Why is my air conditioning not working in my car?

Thursday 13th October 2022

There could be many possible causes for your air con not to work in your car. In this guide we’ll explain the most common causes for your air con not working and what to do about it.

First, it’s important to identify what part of your air conditioning isn’t working as it should, this could be that your air con isn’t coming on at all or if it’s blowing hot air instead of cool air. Other problems could include a bad smell coming from your air conditioning. Whatever your problem, our helpful team here at F1 Autocentres are fully trained to get your air conditioning back to tip-top shape.

Common air conditioning problems

My air con won’t turn on

It can be frustrating when your air conditioning won’t turn on, as it’s needed throughout the year. Whether it’s used to keep you and your passengers cool in the summer or to demist your windscreen in the winter, if it won’t come on it can be incredibly inconvenient.

There are a few different possibilities that may cause your air conditioning to malfunction and we recommend bringing your car in to your local garage to talk to a trusted technician to solve the issue. Some of the causes include;

A burnt out air conditioning fan - In hot weather, your air conditioning system can overheat causing your fan to burn out.
Not enough coolant – If your compressor won’t turn on it could be because your coolant levels have fallen too low. This can easily be remedied by checking your coolant .
Your car battery – If your car battery is on it’s way out, it could cause some of the electronics in your car to run slowly or not at all. You may want to book in a free battery check for peace of mind.
A broken dial – Loose wiring, broken switches or a blown fuse can all cause the air con in your car not to work. Something that can be identified by one of our skilled technicians.

We recommend regular maintenance to keep your air conditioning functional, if you have any concerns about your air conditioning simply get in touch with your nearest Formula One Autocentre.

My air conditioning smells bad

Sometimes you can tell by the smell of your air conditioning that it’s not working properly. Unpleasant smells can be caused by the following reasons:

Bacteria and mould build up – The tell-tale signs of mould and bacteria build up in your air conditioning system is a damp smell. Regular maintenance will prevent this from occurring.
Dust and dirt and blockages – Grime and dirt can get caught in the air conditioning system causing blockages. Sometimes this can lead to stagnant water in your system giving off a repugnant odour. Again, regular cleaning can prevent this from happening.
Chemical leak – If you’re experiencing a chemical smell, it’s a sign of a leak in the system.

Bad smells may make you want to switch your air conditioning off, luckily a simple clean is usually all it takes to remove any nasty smells.

My air conditioning isn’t cold

Your air conditioning is designed to keep you cool, and when it doesn’t, frankly it’s disappointing! Some of the main reasons that your heating could be blowing warm air include:

Not enough refrigerant
An internal blockage or obstruction
Damage to cooling fans
Electrical faults

Our experts here at Formula One Autocentres are equipped to restore your air conditioning to its full potential through an air con re-gas. Our process ensures your air conditioning is colder than when you brought it in, otherwise the service will be free of charge.

To keep your air con running as cool and clean as possible, you’ll need to re-gas it at least every two years. This is essential as air conditioners are breeding grounds for bacteria. Without regular air conditioning maintenance, this could lead to bad odours in your car and negatively affect allergies.

Here at Formula One Autocentres, we offer air conditioning services at very competitive prices. All you have to do is contact our helpful team for more information, or pop into a centre near you.