Why Does My AC Only Work When The Car Is Moving?

When the car is moving, versus stopped,

there is more air flow over the condenser

(the heat exchanger in front of the radiator) and that airflow is essential to system operation. … Other possibilities are that the compressor clutch is not cycling as intended or that the condenser might be blocked or dirty.

Why does my AC only work when accelerating?

If your AC is cooling as usual when the vehicle is in motion then you have fan or

thermostat problem

. If your AC is “warm” than usual, or it doesn't provide enough cooling at your usual AC setting, then you can point the problem to the low refrigerant charge.

Why does my AC not work when sitting still?

Originally Answered: Why does AC stops working while idle but gets cold when driven? If this is a new problem, its probably because you are low on refrigerant, or your evap coil (next to your heater coil) is

clogged with dust/dirt

. If this is a retro R12, (freon) to something like 134A. Its a gas problem.

How do I know if my car AC fuse is blown?

Test the load: If you saw a voltage reading during the previous step, run the same test on the “load” side of the fuses. You should again see a reading between 220 and 240. If

you see a voltage reading on the “line” side but not the “load” side

, it means you have a blown fuse.

Why is my car AC cool but not cold?

The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a

clogged filter

, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.

How do I know if my car AC compressor is bad?

1. A Lack of Hot Air Being Released Outside. …
2. Loud or Strange Noises From the Unit. …
3. Failure of the Compressor to Turn On. …
4. Circuit Breaker Tripping. …
5. Leaks Around the Air Conditioning Unit. …
6. Warm Air Instead of Cool Air Being Delivered to the House. …
7. Reduced Airflow.

Does AC work better when car is moving?

Your car air conditioning

works much better when you're actually driving

because the faster the engine turns, the faster the AC compressor runs, which lets the system cool more effectively.

Why does my car AC not work when parked?

If you find yourself idling without proper cooling after a particularly windy day, it could

indicate damage to the air conditioning system

. A halt in cooling while idling can possibly be due to a blown fuse or broken fans caused by the debris strike.

Can a fuse make AC not to work?

First of all, your electrical system might be having problems. … While this prevents serious trouble such as electrical fires, it also means that

a single blown fuse can cause the entire air conditioner to stop working

.

How much does fixing AC in a car cost?

This generally includes replacing a few parts like hoses, sensors, or either the compressor or condenser. CostHelper readers report paying $171-$727 for minor air conditioning repairs, at an average cost

of $488

. Extensive auto air conditioning repairs can cost $1,000-$4,000 or more, depending on make and model.

How often should I recharge my car AC?

When is it time to add or replace the refrigerant? You could be proactive and have it done before you experience problems, but you shouldn't need that more often

than every few years at most

. If your air conditioning is losing its potency even after topping it off, then you probably have a leak.

Can AutoZone check my AC?

If you want to find the right AC solution for your car, you can

either shop online or go to your local AutoZone

. You can get your car's parts tested for free at AutoZone.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

Condenser Unit is Blocked

If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.

How do I know if my AC compressor is locked?

1. The compressor doesn't turn on at all.
2. The system is blowing warm air.
3. The system keeps tripping the circuit breaker.
4. The outside unit shakes when it starts up.
5. The outside condensing unit is making strange noises.

How often do car AC compressors go bad?

The answer depends on age and how often you use your car ac. As you drive your car and over a long time, the AC compressor will start malfunctioning. However, you can expect your AC compressor to last

8-12 years

.

Which AC mode is best in car?

If you are starting the vehicle after a long while or a few days, it is better to choose

the fresh air mode

because this will help flush out the impure air from the vehicle fast. Moreover, if you are parked under the sun, the mode will help expel the hot air inside the car faster.

Why does my AC only work on low?

When a blower resistor fails, the

highest fan speed

usually is the only one that still works because it essentially bypasses the resistor and receives the maximum amount of voltage. When the resistor is working, it reduces the amount of voltage going to the lower fan speeds, so the fan runs slower.

How much does an AC recharge cost?

A professional AC recharge cost ranges from

$150 – $300 on average

depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Due to refrigerant losses that occur over time, this service is one that should be added to your vehicle maintenance schedule.

How do I know if my car AC needs recharging?

1. Your A/C is Blowing Warm Air. One of the most obvious symptoms of low Freon levels is if your air conditioner is blowing warm or room temperature air. …
2. Listen For The A/C Clutch to Engage. …
3. Visible Refrigerant Leaks. …
4. Your A/C is Blowing Warm Air. …
5. Listen For The A/C Clutch to Engage. …
6. Visible Refrigerant Leaks.

How do I reset my AC compressor?

1. Power down your AC. Start at your circuit breaker panel and flip the breaker that powers your AC. …
2. Find the button. Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. …
3. Hold down the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds and then release.
4. Restore power to your AC.

How long does car AC last?

The general rule of thumb is that your vehicle's air-conditioning needs re-gassing

every two years

. The reason for this is because it's estimated that your car permeates between 10 – 15% of gas from the system every year; and that's before you've even used it!

How do I know if my AC is low on Freon?

1. It takes much longer than it should to cool off your home. …
2. Your utility bills are higher than usual. …
3. The air coming out of your vents isn't cold. …
4. Ice has started to build up on your refrigerant line. …
5. You hear loud or unusual noises coming from your unit.