Car A.C., or air conditioning, is a vital component of today’s vehicles. If your car’s heating and cooling system isn’t working properly, you should do a few things to diagnose the issue before seeking professional assistance.
This blog post will explain why your AC is working only on one side. We’ll also share some ways you can get your car’s AC working again.
Why Is Only One Side of My Car AC Working?
A car’s air conditioning system is complex, and sometimes there can be problems with only one side of the AC working. There can be many reasons for this, such as a clogged air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a problem with the compressor.
Here are some common reasons why your cars air conditioning system may not be working properly:
Failed Compressor Clutch
One of the most common reasons why only one side of a car’s AC is working is because the compressor clutch has failed. The compressor clutch is what engages and disengages the compressor when the AC is turned on and off.
When it fails, it can cause the compressor to stay engaged, which will only allow the AC to cool on one side.
The compressor clutch could fail because there is a break in the wire that goes to it. If you think that the compressor clutch is the problem, then the best thing to do is to take your car to the mechanic and have them take a look at it.
They will likely need to replace the compressor clutch, which can be quite expensive.
Blown Fuses
If you’re not sure if the compressor clutch is the problem, then another thing that you can try is to check the fuses. The fuses are responsible for powering the compressor clutch.
If one of the fuses is blown, then it could be preventing the power from reaching the compressor clutch. You can find the fuse box under the hood of your car.
Once you’ve located the fuse box, simply take a look at the diagram to see which fuse corresponds to the compressor clutch. If the fuse is blown, then you’ll need to replace it.
Clogged Air Filter
Another common reason for this problem is a blockage in the air conditioning system. This can be caused by a build-up of dirt and debris or by a leak in the system. If there is a leak, it will need to be repaired before the AC can work properly again.
Furthermore, if the blockage is severe enough, it can prevent the air from flowing through the system at all, which will also cause the AC to only work on one side.
Low Freon Level
Lastly, a problem with the AC system’s Freon level can also cause only one side of the AC to work. If the Freon level is too low, it can prevent the compressor from engaging, which will result in only one side of the AC working.
You can check the Freon level yourself by using a pressure gauge, or you can have a mechanic do it for you. If the Freon level is low, you’ll need to have it refilled by a certified AC technician.
These are just a few of the reasons why only one side of your car’s AC may be working. We can’t stress this enough; if you’re still having trouble, it’s best to take your car to a certified mechanic or AC specialist for further diagnosis and repairs.
See also 4 Reasons Why Your Car A/C may be Blowing Hot Air.
How To Fix A Faulty A/C System
If you’ve ever been driving on a hot day and suddenly your car’s air conditioning stops working, you know how miserable it can be. The good news is that there are a few things you can try to get it working again.
Here are 10 fixes for when your car’s AC stops working:
Check the Fuses
If your AC suddenly stops working, one of the first things you should check is the fuse. Over time, fuses can blow due to normal wear and tear. If the fuse for your AC is blown, it will need to be replaced before your AC will start working again.
Replace the Cabin Air Filter
If your cabin air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow and cause your AC to stop working. Try replacing the filter and see if that gets your AC working again.
Check the Compressor Clutch
The compressor clutch is what turns the compressor on and off. If the clutch is not working properly, it can prevent the compressor from turning on and cause your AC to stop working.
Check the Refrigerant Level
If your refrigerant level is low, it can cause your AC to stop working. You’ll need to have a certified technician add more refrigerants to your system.
Check for Leaks
If your AC stops working, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. You’ll need to have a certified technician fix the leak and recharge your system.
Clean the Condenser Coils
If your condenser coils are dirty, it can cause your AC to stop working. Try cleaning the coils and see if that gets your AC working again.
Replace the Expansion Valve
If your expansion valve is faulty, it can cause your AC to stop working. You’ll need to have a certified technician replace the valve.
Replace the Compressor
If your compressor is faulty, it can cause your AC to stop working. You’ll need to have a certified technician replace the compressor.
Reset the AC System
If your AC stops working, it could be due to a malfunction in the system. Try resetting the system and see if that gets your AC working again.
Replace the AC Control Module
If your car’s AC is still not working after checking and/or replacing the above items, then you may have a problem with the AC control module. This is a more serious issue and will require the assistance of a professional mechanic or automotive electronics specialist.