If you are planning for a vacation or weekend getaway in summers, it is always advisable to conduct an inspection of your car’s air-conditioning system because a hot and stifling vehicle can spoil your holiday. Moreover, this periodic under hood inspection would also help to spot air conditioning problems. Import Auto Services Inc. is providing you with the checklist to inspect your air conditioning system before the hot weather arrives in full swing.
But before you inspect your air condition system always remember to be careful if you are under the hood and your car’s engine is running. Keep your hands, clothing and hair away from all the rotating components and do not forget to wear eye-protection around the running engine.
Below mentioned are the points you should look for:
- Are the mounting bolts of A/C components in place and tightly secured?
- On the A/C system service ports, are the caps installed? These caps keep out the dirt and provide a seal for the refrigerant as well
- Are there are any signs of leakage, cracking, or damage along the refrigerant lines, hoses and fittings?
- Are the pulleys and clutch hub properly aligned and bound?
- Are there any signs of wear or corrosion at the wiring harnesses and electrical connectors?
- Are the condenser and evaporator fully opened?
- Check the drive belt for the signs of deterioration or wear.
- Check the compressor pulley for a squealing noise; as such noise indicates worn or slipping belt.
- Inspect compressor clutch for grinding noise, if any such noise is detected it indicates worn clutch bearing.
- Is there any clicking or heavy sound emanating from the compressor? If yes, it suggests internal wear.
- Check electric cooling fan for the squealing and/ or vibration. Any such signs indicate a bad armature.
- Is A/C system blowing cool air? Barely cooled air or luke warm air indicates low refrigerant charge.
- With the A/C switched off and engine running, look for any knocking or rumbling sounds in the vicinity of the compressor. Any such noises indicate failing compressor clutch or loose mounting hardware.
- Make sure that the condenser is free of any obstructions like; leaves or insects. Any such obstruction could lessen the air flow.
- Check the evaporator for the frost. Frost on evaporator indicates problem with thermostatic switch or suction throting valve (STV).
- Check out for odors when you switch A/C system. Any odor indicates plugged drain tube due to which water sits in the evaporator case.
So if you find any of the warning signs mentioned above, Contact Import Auto Services Inc. immediately, as it is the high time to get your A/c system checked. Our ASE certified technicians use latest diagnostic tools and are experienced in repairing and servicing precision imports.
