Car AC Not Working? Check Engine Light On?
Possible Causes
There are a few possible causes of a car AC not working when the check engine light is on. These include:
- A refrigerant leak
- A faulty compressor
- A clogged condenser
- A faulty expansion valve
- An electrical problem
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is one of the most common causes of a car AC not working. Refrigerant is a gas that is used to cool the air in your car. If there is a leak in the refrigerant system, the AC will not be able to cool the air effectively.
There are a few ways to check for a refrigerant leak. One way is to look for signs of leakage, such as oil or dye around the AC system. Another way is to use a refrigerant leak detector. A refrigerant leak detector is a device that can detect the presence of refrigerant leaks.
Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the AC system. It is responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas and circulating it through the system. If the compressor fails, the AC will not be able to cool the air.
There are a few ways to check for a faulty compressor. One way is to listen for unusual noises coming from the AC system. Another way is to check the compressor clutch. The compressor clutch is a device that engages and disengages the compressor. If the compressor clutch is not working properly, the compressor will not be able to compress the refrigerant gas.
Clogged Condenser
The condenser is a heat exchanger that is located in front of the radiator. It is responsible for cooling the refrigerant gas after it has been compressed by the compressor. If the condenser is clogged, the refrigerant gas will not be able to cool down and the AC will not be able to cool the air.
There are a few ways to check for a clogged condenser. One way is to look for dirt and debris on the condenser fins. Another way is to use a garden hose to spray water on the condenser. If the water does not flow through the condenser, the condenser is likely clogged.
Faulty Expansion Valve
The expansion valve is a device that controls the flow of refrigerant gas into the evaporator. If the expansion valve is faulty, the refrigerant gas will not be able to flow into the evaporator and the AC will not be able to cool the air.
There are a few ways to check for a faulty expansion valve. One way is to listen for unusual noises coming from the AC system. Another way is to check the temperature of the evaporator. If the evaporator is not cold, the expansion valve may be faulty.
Electrical Problem
An electrical problem can also cause a car AC not to work. Electrical problems can affect any component of the AC system, including the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and blower motor.
There are a few ways to check for an electrical problem. One way is to use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the AC compressor. Another way is to check the fuses and relays that are associated with the AC system.
What to Do If Your Car AC Is Not Working
If your car AC is not working, the first thing you should do is check the check engine light. If the check engine light is on, it means that there is a problem with the engine or emission control system. You should have the problem diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
If the check engine light is not on, you can try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. You can check for a refrigerant leak, a faulty compressor, a clogged condenser, a faulty expansion valve, or an electrical problem.
If you are not able to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
