Why is my car AC blowing warm air?
The most common cause is low refrigerant from a slow leak, since A/C systems are sealed and shouldn't need topping up. Other causes are a compressor clutch that isn't engaging, an electrical fault like a fuse or relay, a cooling fan that isn't running, or a blend door stuck on heat. If it's cold on one side and warm on the other, the blend door or a low charge is likely.
Common causes
- Refrigerant leak: from a hose, O-ring, the condenser (often damaged by road debris) or the evaporator
- Compressor not engaging: a clutch, relay, fuse or pressure switch fault
- Condenser fan not running
- Blend door actuator: clicking behind the dash, air stuck on hot
- Cabin air filter clogged, which weakens airflow, though it doesn't make it warm
What you can check
- Is the compressor clutch spinning with the A/C on? (The center of the pulley at the front of the compressor.)
- Is the cooling fan running with the A/C on?
- Any clicking behind the dashboard when you change the temperature?
What we do
We check pressures, test the compressor and its controls, and look for leaks. You'll get a clear explanation of what failed. If the A/C isn't a priority compared to other things your car needs, we'll tell you so you can decide what to do first.
From drivers who came to us
He suggested priority needs and thought to ask what aesthetic measures is important to me… he explained and educated me in a level I can understand.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
Should I just recharge the AC with a can from the store?
A can may get it cold for a while, but if it's low, it's leaking. Overcharging is easy with those cans and can damage the compressor. Finding and fixing the leak is the lasting fix.
Why does my AC work on the highway but not in traffic?
That often points to the condenser fan, which moves air through the condenser at low speed, or a low refrigerant charge.
Is water dripping under the car from the AC normal?
Yes. Clear water dripping near the front passenger side is condensation and normal.