Have you been wandering the road for years already, and one day you stopped for a traffic light or slowed down on a drive-thru, then you recently noticed that the air conditioner only works when the car is moving?
This is not a sudden phenomenon, but it takes months to years before it occurs. Poor air conditioning unit maintenance is the number suspect of this issue.
Bringing your car to an expert for annual inspections would rather prevent the issue. Likewise, we also need to recognize the reasons behind it so we can take action if it reoccurs.
Run through this article to find out the probable causes of why your air conditioner is not working especially when it is not moving.
1. Debris or Foreign Objects
The very least technical reason is debris that is stuck between the condensers of an air conditioner. If debris is present, it will reduce the released air from its vents.
Moreover, a condenser can build up residue over time that results in clogging. Eventually, clogging could block the cool air that is supposed to pass the car’s surroundings.
Fix the problem by keeping all potential objects that could block the AC. In addition, clean all specks of dust, dirt, and other debris trapped in the openings or inside of the AC.
Once the air conditioner is cleansed, the cooling system will be able to support enough airflow even when the car is idle.
2. Defective Fan
A defective fan obviously could not generate the needed air for the entire road trip. Thus, making it uncontrollable for the Freon or Refrigerant to cool down.
When in motion, the fan is not used by the condenser to cool the Freon for it is already receiving adequate air. Whereas, an idle car or not moving, the fan is essential to cool the Freon’s heat.
Now, in fixing a defective fan on your car’s AC assess for possible damages or loose wirings such as short circuits, blown fuse, broken temperature sensor, and loose blades.
3. Low level of Freon
If the Freon levels are at their lowest, the air conditioning cannot produce sufficient coolness. Consequently, the AC is only capable of pumping the Freon when the car is moving at a high speed.
Aside from that, in turning on a car and there is no sign of an engaged clutch it means that the Freon is at the lowest level.
Through the clutch, the compressor can perform readings on Freon, as well as pressurizing it. But then, if it won’t function, it means that there are low levels of Freon.
Refilling the Freon from your AC is one of the best suggestions we could offer. However, if you are unaware of this procedure, you should head to an auto mechanic.
4. Engine Overheat
Aside from the previous reasons, overheating of an engine is also seen as a major suspect on an air conditioner that works only when moving.
Not all of us are fond of checking our engines before, during, or after traveling.
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.
Technically, a car engine should have an ideal temperature of less than 240°F (116°C). An increase or abnormality of temperature indicates that the car engine is in danger.
Since the AC’s compressor is transmitting heat from the condenser’s radiator, a combination of an overheated engine and failing radiator results in a malfunctioning air conditioner.
This is why the cooling system can only produce enough air as the car moves. To solve this problem, try to consult a mechanic to identify the reason behind an overheated engine.
Conclusion
Auto problems can be depressing sometimes particularly if you are not an expert. You will have trouble diagnosing the issues with your car.
One of the common problems is the air conditioner only works when the car is moving. Luckily, if you read the guidelines, it will surely help you solve them.
On the last note, referring to an expert is still important to make sure that the overall structure of the car is properly checked to keep you cool and safe.
