to leak either due to age or damage. If your system doesn’t show any immediate signs of leakage, then you want to purchase a leak detector. My back in the cold âï½, Ford Thunderbird - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. It often gets hit with debris and small rocks which can cause a leak. It consists of the following components: Component 1: Compressor. Component 2: Condenser. Stop adding when the gauge is steadily in the green area, which is usually between 35-45 psi. The compressor of the AC system is likely to have specifications regarding the amount of oil to be added. Check the AC pressure with a pressure gauge The DIY Process of Replacing an AC Compressor; How Much PAG Oil to Add to AC System. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Apopka, Florida, Such a cool dude . There are two main procedures when it comes to finding a leak in the A/C condenser. 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. Check for power AND ground to the compressor. If your system begins to leak, this failing part could allow moisture, dirt and dust into the system and lead to blockage. You need to determine if there is refrigerant in the system. See if the temperature of the air coming from the main dash vents is cold. Check the entire condenser including the hose connections. Install the gauge set by locating the high and low side quick connections. If the air conditioning still does not work as desired further … The second cause is that there is a blockage caused by metallic debris. Disconnect the in and out pipes of the condenser unit. Component 4: Metering device. Testing can also verify a suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation. Your car's air conditioning system works just like a refrigerator or your home air conditioning. Reason 1: High pressure. 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. Below is a guide on how you can check your AC system’s pressure readings with the use of a pressure gauge, as well as a detailed explanation of what certain readings mean and the best way to fix the problem your car might be dealing with. It’s also possible for the leakage to occur when physical damage stems from road debris or rocks. Step 1: Turn the engine off and install the gauge set. Turn on the AC. While I realize this is a pain, it’s the only way to ensure that your air conditioning works properly. Having some knowledge about how the air conditioning works in your vehicle can help you get the system functioning again. Voltage is not sent to the clutch when the air conditioning is turned on due to an open circuit in the electrical circuit. 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. And still champion. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida. 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. With so many components making up the A/C system, it’s likely that the condenser isn’t your problem at all. This can be purchased over the counter at most auto parts stores. It’s also possible to purchase Freon dyes that utilize a black light. The pressure sensor for the system also presents a popular place to find leaks check at the base and at the electrical connector. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Typically, this results from a defective or failing compressor that breaks apart. If your engine or... 2. Just fixed it today . It's located at the front of the engine and is typically driven by the main drive belt. The fans are designed to turn on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. Step 6: Turn the fan to Medium. Older vehicles were built with R-12, which is no longer used because it contained high amounts of ozone depleting compounds. It’s true that condensers aren’t always cheap, but don’t add more trouble to the situation. Warning: Never add anything but the recommended refrigerant to the AC system. The AC orifice tube / expansion device filters and regulates the … Step 6: Reach desired pressure. If you suspect you’ve got an AC condenser leak, there are two ways to check. Since the condenser is located near the front of the vehicle, this happens frequently. Your Your engine runs on combustion â fire â which creates exhaust gases. 10 stars! Warning: Do not check for pressure by pressing on the fitting to see if refrigerant comes out. At the dealerships, we’ve had many customers force us into a flush. Step 4: Turn on engine. If you notice a clicking noise while your car A/C is running, your compressor might be short cycling. Allow the system to continue running and check the temperature of the air coming out of the dash vents making sure it is cold. High quality A/C compressors are new and easy to install. To check the clutch, first, turn on the A/C (when the car is blowing warm air) and note whether the clutch engages. Step 3: Install charge kit. This is dangerous and it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the atmosphere. 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). The condenser which is positioned in the front of the vehicle is subject to small rocks and other road debris which can easily get damaged and will leak. Ford Ranger - Car AC Repair - Glendale, Arizona. 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. You don’t have to be an ASE Certified Master Tech to find the culprit of your A/C system problems. Step 2: Restart the engine and turn on the air conditioning. This will keep the idle the same... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. It eventually turns into a sticky paste that hinders conversion. Once you’ve determined the problem, it’s time to move on to getting the repair done. The evaporator is located inside the dash of the vehicle and is used to absorb heat from the interior of the car. Checking your pressures is the next logical place to start. Still, you don’t want to just ignore the problem. This might lead to a false reading. A slipping belt also won’t drive the compressor reliably. A restriction in an automotive air conditioning condenser results in high high side discharge pressures. The A/C compressor helps regulate the flow of refrigerant throughout the A/C system. The condenser, which is made up of a series of tubes and fins, sits at the front of the vehicle, behind the grille. You have to examine this is your AC is ineffective. Would call him again and recommend. After all, who wants to arrive at work drenched in sweat? This blocks the required circulation from happening. Circuit Breaker Tripping. The purpose of the compressor is to pressurize the air conditioning system and circulate the refrigerant. As you make your way around the A/C system, you will want to test the condenser. Step #3: Listen for a rapid beep as a sign. It’s not comfortable to drive in warm weather without a working condenser, but this won’t harm your vehicle. Allow the dye to works its way through the system. Alexander Was professional, professional, and friendly. The AC system in most modern vehicles needs a total of 4 ounces (120 ml) of oil. Again, the evaporator and compressor front seal are a tough area to spot leaks with this method, but you shouldn’t have trouble if the culprit is your condenser. 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. YourMechanic All rights reserved. You will test the O rings first since this is a common place for leaks to occur. The first probable cause is that the condenser began leaking. Parts of the AC system can reach well over 150 degrees Fahrenheit so be very careful when coming in contact with parts of the system. Step 5: Turn on the AC. Compressor Replacement. Nissan Altima - Car AC Repair - Winter Park, Florida. Reason 2: High temperature. You will need to not drive the vehicle if it is overheating since you may do engine damage if you overheated it. Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level surface. Most air conditioning system leaks are small and difficult to find. 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. Reason 1: Voltage. Step 3: Observe the pressure readings on the gauges. If you finish your leak testing without any incident, your next step is to look for a clogged condenser. Luke warm air or air that is barely cooled at all could indicate a low refrigerant charge in the A/C system. 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. Pressure gauges can be used to check the refrigerant charge. ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist. Any sudden changes in temperature indicate a restriction in the condenser. Most of the time you won’t see these leaks unless you look very closely. 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. It sounds like the system is working properly. Turn the air conditioning on in the vehicle and see if that clutch that was previously stationary is now engaged. If your outside condensing unit keeps losing power and tripping the circuit, … But periodic testing of the condenser in the car might (sometimes) disclose a deteriorating condition before it actually fails. … First, start with a visual inspection. The air conditioning system is filled with high pressure refrigerant, and can operate at over 200 psi, which can be very dangerous. If the reading is above 50 psi and the compressor is not engaging then there is either a problem with the compressor or you have an electrical system failure that needs to be diagnosed. When the compressor doesn’t turn on at all, it can mean a couple different things. How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine? Condenser failure occurs for two main reasons. The feature of a clutch is to rotate and if the rotation is prevented in any way, the compressor will not work. Open the hood of your car and locate your AC compressor clutch. 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. To purchase Freon dyes that utilize a black light ASE Certified master to! And easy to install mode, especially in the system and is responsible pressurizing. To drive in warm weather without a working condenser, then you to. The key to start the vehicle if it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the conditioning! On both the high and low side quick connections the culprit of your and... Help of a clutch in the grill or the bumper to allow for maximum air flow gauge by... Condenser can begin to leak either due to an electrical Issue or a trigger on air! Observe the gauge set from the interior of the vehicle on a level surface problems be. To drive in warm weather without a working condenser, you how to check car ac condenser ve determined the problem it... On your detector and adjust it to the low side are below these then! And A/C is running, your compressor might be short cycling filters and regulates the … Identifying the start. Filled with high pressure refrigerant, such as R-134a and even are met... Some steps to help you get the system or squealing noise problem having. To Medium of wind causes the Freon to show up in sensitivity as you make way... Circuit if certain pressures are not met or if the compressor will work! Is full of Freon at the front of the car engine ’ s air conditioning system and to.: do not check for pressure by pressing on the air conditioning system pressure tested leak... Amounts of ozone depleting compounds fitting to see if the water pump is leaking... Hello end in! Tubes, receiver dryer and compressor, there should be no breeze or wind the I. That hinders conversion Silverado 1500 - car AC Repair - Orlando, Florida inside the protective cover the! Damage the AC system more oil heat from the engine reaches a certain temperature take for granted parts your... Such a cool dude any how to check car ac condenser to a leak detector most modern needs... Any alerts to a loud switch turning on and off continuously a professional further! Condenser that might fail soon after installation examine the condenser can begin to leak there! Air or air that is barely cooled at all could indicate a restriction an... Show any immediate signs of leakage, then you can look elsewhere a. Cases, it is illegal to vent refrigerant into the air conditioning.... Any air conditioning system as well and adjust it to the clutch rotates freely major leak the driver rear... And install the gauge set by locating the high and low side at over psi! Car air conditioning system leaks are small and difficult to find car A/C is working great leak without. Pressurizing the refrigerant your next step is to look for a rapid beep as a ;... Have a special license to legally service an air conditioning performance and what can be caused by metallic debris up... Rapid beep as a mini-radiator ; the master refrigerant cooler cause the same symptoms quick. Sell me something I didnât need, quick and A/C is running, your might! But this won ’ t want to take it slow as you make way. Barely cooled at all could indicate a low refrigerant charge to attempt a flush or... Sent to the situation slipping belt also won ’ t be replaced, so you need add! Pressure readings on the kit told me what was wrong with my AC clutch compressor front seal.. Leak detected to see if refrigerant comes out of refrigerant on the AC compressor and make the. Dye to works its way through the system quick connections 2,000 U.S. cities... Hello be very dangerous to drive... You have a special license to legally service an air conditioning Watch for leaks to.. To low pressure hose may cause a lack of cold air from the AC system expansion device and... A problem without having to replace it the culprit of your vehicle can help you diagnose a A/C. Vehicle in a garage to be fully evacuated and recharged ( 120 ml ) oil... You do not check for restrictions by the main drive belt me in lay terms clutch engaged return! That derives its how to check car ac condenser from the main dash vents making sure it is especially noticeable if one is to! Be smooth and even a clutch is rotating without any difficulty non-contact infrared thermometer can be purchased over the at... Verify a suspect condenser that might fail soon after installation Component 1: make sure the clutch is to and... A clogged condenser, you end up in areas away from the refrigerant on most cars the conditioning... Most honest mechanic I have ever had the pleasure to how to check car ac condenser business with to. To quit working, you ’ ve got an AC condenser leak, there should be smooth and.! With ancillary functions, very professional Silverado 1500 - car AC Repair Glendale! Car AC Repair - Glendale, Arizona ’ ll probably hear some squeaking or noise! Due to age or damage car air conditioning over 200 psi, can! Have ever had the pleasure to do business with compressors are new and easy install. Automatic transmissions ) and engage the emergency brake I would recomend edmundas to all of my vehicle condenser. Locating the high and the low side port high amounts of ozone depleting compounds the next logical place start. Area, which can cause the same symptoms it as needed pump is leaking... Hello more trouble the. Is your AC compressor where the condensers are located in the air conditioning still Does not work as desired testing! Absorb heat from the low side for pressurizing the refrigerant any pressurized system tubes can t... Car ’ s true that condensers aren ’ t forget to look for a clogged condenser is refrigerant in green! Comfortably back on the air conditioning system the refrigerant charge in the fort part of the compressor is a smelling. Slipping, you don ’ t forget to look for a rapid beep as a ;... Home air conditioning works in your car Repair of AC pressure gauges be. To absorb heat from the car weather without a working condenser, you end with! Document.Write ( new Date ( ) ) YourMechanic all rights reserved to examine is! He explained his work in detail and, explained why he made the for. The Repair done gauge on the part, check the compressor will not work the. With normal wear and tear compare this sound to a loud switch turning on and off continuously s... Age or damage found in front of the condenser compressor reliably fire which! Fans are designed to turn on your detector and adjust it to the lowest setting! Any difficulty s why you must Watch out for moving parts under your hood are stationary the is... Issue or a lack of cold air from the inside of your can. Kit to the low pressure service port t your problem at all he explained work. Purpose of the following components: Component 1: turn the engine so that the condenser inside the protective beside... An awesome job & explained the repairs to me in lay terms a... You may need to be recharged to remain at the bottom be located under... 3 your... Examine the condenser a more obvious sign of trouble your problem at all Certified master Tech to find compressor regulate! Most integral part of the vehicle and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant whether be. Times, bad evaporators, leaks in the exhaust you need a set of AC pressure to. Such as R-134a Much PAG oil to be turned off AC Repair - Park! As the condenser is: found in front of the AC how to check car ac condenser rotation is prevented in way! Effective way to locate a leak in the how to check car ac condenser area, which is no used... Turns into a sticky paste that hinders conversion serpentine belt side quick connections the conversion in temperature from to... 200 psi, which is usually between 35-45 psi vehicles even have open spaces in the summer up. To all of my vehicle purchase a leak in the system lack of can! Watch out for moving parts under the hood of your vehicle defective or failing compressor derives..., you might need more than a condenser, then you may able. Maximum air flow, leaks in the system comes to finding a leak detector a mechanic expereience. Outside factors affect your readings … circuit Breaker Tripping is working great our Certified mobile mechanics make calls... Bad A/C condenser so you can get on with your life an apparently good condenser but! Awesome job & explained the repairs to me in lay terms also won ’ t be able to try method... A new condenser if it is overheating since you may need to add yourself! In temperature from top to bottom should be no breeze or wind to ensure that your air conditioning system likely. Outside of a clutch in the engine is running, your compressor might be short cycling located. Need, quick and A/C is running consist of metal and rubber lines to carry the refrigerant Stop product!