Required fields are marked *. '04 Ford Escape A/C is blowing ice cold air while driving but not idling. Besides this, the list of causes is pretty long. Thankfully, air conditioning maintenance is relatively easy. In the mornings while driving to work it blows cold air since it's maybe 78 outside but once I get off work it's 100F and it won't blow cold air. If you notice that your cars air conditioner is leaking, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. About half of this would be labor costs and the remaining is the price of the parts. Checking the system from time to time is crucial to keep it in a good condition. Your pipes being moderately cool and proper . When you stop your car, the AC compressor is no longer being driven by the engine and therefore is not able to circulate the refrigerant. Best is to use a gauge set and read the high / low pressures on the system while it is running. Go to a Mustang repair forum and search "blend door". Your email address will not be published. Additionally, a blocked condenser can also cause short cycling. What do the pressures do when you attempt to raise the RPM? In other words, it maintains the engines optimal operating temperature. If your cars air conditioner isnt working when the car is idling, there are a few possible explanations. My AC started blowing warm air when sitting idle. On average, expect a compressor replacement to cost you somewhere around $750. But as the car builds up speed, it can pump again as normal. This service usually costs between $150 $300. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Make sure to have your AC system checked by a qualified mechanic before the warm weather hits. When the blend air door doesn't work as it is supposed to, it can't regulate whether hot or cool air is coming out. When the fan doesnt spin automatically, there are several possible causes: To diagnose this problem, turn on your AC and turn the blower to the MAX position. Joe Meehan and Weedeater I'm open to any further suggestions. Motor Verso is an automotive website; for car enthusiasts, run by car enthusiasts. If youve ever wondered why your air conditioner (AC) works better when youre driving, youre not alone. Adjusting the air conditioner to a higher setting may solve the problem.Second, the car may be low on Freon. Industry: New and used car dealers, Automobiles and other motor vehicles, General automotive repair shops, Motor vehicle supplies and new parts, Auto and home supply stores See All Industries, Wrecking and demolition work, Excavation work, Special trade contractors, nec Plumbing, heating, air-conditioning See Fewer Industries Maybe you have a bad thermostat. How to Avoid Getting a Ticket for an Illegal Turn? This is especially true if the car doesnt have any under guard. Meanwhile, the condenser will cost around $450 $950 to replace, including labor. If these parts become dirty or become worn with old age, your condenser might lose its function. There are a few things you can do to diagnose low coolant levels. An AC compressor runs off a pulley attached via a belt to your engine's crankshaft. Make sure they are all. Most cars have two cooling fans, one for the condenser and the other for the radiator. Bad condenser relay switch: easy replacement. Two, like you mentioned, the condenser is clogged. There are a few reasons why your car's air conditioner (AC) may only work when the car is moving. All this basically means your AC system now has to remove excess heat that it wasnt designed to in the first place. AC only Blows Cold when Driving: What Causes The AC To Blow Cold Only When Driving? The temperature of the air coming out of your vents tells you a lot about where the problem is. First, make sure that the fan blades are free of debris. Finally, the refrigerant gets to the evaporator. Sometimes you can clean or replace the faulty part itself, sometimes youll need to replace the whole condenser or the entire A/C unit. First, check the seals around the AC unit to see if they are tight and free of leaks. You can do the refill yourself if you know the procedure. Another reason is that the engine provides power to the AC compressor, which helps the AC system work more efficiently. If they are clogged with dirt and dust, they will not be able to spin properly and will eventually break. The ac will first operate more effectively while driving. The problem is that air conditioning leaks can be difficult to identify, and repairing them is likely to be expensive. The AC compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the AC system. When youre idling, the engine isnt running and the AC has to rely on battery power, which isnt as strong.Finally, the AC system in your car is designed to work best when the outside temperature is hot and the inside temperature is cool. Plan your budget if your car has a faulty compressor. There are two possibilities that I can think of. If the coolant level is low, or there is a leak in the system, this could cause the AC only to blow cold when the car is moving. If it is, then you will need to, Second, check the compressor belt to see if it is, Third, check the air filter to see if it needs to be. A/C condenser fan: Your car's A/C condenser keeps your air conditioner cool. Switch the AC system to the recirculate mode. In other words, it maintains the engines optimal operating temperature. Let us explain how the air conditioning system in your car works. Therefore, cool air doesnt pass through the cabin. Measure the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. This valve is designed to release pressure from the tank when it gets too high. To get an accurate estimate for your specific situation, its best to contact a licensed HVAC contractor. There are many reasons why you might find the. - Bob Cross Jun 29, 2016 at 14:54 1 Yes it only does it when sitting still and not when I'm driving - Bryan Jun 29, 2016 at 16:01 Auto climate control systems vary in design and can get complicated but they all have mechanical provision for controlling temperature by mixing fresh/cold/hot air. If the power is on, but the expansion valve still isnt working, you may need to replace the expansion valve. Therefore, when the car is not moving, the engine doesnt work. False Alarms: Why is My Tire Pressure Light Misbehaving? It is a significant practice because when you discover that the engine is not in its average condition it affects other parts of your car, especially the air conditioner. Once its below the minimum level, the compressor will struggle to pump the refrigerant in the system, especially when idling. Have a professional inspect your AC system periodically to make sure that everything is in working order. This can cause the AC system to stop working.There are a few different reasons why your cars AC system may stop working when you stop the car. If there is a leak, the refrigerant will escape from the system and the AC will not be able to function properly.If your cars AC system stops working when you stop the car, it is important to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic. While driving, there is a continuous flow of air. This is a more severe problem that will require the replacement of the compressor. In this case, youre going to have to troubleshoot the overheating problem and solve it immediately before it turns into an expensive engine rebuild. His writing ability effortlessly brings to life intriguing stories and educational articles on everything car-related. 3. One reason could be that the AC compressor is not receiving enough power from the engine to operate. One such is a misbehaving AC in your car. What is the outside temperature? Keep in mind that when you have a temperature sensor or thermostat problem, youre likely to notice engine temperature issues. I am here to help you with your car questions. These tools have been tried and tested by our team, they are ideal for fixing your car at home. And then see if there are any leaks in the engine bay. A blocked condenser might also cause a problem called short-cycling, which makes the A/C unit cycle on and off rapidly and ineffectively instead of optimal operation. If you suspect your air conditioner is not performing properly, and that is causing your car to surge, its best to have the air conditioning system checked professionally. Answer (1 of 46): With a regular internal combustion engine, hot water from the engine's water jacket is diverted through a heater core and a mixture of cabin air and/or outside air is circulated over it to warm the air by an electric fan. Any part of the condenser, the fan, the coil, the switch, or the motor can cause the problem. This is because when youre driving, air from outside of the car will still pass through the condenser. Fuel Pump 101: Where Is the Fuel Pump on a 6.6 Duramax? Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Coolant regulates engine temperature and the flow of hot air into the cabin. And as weve learned, leaks will lead to low refrigerant levels which disrupt the circulation and can cause the air conditioning to be warm when idling. The most likely explanation is that the air conditioner is low on refrigerant. The only time it will turn off when the A/C button is depressed (and blower fan is on) is if the low side pressure drops too low, or the high side pressure goes too high. This helps to cool it down, even without the fan. Wait a few minutes to get your reading. The compressor can pump the Freon more easily when the car is running at a high speed on the highway but it struggles when the car sits idle. AC Only Works When Driving: How The Car AC Works, AC Only Works When Driving: Possible Causes, AC Only Works When Driving: Repair Cost Estimates, Replacement Cost For Air Conditioning Parts, AC Only Works When Driving: If Your Engine Is Overheating, AC Only Works When Driving: In Conclusion. And yes, Condenser fan is a possible. You must log in or register to reply here. When the engine stalls, the air conditioner compressor also shuts off.Thats why your air conditioner only works when the car is moving. Replacing a blown fuse or relay usually costs no more than $15. However, if the issue lies with a leaking condenser or evaporator or the compressor shaft seal, repair is expensive and more troublesome, which should be performed by a professional. The condenser features a section of coils that the cool air from outside passes over, thus transferring the heat from the compressed gas to the air. Broken components in the AC system can also cause the AC to only work when youre driving. First, check to see if there is any damage to the. Unless you have the right tools and good mechanical skills, replacing AC components is probably best left for professionals to do. I have created hundreds of articles for Motor Verso helping others fix their cars also. In this case, youll probably feel the AC not working at all whether youre idling or driving. Can You Use Water Instead Of Coolant In The Summer In An Emergency? Why does my car ac only get cold when Im accelerating? I am new to the sight. Another reason an air compressor can explode is if the pressure relief valve fails. Switch on the AC every week if you live in a place with a cold climate. You can learn more about your cars heater core in our repair guide here. Once purified, the compressed refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, where it is stripped of its pressure. It works largely similar to how home air conditioning works; they use the same components and refrigerants as a means to cool the air. A basic quick overview of what to check when an air conditioner in a car does not cool when stopped at an idle but does cool when driving and moving. I am here to help you with your car questions. When it comes to our cars, there are certain things that we tend to ignore, and there are things that we want to ignore but cannot. If the air compressor is not properly cooled, the air inside the tank can become too hot and cause the tank to burst. If the expansion valve is stuck, and the low side pulls too low off idle, that will cause the compressor to kick back off. Unveiling the Consequences of Driving Without a License, Moving a Car to Another State: A Comprehensive Guide, How to Fix a P0171 Code Cost, Causes, and Symptoms. Another cause is that the AC compressor is not working properly. You should check if the fans connections are loose or it does not properly sit in its slot, or if theres any damage that would impede its operation. Finally, the AC may not work if the engine is not running at a high enough speed. When idling, AC does not work and engine overheats. Here I would strongly recommend you pick up a Service manual (Haynes or Chiltons) and review the A/C troubleshooting guides. This could be because of cracks in the AC system line, or a leak from the condenser. This can impede airflow and cause the car AC to stop producing a cooling effect. A qualified automotive technician can diagnose and repair AC problems like these. 4. It only takes a minute to sign up. Without details it's difficult to diagnose the problem. Does your AC only work when the car is moving? If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it will need to be recharged. When the compressor is not functional, it finds it difficult to get cold, and the engine should put extra work into it to make it cooler. I used about 1.25. VS "I don't like it raining.". He owns a car repair shop at downtown Osaka, and he put all that experience to good use in his sharing posts. Here are our tips on maintaining your cars AC system: The heater is actually a part of the cooling system and not the AC system. Buy 2 gallons of Honda antifreeze (even if the dealer suggests only one). Try recalling when was the last time you had a refrigerant recharge. If the compressor is not engaging, it could be because the compressor is seized or there is a problem with the electrical system. Two 3/8" bolts make good plugs for the transmission lines when disconnecting them. This raises the heater cores temperature, and a blower fan will blow air through it. Most cars have two cooling fans, one for the condenser and the other for the radiator. When youre driving, the outside temperature is hot and the inside temperature is cool, so the AC can work more effectively. Another thing you can do is to check the bearings of the fan. The average cost for an AC compressor replacement is between $400 and $900 depending on the particular car. As a result of the compression, the temperature in the system increases. How much does it cost to fix your cars AC? >> Buy a high-quality used car at best deal from Japanese authorized dealers here <<. re: Air-conditioner works only when car is moving. One possibility is that there is a problem with the cooling system itself. Tsukasa Azuma is an awesome car blogger of Car From Japan. Ask me anything. If the internals is heated then no matter how good your car Ac is, it is bound to malfunction. If your condenser fan is not working properly, you can do a few things to diagnose the problem. As mentioned, the condenser can wear down over time as well. Sometimes, for older cars, a trace dye that is bright green in colour is added to the A/C system for easily detecting condenser leaks (your vehicle operates on many fluids, each has a distinct colour, so dont mistake them). Here are tips on fixing a clogged or blocked compressor clutch. In this case, youll likely need a professional to find and repair the leak and restore the refrigerant to the correct level. One of the most common reasons why your cars air conditioner may not be cooling at idle is because of a low refrigerant level. Service it regularly. But hang on, the air turns out to be only very mildly cold. 1. Check Out How Much Does It Cost To Fix AC In Car? If the compressor clutch is still not engaging properly, If you are not sure how to fix a clogged or blocked compressor clutch, you can always, If your expansion valve is stuck open, you may notice a, If your expansion valve is stuck closed, your AC unit, An expansion valve stuck closed can also cause our AC unit to. The cost of replacing an air conditioner coil can vary depending on the type of coil, the size of your unit, and the make and model of your air conditioner. If the fans work properly, it will reduce the refrigerants temperature as it passes the condenser. One possible reason for low Freon level is a leak in the AC condenser. A few things can affect the cost of repairs, such as the type of problem, the make and model of the car, and the location of the repair. It could be that your AC is overworked from trying to keep up with the higher temperatures outside, or there could be something wrong with the compressor. But why does the AC still works when driving? Read on to learn the most common reasons as well as how to fix the problem in each case. You get in your car, turn the engine on, and then switch on the AC. As in, it only makes cold air when you're sitting still? You can, there are tons of guides out there on how to replace the AC components in your car. Leaks most commonly occur in worn O-rings, seals and hoses of the air conditioning system, followed by leaks in a pinhole of the condenser and evaporator, and leaks in the compressor shaft seal. Here at AxleWise we know that finding the best car advice is a real pain! Bryan, I must admit I'm very confused by the way you are asking your question. Another possibility is damages from physical impact by road debris or rocks, as the condenser is located near the front of a car. Why does my AC work better when Im driving? Ford Ranger 2008 AC works only on recycled air. It blows ice cold at idle. If you are unsure of what is causing the problem, it is best to take the car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. If the fan is damaged or cannot run with its full force, it cannot cool down the heat coming from the Freon (refrigerant) through the condenser. Otherwise, you wont be able to make heads or tails of what might be wrong and why your AC only works when driving. See Also: Can You Use Water Instead Of Coolant In The Summer In An Emergency? After traveling through the evaporator, the refrigerant is now super clean, dry and cold. For example, it will cost $800 to replace the entire compressor and around $500 to repair a condenser fan. However, if it turns out that one of the components is broken, youre going to have to replace it. If theres a leak in one of the lines, it will cost anywhere between $150 $800 to repair the leak. Weve written comprehensive articles about the two components and you can read them here: If it doesnt spin, then its either a blown fuse, a bad relay, or the fan motor is broken. Why is Bb8 better than Bc7 in this position? You might be able to repair it, but its not going to be worth it and youre better off replacing the component altogether. The engine may either overheat, or it will struggle to get to operating temperature. If your compressor clutch is not engaging or seems blocked, you can do a few things to diagnose the problem. If the compressor is not engaging, the AC will not work.Another possibility is that there is a problem with the AC system itself, such as a leak. You just have to clean off debris from the coil to restore the condensers capability. As a result, neither the coils nor the cabin are cooled. When you go to an auto repair shop for an air conditioning service, the first thing they will do is check the refrigerant level using a two-dial pressure gauge. A faulty blower motor or clogged expansion valve can cause the AC to only work when driving. If the AC compressor belt slips, it will cause the compressor clutch to not engage . Leakage In AC How To Diagnose Air Conditioner? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. This is typically due to a worn compressor that is breaking apart and dispersing metallic internal parts throughout the entire system. Address: 4532 Sunburst St Bellaire, TX 77401 | Phone: +1 (956)-245-3991 | Email: contact@axlewise.com. There are a few reasons your AC might not work when idling. Coolant is crucial for the cars AC to function. Take a look at this excellent guide video from ChrisFix: The refrigerant costs about $32 for a 20oz can. We have a team of writers working daily on common car problems. I am experiencing an interesting problem with my AC operation and I am wondering if anyone has any insight. Tsukasas blog is one of the best resources for information about keeping your favorite imported car running smoothly. Otherwise the clutch will stay engaged all the time, but the compressor itself will displace more gas when the system is first turned on. If the compressor is not engaging, or if it is not pumping enough refrigerant, this could also cause the AC only to blow cold when driving. With any automotive performance problem, vacuum lines are a great place to start. Thank you so much for the responses. We wrote a comprehensive guide on how to diagnose an overheating engine and you can read about it here. However, we dont recommend doing it yourself, whether to fix a leak or to replace major components. However, when the car is moving, this might not look like an issue as the outside air will go through the engine. Its bloody hot in the summer, and its bloody frustrating when you turn on the AC and wait to be rescued by a draft of cool air but instead get nothing. Before you curse that decision, find out the reasons and the possible solutions to the issue. What's the cause? The residue will turn into a sticky paste, causing circulation issues, as well as disturbing the heat dissipation process. Is it low on refrigerant? This means the problem lies either with your temperature sensor or thermostat. Sometimes, youre less lucky. AC units are only designed to work in wet weather, not dry weather. Maybe the evaporator fan is going bad? If refrigerant was low despite the pressures we talked about the clutch would disengage from time to time indicating low service. (hint: from what you've said, I doubt its the cooling fanAlso, if the cooling fan was inoperative, the engine temperature gauge would be quite high.). In fact the vents discharge warm air! In this case, youll have to repair the AC system. However, if your coolant level is normal, then you probably have a faulty component in the cooling system. 3. In this blog post, well discuss the possible causes of this problem and suggest some solutions. How To Replace Air Conditioner Compressor? If you find that your cars air conditioner blows cold on the low setting but not on the high setting, there are a few potential causes. If your compressor clutch is damaged, you can do a few things to fix it. But make sure you get it repaired sooner. The compressor cant properly circulate the cool air when this happens, resulting in lukewarm or even warm air coming out of the vents. This is usually caused by a faulty thermostat or a cooling system that needs to be flushed.If your car is stalling because of an overheating issue, youll need to have it checked by a mechanic. it turns into an expensive engine rebuild, Most car air conditioning system is powered by the engine, The condenser then removes heat from the refrigerant and transforms it into a liquid. If youve ever been driving along on a hot day, only to have your air conditioner stop working as soon as you come to a stop, you know how frustrating it can be. If it is neither of the two, then you either have a clogged system, or a faulty component such as the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The Radiator fan should come on as soon as the AC is switched on. The evaporator may also corrode over time, which will cause leaks as well. You have been absolutly wonderfull in this matter and I appreciate it. A dirty or clogged condenser: If your condenser is clogged with dirt or anything thats interfering with the unit, simply give it a thorough cleaning to restore the units optimal performance. Lets see what could be the probable reasons for car AC not blowing cold air when idle. First, check to see if the compressor is turning on when you switch the AC to high. In total, youll have to pay somewhere between $650 $1,000 for an evaporator replacement. To detect leaks, add refrigerant to restore it to the correct level, then turn the AC on. #1 Hello everyone. As in, it only makes cold air when you're sitting still? One such is a misbehaving AC in your car. Another sign of low Freon level is if you dont hear the clutch engaging the moment you turn your vehicles AC on. The good news is, it's a common problem with a few simple causes. (1) I think you are saying that your car's air conditioning works well when the outside air temperature is at 78F, but it doesn't work when the outside air temperature is 100F. Before diving into the possible culprit that can cause car air conditioner not blowing cold air when idling, you should grasp the basics of how your cars air conditioning unit works. My AC cools like it's suppose to and works fine when I leave the car idling. Why? How Many Mistakes Are Allowed in a Driving Test? The air conditioning system in your car requires a refrigerant for operation and consists of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, orifice tube, and an accumulator. There may also be a leak in the refrigerant system, and this would cause your cabin air not to work properly. Even if it does, the seals and tubes of the condenser can wear down, but in most cars, it will take somewhere between 10 15 years for this to happen. Here are the possible causes: The most likely culprit is the condenser fan. 1. This can be a bit frustrating during the summer, but dont worry; youre not alone. So, if youve ever wondered why your cars AC works better when youre driving, now you know!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smartacsolutions_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartacsolutions_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smartacsolutions_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',602,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartacsolutions_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-602{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Then as the interior cools down and the evaporator gets cold the expansion valve moves and the compressor no longer needs to displace so much gas so it becomes easier to turn. Secondly, the cooled gas, when reaching the expansion valve, reduces the pressure and expands. Quick Fix: How to Bypass Blower Motor Resistors, First, check to see if the coolant level is low. Read on to learn the most common reasons as well as how to fix the problem in each case. And this means that the system will struggle to recirculate the refrigerant, causing your AC to be warm. I will say for the root cause of condensor / engine cooling fan inoperative what you will see is terrible A/C performance at idle and good performance at 60 MPH. Be sure to have your. Re: Air-conditioner works only when car is moving. And youll need to do this quickly, as overheating can cause excessive damage to the engine which could lead to an expensive engine rebuild. The difference is in the power source and the type of refrigerant used. By following a few simple tips, you can keep your cars air conditioner running smoothly: There are a few signs that your cars AC may be low on Freon. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smartacsolutions_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',611,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartacsolutions_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smartacsolutions_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',611,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smartacsolutions_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-611{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If you notice that your cars air conditioner only works when the engine is cold, there are a few potential causes. Finally, the refrigerant gas, which has served its function of cooling and expansion, returns to the compressor. Finally, the air conditioner may not be working because the belt that drives the compressor is broken.If the belt is broken, the compressor wont be able to turn, and the air conditioner wont work. If you suspect your AC is low on Freon, take it to a mechanic or auto AC specialist for a diagnosis and recharge. When the parts in the air conditioning system are faulty, it will cause problems with your cars air conditioning. To do this, turn off the power to the unit and disconnect the expansion valve from the unit. P0300 Code: What Causes It and Ways to Fix It! When the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it cant cool the air effectively, and the air will be warm when the car is idling.Another possibility is that the air conditioner compressor isnt working properly. : One possibility is that there is a leak in the system. Then you drive along and now the air conditioning is working. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the blend air door. This will make troubleshooting and fixing the problem more self-explanatory. I can't get it to fail right away by just bringing the RPM up sitting staticly. If none of these things seem to be the issue, you may need to take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis. Get Professional Help with Car AC Problems, Cracking the Code: The Bolt Pattern of BMW Explained. Once youve fixed the air conditioning in your car, youre going to want to maintain it. If theres no visible leak, then its possible you have a blown head gasket. rev2023.6.2.43474. Coolant is crucial for the cars AC to function. If it turns out the problem is an overheating engine, then youll need to address either the cooling system or the engines internals. 4. Sometimes you don't notice or ignore them. If its below the minimum level, then you have a leak in the system. Dirty coil: The coil is the part that the cool ambient air gets blown over, so over time, it is also prone to collecting dust and other contaminants in the air. Car air conditioner not blowing cold air when idling is a pretty common issue related to your vehicles AC unit. In any case, youre going to have to replace them. The AC fan may not be working properly if it only works while driving, and it could be due to dirty blades, a defective motor, low fan speed, or a blockage. If you look very, very closely, all youre likely to see is a faint outline of refrigerant oil. The evaporator may also break over time. Prices start at around $350 and can go as high as $500. If the high side is only 175 psi and the low side is 30, you do not have enough refrigerant in the system. If you notice your temperature gauge sitting higher than usual, then you have an overheating engine. Many people experience this issue. While you do not feel it much on the TDI, you feel it a LOT on the 2.0Lwhen you first turn the A/C on it drags the engine down. If the condenser is leaking excessively, youll need to replace the entire condenser as its not possible to replace cracked or broken seals or tubes. Otherwise, you won't be able to make heads or tails of what might be wrong and why your AC only works when driving. A Faulty condenser fan The cooling fan in the condenser is the first thing that you should look into while finding out the reasons for car air conditioner not blowing cold air when idling. Download the Way app for all To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. First, check to see if the compressor is turning on. But as mentioned, the air conditioning system is a closed-loop system and it isnt supposed to lose refrigerant at least not by much. There are a few reasons why your cars air conditioner (AC) may only work when the car is moving. This is often due to a worn compressor where the internal parts are breaking down. Legal Tint Regulations in New Jersey: What You Need to Know. Find limit using generalized binomial theorem. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to fix this problem. Odds are, your car's air conditioning isn't working due to one of the following: a malfunctioning A/C condenser fan, an A/C condenser blockage, a problem with your A/C compressor, or low coolant. If the AC in a car only works when driving, it could be due to a problem with the condenser fan. The problem occurs at most cars at some point in their lifetime. Well get into this further later on. Technically, a car engine should have an ideal temperature of less than 240F (116C). Can the logo of TSR help identifying the production time of old Products? Maintain the air conditioning system regularly. There are so many different websites out there, all claiming to be the best resource on the world wide web. Depending on my research ability over the years I created the Smart AC Solutions for Web and do review articles regarding AC and related accessories. In any case, leaks mean your cars air conditioning system will lose refrigerant over time. Meanwhile, the heater core itself is quite expensive. Most modern cars have whats called an idle air control valve.This valve regulates the amount of air that flows into the engine when the car is idling. Now, lets get into how to diagnose, and the repair cost estimates for each problem: The condenser fan problem is probably the easiest and cheapest one to fix all the possible problems. One reason your cars AC might work better when youre driving is because the air flow from the vents is increased.When youre stopped, the air flow is reduced and the AC has to work harder to cool the air. The door is fully closed at the blue end of the dial, and fully opened at the red end of the dial. But note that you must check your owners manual for the correct replacement motor to avoid causing even more damage to your air conditioning unit. The cooling fans purpose is to keep the radiator and condenser for the air conditioning cool during the idling function of the vehicle. In this case, you just need to clean the dirty parts to resolve the problem ofAC not blowing cold air: The condenser itself consists of multiple parts: the coil, the motor, the fins, the condenser relay switch, the run capacitor, plus tubes and seals. Open the windows to invite more outside air. This will make troubleshooting and fixing the problem more self-explanatory. An increase or abnormality of temperature indicates that the car engine is in danger. In any case, we hope this article has been helpful for you. I show in this video what was causing the problem and how I fixed it on my 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe Automotive Expert - I have years of experience fixing my own cars. The AC blows cold only when several things could cause driving. Another possibility is that the compressor is not working properly. And finally, if your air conditioning system seems fine, then an overheating engine might be the cause. The problem occurs at most cars at some point in their lifetime. And of course, well list down the solutions depending on the problem you have. First, check the power supply to the unit. And its pretty much the same in every car. Before you curse that decision, find out the reasons and the possible solutions to the issue. There may be leaks from the seals or the tubes. There are a few potential causes for this problem. A replacement job costs somewhere around $560 $930 including labor. An ideal temperature of the dial imported car running smoothly see what could be due to a problem my. 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