AC Only Blows Cold When Driving: 7 Reasons Condenser Blows Colder When Driving [Blow Cold When Moving]

You may have noticed that your AC only blows cold while driving. This can be a bit frustrating during the summer, but don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people experience this issue.

The main reason why your AC may only blow cold air when driving is that the airflow over the condenser coils is insufficient. The condenser needs airflow to remove heat from the refrigerant, so the refrigerant won’t get cold enough if there isn’t enough airflow.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the possible causes of this problem and suggest some solutions. Stay cool!

Table of Contents

AC only Blows Cold when Driving: What Causes The AC To Blow Cold Only When Driving?

How Much Does It Cost To Repair an AC Not Blowing Cold?

When To Ask For Professional Help?

Tips For Maintaining Your Car Air Conditioner

FAQs

AC only Blows Cold when Driving: Final Considerations

AC only Blows Cold when Driving: What Causes The AC To Blow Cold Only When Driving?

There are a few potential causes for this problem. One possibility is that there is a problem with the cooling system itself. If the coolant level is low, or there is a leak in the system, this could cause the AC only to blow cold when the car is moving.

Another cause is that the AC compressor is not working properly. If the compressor is not engaging, or if it is not pumping enough refrigerant, this could also cause the AC only to blow cold when driving. Besides this, the list of causes is pretty long.

Let’s have a detailed look at some common factors that cause the AC to blow cold only when driving:

Leakage In AC

How To Diagnose Air Conditioners?

There are a few things you can do to diagnose the AC issue.

First, check to see if the coolant level is low. If it is, then you will need to add more fluid.
Second, check the compressor belt to see if it is loose or damaged.
Third, check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced.
Finally, check the AC compress or to see if it is working properly.

If none of these things seem to be the issue, you may need to take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis.

How To Fix It AC?

If you notice that your car’s air conditioner is leaking, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.

First, check the seals around the AC unit to see if they are tight and leak-free. If the seals are loose, you can tighten them or replace them altogether.
Alternatively, you can try using a sealant to patch up any leaks.
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace your AC unit entirely.

Damaged Compressor Clutch

How To Diagnose?

First, you should look for a loss of power when the air conditioner is turned on. If the compressor clutch is damaged, it will not be able to engage properly and will not provide the necessary power to the air conditioning system.
Another symptom of a damaged compressor clutch is a strange noise from the air conditioner. If you hear grinding or whining sounds.
If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, this could indicate a damaged compressor clutch.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your car to a professional mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to take.

How To Fix It?

If your compressor clutch is damaged, you can do a few things to fix it.

First, check the electrical connections to the clutch. Make sure they are all secure and free of corrosion. If they are not, clean them and reconnect them.
Next, check the clutch itself for wear. If it is excessively worn, it will need to be replaced.
Finally, check the clutch plate for damage. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced as well.

Clogged/Blocked Compressor Clutch

How To Diagnose Failure?

If your compressor clutch is not engaging or seems blocked, you can do a few things to diagnose the problem.

First, check the clutch coil for continuity with a multimeter.
Next, check the pressure switch for proper operation.
Finally, check the air conditioning system for proper operation. If the system is not operating properly, it may be due to a clogged filter or low refrigerant.

If you suspect the compressor clutch is the problem, have it checked by a qualified technician?

my ac clutch is engaging but no cold air

How To Fix It?

If you notice your compressor clutch is not engaging properly, you may need to clean or replace it. Here are tips on fixing a clogged or blocked compressor clutch.

Clean the compressor clutch with a clean cloth. You may need to use a toothbrush or other small brush to remove all the debris.
If the compressor clutch is still not engaging properly, you may need to replace it.
If you are not sure how to fix a clogged or blocked compressor clutch, you can always contact a professional for help.

Faulty Expansion Valve

How To Diagnose?

Diagnosing a faulty expansion valve is relatively easy. Here’s a look at how to diagnose a faulty expansion valve.

One of the most common signs that something is wrong with your expansion valve is that your AC unit isn’t cooling as well as it should be.
If your expansion valve is stuck open, you may hear a hissing noise from your AC unit.

Your AC unit may not turn on if your expansion valve is stuck closed.
An expansion valve stuck closed can also cause our AC unit to blow warm air.

How To Fix It?

If your expansion valve is faulty, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it.

First, check the power supply to the unit. If the power is off, turn it on and see if the expansion valve starts working again.
If the power is on, but the expansion valve still isn’t working, you may need to replace the expansion valve.
To do this, turn off the power to the unit and disconnect the expansion valve from the unit. Then, remove the old expansion valve and install a new one.
Finally, turn the power back on and see if the expansion valve works properly. If it is, you’re all set! If not, you may need to call a professional to come and take a look at your unit.

Just AC Wiring Issues

How To Diagnose?

If you’re having issues with your AC wiring, you can do a few things to diagnose the problem.

First, check to see if there is any damage to the insulation on the wires.
Next, check the connections between the AC unit and the electrical panel.
Finally, check the AC unit itself for any signs of damage. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose any AC wiring issues you’re having.

How To Fix It?

The most common problem with AC wiring is that it can become loose over time. This can cause problems, from sparking and shorts to simply not working. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to fix this problem.

Check all of the connections in your AC system. Make sure that they are tight and secure.
Inspect the wiring for any signs of damage. If you see any damaged wires, replace them with new ones.
If your AC system uses fuses, check them regularly and replace them if they blow.
Have a professional inspect your AC system periodically to ensure everything is in working order.

Following these simple tips will help keep your AC system in good working condition and prevent any major issues.

Low Coolant Level

How To Diagnose?

There are a few things you can do to diagnose low coolant levels.

One is to check the radiator for leaks.
Another way to diagnose low coolant levels is to check the oil level in the engine. If the oil level is low, then it is likely that the coolant level is also low.
Finally, you can check the coolant level in the radiator with a hydrometer. If the coolant level is below the minimum mark on the hydrometer, then it is likely that the coolant level is low.

How To Fix It?

If your car’s coolant level is low, you can do a few things to fix it.

First, check for leaks in the cooling system. If there are no leaks, you can add coolant to the system. Be sure to use the correct type of coolant for your car.
You can also have your car’s cooling system flushed and refilled by a professional.

Faulty/Clogged Condenser Fan Not Blowing Cold Air

How To Diagnose?

If your condenser fan is not working properly, you can do a few things to diagnose the problem.

First, check to see if the fan blades are clean. If they are dirty, they may not be able to spin correctly.
Second, check the fan motor to see if it is burned out.
Finally, check the condenser coils to see if they are dirty or clogged.

How To Fix It?

First, make sure that the fan blades are free of debris. If they are clogged with dirt and dust, they cannot spin properly and eventually break. You can clean them with a soft cloth or a brush.
Another thing you can do is to check the bearings of the fan. If they are worn out, they will need to be replaced.
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the condenser fan. This is usually a last resort, as it is pretty expensive.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair an AC Not Blowing Cold?

Depending on the problem, it can be expensive to repair a car’s air conditioner. The average cost for repairs is between $200 and $400, but it can be as high as $4,000 or more. A few things can affect the cost of repairs, such as the type of problem, the car’s make and model, and the repair’s location.

Check Out How Much Does It Cost To Fix AC In Car?:

When To Ask For Professional Help?

One possibility is that there is a leak in the system. A trained technician can use a special tool to check for leaks and repair them. Another possibility is that the compressor is not working properly. This is a more severe problem that will require the replacement of the compressor. If your car’s air conditioner only blows cold when driving, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help.

Tips For Maintaining Your Car Air Conditioner

By following a few simple tips, you can keep your car’s air conditioner running smoothly:

Ensure a qualified mechanic checks your AC system before the warm weather hits. This will help ensure that your system is in good working order and has no leaks.
Check the level of refrigerant in the system. If it’s low, have it topped off by a qualified mechanic.
Next, take a look at your air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your AC work harder than it needs to. Replacing your air filter is a quick and easy way to improve your AC’s efficiency.
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of proper maintenance. Be sure to have your AC system serviced regularly to help keep it running smoothly.

FAQs

How Can You Tell If Your Car’s Air Conditioner Is Low on Freon?

There are a few signs that your car’s AC may be low on Freon. The most common is that the air coming from the vents is not as cold as it used to be. You may also notice that the AC compressor is cycling on and off more frequently than normal or ice buildup around the AC unit.

If you suspect your AC is low on Freon, take it to a mechanic or auto AC specialist for a diagnosis and recharge.

What’s the Cost of Replacing an Air Conditioner Coil?

The cost of replacing an air conditioner coil can vary depending on the type of coil, the size of your unit, and the make and model of your air conditioner. However, coils typically range in price from $300 to $1,200.

To get an accurate estimate for your specific situation, it’s best to contact a licensed HVAC contractor. Coils typically range in price from $300 to $1,200. To get an accurate estimate for your specific situation, it’s best to contact a licensed HVAC contractor.

Is It Possible for an Air Compressor to Explode?

An air compressor can explode if it is not maintained correctly. If the air compressor is not properly cooled, the air inside the tank can become too hot and cause the tank to burst.

Another reason an air compressor can explode is if the pressure relief valve fails. This valve is designed to release pressure from the tank when it gets too high. If the valve fails, the pressure can build up until the tank explodes.

Why does my car’s air conditioning occasionally blow hot air?

Your car’s AC may be blowing hot air occasionally because the system is low on refrigerant. When this happens, the compressor can’t properly circulate the cool air, resulting in lukewarm or even warm air coming out of the vents.

AC only Blows Cold when Driving: Final Considerations

The AC blows cold only when several things could cause driving. Some potential causes are a low refrigerant level, a clogged air filter, or a problem with the compressor. If you’re experiencing this issue, have your car’s cooling system checked out by a professional to determine the cause and get it fixed.