There are few things more frustrating than turning on your car’s AC and feeling nothing but warm air—even though you can clearly hear the compressor running. That sound tells you the system is trying to cool, but something critical is blocking the process. This specific problem points to a limited number of issues, meaning troubleshooting is often simpler than you think. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your AC compressor running but not cooling.
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AC Compressor Running But Not Cooling: The Possible Reasons
From the leaking refrigerant to the bad compressor, even a tiny fault in the HVAC system can make you face difficulty with your AC. Let’s get to know different reasons and their solutions-
If the refrigerant is leaking
It often happens, and it is the most common issue that makes an AC blow hot air. When the refrigerant is leaking, all you have to do is use the sealant that is available in most car repair shops. In case of confusion, you can call a repairer and let him seal all the leaks causing AC compressor running but not cooling.
To detect possible leaks, there are AC leak detection kits available online. You can also ask your nearby car repair shop for the kit.
Make sure all the fittings are intact.
Locate the front seal and the o-rings sealing and see if the switches are secure.
Make sure no hoses are crimped onto the fittings.
If the condenser is blocked
The condenser is one of the important components of an HVAC system, as it converts the hot refrigerant into a cool substance after it goes through the compression process. As a result, you get the cool air via the airflow that comes through the front of your car.
If the condenser is blocked in some way or due to dust and debris, the overall functionality gets compromised, and you don’t get cool air. You can check the condenser yourself as it is easy to locate. In most cars, it is situated in front of the car.
When the condenser needs replacement
Every time, a simple cleaning is not going to work because maybe the condenser needs a replacement. From road debris and such materials, a condenser can get broken, and if this is the case of an equipment failure, only replacement will get things in order again.
Determining if your condenser needs cleaning or replacement is easy with just a visual inspection. If it is not the condenser, you can also check the compressor and have a compressor replacement.
Wiring issues
Well, if this is the case, then it is going to be a tough one to solve on your own. You should hire a car repairer in this case, as it is not safe for a novice to deal with such situations.
However, if you can visually locate any broken wire, you can fix it using the electrical tape or let the professional handle it for further diagnosis.
Faulty cooling fans
Fans play an essential role in maintaining proper airflow. When the fans are faulty, the airflow is not going to happen, and you are not going to get the cool air. Do a visual inspection for this one, too, and see if the cooling fan is not broken. In case it is, you need to make a replacement for the same.
If you see the fan is not broken, it may be some wiring work that needs to be done. Call a professional for this and troubleshoot the problem.
Tip: It is wise to take your car to a professional once in a while and ensure that everything is working fine.
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If the compressor itself is faulty
The compressor is the unit that is responsible for making your AC go on. Having it faulty means no refrigerant would be circulated through the system, and that means no cool air. Compressors often go bad due to long periods of service without any maintenance or replacement.
So, if you feel every other component seems fine, the final check-up you can do is with the compressor. It is a good idea to have some hands-on experience with handling your car’s minor faults. Reading the maintenance tips frequently can help you with that.
Also, sometimes not using the compressor or the AC system makes it passive, and you may have to get it checked. As a solution, it is recommended that you run the AC at full speed once every three weeks in winter and monsoons when you don’t use the AC frequently.
Conclusion
There is nothing to worry about if your AC compressor running but not cooling. Sometimes, it just needs a visual inspection to determine which component is malfunctioning. Additionally, you can call the car repairer and let him deal with the deeper issues.
This can be frustrating, especially in summer, and for that, you can have your AC checked beforehand. This way, you would be ready to battle the summer with the best AC running in your car.
