Air Conditioning Repair

Online Auto Repair Manuals

ALLData: Do It Yourself Auto Repair Manuals

Information

How does the air conditioner work?

The primary parts of a vehicle air conditioner consist of a compressor, condenser, and a evaporator. Air is compressed and sent to the condenser, and the evaporator serves as the heat absorption component.

What can go wrong?

On a hot summer day, push a couple of buttons in the car, and the air conditioning system emits cool air within a few seconds. What happens if the vents are blowing out hot air, or if the compressor is making a noise? There may be a bad shrader valve or other component failure, like a ruptured hose, that results in an oil or refrigerant leak. Also, if a the system was manufactured before 1995, it may contain ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and the system may need to be retrofitted.

What are my options?

Many newer vehicles have computerized automatic temperature control, and the complexity of such systems may make DIY repair less feasible. Otherwise, vehicles can either be taken to a local dealer or repair shop, or the owner can repair it or retrofit it. There are numerous automotive and other DIY websites that explain how to repair and/or retrofit a vehicle?s air conditioning system.