Diagnostics and repair of car air conditioner with your own hands

Autoconditioners are systems that cool the air in the passenger compartment and remove odours. They are powered by an internal combustion engine and are combined with a heating system.

The principle of operation of car air conditioners is quite complex. It consists of cooling the air through the use of refrigerant. The working substance enters the compressor and is converted into a liquid state as the temperature rises. The refrigerant enters the evaporator and moves through special tubes. When the fan is switched on, the air in the passenger compartment is cooled. In doing so, heat is transferred to the refrigerant. The refrigerant is then converted back to a gaseous state. This process is repeated continuously.

Main causes of auto air conditioner malfunctions

A car air conditioner is a mechanism that consists of several important parts. When it is in good working order, it creates a comfortable environment in the car. This has a positive effect on the well-being of the driver and passengers. When the system fails, the safety of the journey is reduced. In a stuffy car interior, the driver's reaction speed and concentration decreases. Below is a diagram of the cabin temperature for a car with and without air conditioning.

The following is a diagram of the cabin temperature for a car with and without air conditioning.

What are the reasons why auto air conditioning repair is needed? The main negative factors include temperature fluctuations, vibrations and contamination of mechanisms. More problems arise from Freon leaks and system depressurisation. Reduced cooling capacity, oil leaks on the compressor, foreign noises and unpleasant odours are all signs of malfunction.

Auto Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

To ensure that the cooling system in the passenger compartment functions smoothly, you need to diagnose car air conditioners. This is a comprehensive process that involves identifying and eliminating malfunctions. It is carried out for preventive purposes and when problems arise in the system.

Equipment for diagnostics of car air conditioners are devices with which the necessary manipulations are performed. MSG Equipment's auto air conditioner diagnostic stands have good functional characteristics. They are specially designed to check the technical condition of car air conditioners. With its use, breakdowns in the air cooling system are easily detected.

There is one more device for troubleshooting. This is the MSG MS111 stand made by a well-known manufacturer. It is designed to assess the technical condition of the compressor, solenoid control valve, electromagnetic clutch. The kit includes several adapters for different compressor models.

Repair of car air conditioner with your own hands

When malfunctions occur, you need to take measures to eliminate them. It will not be possible to cope with all the breakdowns on your own, as you need to have the necessary knowledge and equipment at your disposal. For example, when it is necessary to refuel the air conditioner of a car, it is necessary to address to a service station. Masters will do everything quickly and correctly using the equipment for servicing car air conditioners.

If you have an understanding of the cabin air cooling system and want to fix the problem yourself, take our advice:

• evaporator malfunction - this is caused by a blocked evaporator drain pipe;
• fan failure - requires replacement of worn bearings, brushes, fuses;
• appearance of unpleasant odour - spray cleaning agents into the air ducts and on the evaporator

To make the air conditioner function stably all year round, it is necessary in winter time to periodically switch on the system for 10 minutes (provided the ambient air temperature is more than 5°C) and blow out the condenser. If refuelling and installation of a new system is required, it is necessary to address to qualified masters. This is a job that requires specialised equipment.