Is there a time when you have experienced this bizarre occurrence where the Ac blows hot at the passenger’s side but cold at the driver’s side? This could be frustrating when trying to cool off in a hot vehicle.
A number of circumstances could lead to the blowing out of hot air from one part of your vehicle’s Ac system and cold air from the other part.
Some potential circumstances may include problems with the flow of refrigerant, issues with the compressor’s lubrication levels or the pressure, condenser blockage, or issues with other parts in your car’s Ac system or the ducts.
In this article, we will examine a few of the potential factors that lead to this issue and proffer some remedies.
How Does a Vehicle AC Function?
Three major parts exist in a vehicle Ac system: an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. The refrigerant is pumped through the Ac system by the compressor. The refrigerant is condensed and cooled by the condenser. Finally, the refrigerant is evaporated and cooled by the evaporator.
The engine bay is where the compressor is situated, usually close to the vehicle’s front. The compressor is powered via a pulley and belt system by the crankshaft of the engine. A piston that moves upwards and downwards is contained in the compressor.
The refrigerant vapor is drawn in via the evaporator when the piston makes an upward movement. When the piston makes a downward movement, the refrigerant vapor is compressed and sent inside the condenser.
At the radiator’s front, that’s where the compressor is located. The condenser’s purpose is to condense and cool the vapor of the refrigerant from the compressor. The evaporator receives back the refrigerant that is condensed.
The location of the evaporator is inside the car, usually underneath the dash. Its purpose is to have the refrigerant evaporated and cooled via the condenser. Then, the evaporated and cooled refrigerant is returned to the compressor.
Circulation of the refrigerant via a closed-loop system is how the vehicle air conditioning system functions. Heat is absorbed by the refrigerant inside the car and transferred to the outer atmosphere. The inner part of the car is comfortable and cooled by this process.
Why Does The Ac Blow Hot At The Passenger’s Side And Cold At the Driver’s Side?
Your vehicle’s Ac system performance can be affected by numerous factors, including the temperature difference between the passenger and driver’s sides.
Numerous reasons, including problems with the condensed and compressor, issues with pressure or refrigerant flow, or air duct blockage, can lead to this.
Diverse underlying problems can make your vehicle’s Ac system blow cold air on a particular side. Some potential reasons for this are:
1. Inappropriate Internal Climate Controls
A few vehicles possess climate controls that give owners a different temperature regulator for each vent. Also known as the dual-zone climate control feature or dual-zone, vehicles like certain Ford F-150 and Chevy Malibu models permit passengers and drivers to adjust the temperature levels to their preference.
Search your vehicle user’s manual to ascertain if it possesses a dual-climate heating and/or cooling system. If it does, examine the instructions to regulate this feature because the measures to utilize it depending on certain models.
2. Faulty Blend Door Actuator
The motor assembly that helps regulate a vehicle’s climate control components is a blend door actuator. Should this assembly malfunction or break, only one vent may have cold air blowing through it.
A few signs of a faulty blend door actuator are:
- Knocking, clicking, or other bizarre sounds when the vehicle is in use.
- Unpredictable air conditioner airflow and/or temperature.
- The inaccurate temperature was produced.
3. Meager Coolant Charge
Unstable execution from the vehicle’s cooling system might imply that it requires a coolant charge. In addition, the cooling system might experience difficulty distributing the appropriate temperature for the whole vehicle if there is insufficient refrigerant.
Meager coolant may also promote threats for other grave problems, aside from the blowing of cold air towards one vent. For example, the temperature of the engine can increase, leading to overheating if you are driving with inadequate refrigerant.
4. Broken Vent Entrance
Normal wears-and-tears can result in a broken air vent entrance. When this component cannot maintain its orientation and position, it is a sign that it requires replacement. In addition, the vent entrance may remain closed, preventing the passage of cold air through it should this be the case.
Signs That Your Vehicle Has a Temperature Issue
- AC Blows Hot Air On One Part and Cold Air On The Other Part
There exist diverse reasons why your vehicle’s air conditioning might not function. For example, if the Ac in your vehicle is blowing cold air at one part and hot air at the other, an easy way to fix it is via the temperature adjustment, or the blend door actuator might need a replacement.
- Clicking Sounds Accompanying the Blowing of Cold or Hot Air at One Part
Suppose you experience signs of your AC blowing cold or hot air at one part but not at the other and ticking or clicking sounds accompanying it from the dashboard. In that case, it probably indicates a faulty gear in the blend door actuator, which demands a replacement of the actuator.
If a Vehicle’s Air Conditioning is Blowing Just Cold Air at One Part, How Does it Get Fixed?
Know that the probable remedy to reviving your vehicle’s functionality to have cold air constantly blown throughout the connected air vents is usually dependent on the underlying issue. In this category, you will learn a few potential solutions based on the specific complications experienced by your car’s air conditioner.
1. Actuator Replacement
Prior to the commencement of the replacement project, make sure that the actuator you are about to install is compatible with the vehicle. Then, after buying the appropriate assembly, follow the steps underneath to proceed with this task.
What’s required:
- Tool for panel removal.
- Wrenches.
- Blend door actuator for replacement.
2. A Gradual and Steady Guideline
Have the panel situated at the passenger or driver’s cabin side extracted. In this step, it is the faulty part that requires removal.
- Unscrew and remove the metal shield.
- Carefully remove the connected wires to remove the previous blend door actuator.
- While being attentive in regards to its orientation and position, install the brand-new blend door actuator.
- Reinstall the detached parts and safeguard the assembly.
- Switch on the AC to experiment if the issue persists.
3. Replacement of the Air Conditioner Air Vent
Ensure that the air conditioner air vent for replacement is compatible with your car. Then, having a vent grille that matches in hand, follow the steps underneath to proceed with this project.
What’s required:
- Air vent for replacement.
- Tool for panel removal.
A gradual and steady guideline:
- Open the closest door to the faulty air vent.
- Extract the side covering utilizing the tool for panel removal. Then keep it aside for a while.
- Firmly but carefully detach the previous vent assembly. Afterward, remove its wire.
- Install the brand-new vent assembly, then return the detached parts.
- Switch on the vehicle’s AC and examine whether the brand-new vent is blowing out cold air.
Tools Required For Cleaning your Air Conditioner
So as to clean the air conditioning system of your vehicle, a few supplies and tools will be required:
- Air conditioner cleaner: This is found at almost all auto parts shops.
- Cleaning cloths: You’ll require some clean and soft clothes to clean the parts of your air conditioning system
- Vacuum Cleaner: Attaching a hose to your vacuum cleaner can assist you in cleaning your air conditioning system’s ductwork.
- Screwdriver: Using a screwdriver might be vital to access panels or remove a few covers to reach specific parts of your air conditioning system.
- Compressed air: The utilization of compressed air can aid in blowing out debris and dust from parts of the air conditioner.
How to Clean Your Car AC Properly
Begin by having the vehicle’s interior cleaned first. There shouldn’t be any debris or dust around.
Next, assemble your supplies and tools, including compressed air, screwdriver, vacuum cleaner, clean cloths, and AC cleaner.
Start by carefully examining all your AC parts for debris, dust, or dirt that could result in the restriction of proper airflow or blockages. The vacuum cleaner is also utilized for the removal of all visible buildup around the ductwork or vent of the AC system.
Once the visible buildup has been cleaned in the AC system, utilizing the compressed air, blow out all remaining debris and dust from the parts.
Next, utilize clean clothes and the air conditioner cleaner to clean the entire surface of the system, including the air ducts, evaporator, condenser, and compressor.
Finally, replace all access panels or covers that you had removed while carrying out the cleanup.
Tada! Your car’s air conditioning system should be neat and free from all obstructions that could undermine its performance.
How is Condenser Problem Fixed?
The initial step to cleaning the condenser unit that’s situated outside the home. Make sure to switch off the unit prior to the commencement of this task.
Up next, spray the condenser unit’s coils and be cautious not to damage or bend them.
Inspect for any debris or dirt that could cause airflow blockage through the condenser unit immediately after you’ve wiped clean the coils. Remove anything that is found obstructing the flow of air in order to make way for adequate ventilation.
Ultimately, restart the unit’s power and inspect it in order to ascertain that it is functioning adequately again. An expert mechanic should be consulted for additional assistance if it isn’t.
How Air Conditioner Leaks are Detected
The initial step in discovering leaks from an air conditioner is through a thorough inspection of all the tubing and hoses on the AC system for signs of deterioration and damage.
If worn-out or damaged parts are found, carefully remove them from the AC system and use new components to replace them. Make sure that all the instructions enclosed with the parts for replacement are followed during the repairs.
Once any tubing or worn-out hose on the AC system has been replaced, conduct a pressure examination to search for leaks in the system’s remaining components. This can be accomplished by utilizing an air conditioner leak-detecting kit, which can be found in almost all auto supply shops.
Should any leak be detected while the pressure examination is ongoing, utilize a sealant spray, a sealant, or replacement parts to fix them up. Ensure the instructions with the AC leak-detecting kit are followed while executing this repair since diverse products will need slightly different application procedures.
Once all the leaks are patched, conduct another examination of the system to ensure there is no presence of additional leaks and that it is working properly. If everything is alright, you can once more enjoy the cool air!
Is It Alright To Switch On The Vehicle Air Conditioner When It Is Leaking?
You have nothing to worry about if your vehicle’s air conditioner is only leaking water. The water quantity is not reasonable as it is somewhat common on humid and hot days. So it is still alright to switch on the air conditioner while driving if you sight water leaking under the car.
However, do not switch on the air conditioner if there is a leaky refrigerant. Instead, diagnose the source of this problem or send the car to a reliable automotive repair store once the leak is noticed.
When Should My Vehicle’s Air Conditioner be Replaced?
Most cars do not require a replacement of the air conditioner system. However, since a vehicle’s AC is supposed to last so long as the vehicle is in existence, which is a period of about eight to ten years, if properly cared for, some air conditioning units for cars can last for a longer period than that.
However, some parts might require replacement if you encounter issues with the vehicle’s cooling system. Some parts of a vehicle air conditioner that will need to be changed if they breakdown or malfunction are:
- Washers, O-rings, and some other seals.
- (FOR) Fixed orifice tube
- Condenser and/or compressor.
How Frequent Should My Vehicle’s Coolant be Refilled?
Normally, your vehicle’s coolant should be recharged at least of all 100,000 miles or once in 5 years, hinging on which occurrence comes first. Keep in mind that the refrigerant might need a refill at about 30,000 miles or two years, especially if your car’s cooling system is used on hot days or often.
Frequently Asked Questions – AC Blows Hot At The Passenger’s Side And Cold At the Driver’s Side
How can I reset the blend door actuator?
The down arrow should be pressed and held down for ten to fifteen seconds in order for the system to be re-initialized. “027” (Figure 5) should display on the switch once completed. Immediately there is a reset of the two control box sets; the programmable hand switch should be removed and replaced with the switch which arrived with the system.
Why does hot air blow from the passenger side of my air conditioner?
If the refrigerant leaks, it usually blows hot air from a vehicle’s air conditioner. The liquid which circulates through the vehicle’s air conditioning system, contracting and expanding while it removes humidity and heat from the compartment, is known as refrigerant. No other AC parts will work in a correct manner without adequate refrigerant levels.
What is the cost of having a blend door actuator fixed?
The Average amount required for the blend door actuator replacement is $309 to $355, depending on whether you adopt the do-it-yourself approach or visit a mechanic. This fee range is hinged on national averages for vehicles and doesn’t factor in fees, taxes, or your specific model and make.
How can I know whether I have a stuck blend door actuator?
If the flow of air from the vent is inconsistent, then the blend door could have a problem. This happens because the blend door moves forward and backward, diverting the flow of air and causing the vents to produce inconsistent airflow.
How can I examine the blend door actuator of my air conditioner?
To examine door operation and to make sure that you are replacing the correct blend door actuator, in both ways, move the blend door while turning the blower. A temperature should be felt from the air vent dashboard.
Where is the location of the actuator?
It is situated on the climate case at the back of the dashboard.
How can one test whether the actuator is functional?
In order to examine the current draw of the linear actuator, a multimeter in series should be connected to one of the leads of a powered linear actuator; then, the amperage reading should be watched as the rod is being retracted or extended. Then, in line with the reading, a power ratio that can handle the current draw can be determined.
Why does the air conditioner work only on the driver’s part?
The common explanation is that the air conditioning equipment which cools the air is located underneath the dashboard, which is at the vehicle’s right side and center ( since the steering column is in the way). Therefore, the air that blows to the side of the driver goes farther. This heats it a bit.
Conclusion – AC Blows Hot At The Passenger’s Side And Cold At the Driver’s Side
Numerous potential factors can result in this problem, including issues with the condenser, refrigerant pressure or flow, air duct blockage, and compressor.
Some potential causes can include dirty particles in the compressor or a low level of lubrication, issues with condensing or cooling the vapor of the refrigerant inside the condenser, and blockage or air duct issues.
If one part of the air conditioning system is blowing out hot air and you do not know the reason, it is advised that a reliable mechanic should be consulted for aid.
They can aid in identifying and addressing any underlying problems with your air conditioning system and help to make sure that your vehicle stays comfortable and cool on hot days.