6 Symptoms of Low Refrigerant In Car

When the refrigerant level drops, your car`s A/C unit won`t function properly. But that is not all that happens. The A/C clutch will fail to engage since the level of refrigerant is too low for the compressor to pressurize. But that is a sign that might not be so obvious. The good news is that your car will exhibit other low refrigerant symptoms. Here are some of them.

1.Loss of Refrigerant while driving

2.Obvious leaks

3.Low gauge reading

4.Sight glass

5.A/C not blowing cold air

6.Clutch not engaging

Loss of Refrigerant While Driving

An abrupt loss of cooling temperature from your car`s A/C vents while driving might be an indication that some of the pressurized refrigerant has caused a leak in the seals, hose, or fittings. When this happens, you will notice a white cloud-like emission from the area that is leaking. In some instances, you might also hear a hissing sound from the compressor, Also comes a refrigerant smell inside the car.

Obvious Leaks

Visible refrigerant leaks are a common symptom of low refrigerant in your car. refrigerant contains some oil that allows it to lubricate the compressor, so in its liquid state, it usually looks a bit like grease, only lighter. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, check the different components of your car`s A/C system. Inspect the pressure lines, the service ports, the front shaft, the accumulator, the condenser, and the fittings that link with the compressor. If you notice something like a film or stream of liquid on these components, then you might have a refrigerant leak. To be sure, wipe off this film or stream, and if it appears again, then chances are that you have a refrigerant leak and the refrigerant levels are low in your car

Low Gauge Readings

One tip on how to check refrigerant level in a car is to get the car A/C pressure readings. You can do this once you know how to check refrigerant in the car with gauges. Start by connecting an A/C manifold gauge to the high- and low-service ports. Ensure that the gauge is well fitted by linking the red gauge hose to the high-side service port using a quick-release fitting. For the low-side service port, ensure that it is connected to the blue gauge hose. To get the correct readings, turn on the dials for the red and blue gauges when the car`s engine and A/C are off. You should get a reading that is between 80-105 psi. When you take the same readings with the A/C turned to the highest, the high side should read somewhere around 200 to 350 psi while the low-side should be about 25 to 35 psi. If the readings are lower than these, then your car is low on refrigerant.

Sight Glass

You could also tell if your car is low on refrigerant by checking on the sight glass (if your vehicle comes with one). This is a component that allows the viewer to detect refrigerant`s movement through the high-pressure line. When the refrigerant level is optimal, you will notice a clear fluid moving through the line. When the refrigerant levels are low, you will detect the presence of bubbles. If you don`t see any movement, then there is no refrigerant in your car.

A/C Is Not Blowing Cold Air

A functional car A/C unit with optimal refrigerant levels will blow cold or hot air according to what you set the A/C on. One of the more obvious signs that the refrigerant levels in your car are low is a situation where the A/C blows warm or hot air when you set it to blow cold air. This occurs because there is little or no refrigerant to pressurize and circulate within the system.

Clutch not Engaging

Your car A/C clutch causes the compressor to pressurize. You ought to notice a clicking sound whenever you turn on your car`s A/C. That sound is the sound made when the A/C clutch engages. The A/C clutch functions by detecting refrigerant levels. When it is unable to engage, the implication is that the refrigerant is much too low. It is also an indication that the car refrigerant is too low for the compressor to compress.

Final Words

Your car A/C is at its best when the refrigerant levels are optimal. Knowing how vital the A/C system is to your comfort, it is always important to keep the refrigerant at the right level. But how do you know if your car A/C needs recharged? It is simple, just lookout for any of the symptoms of low refrigerant in the car described in the article. Once you have noted any of these symptoms, get a certified mechanic to check your car.

Shenyang Zhongda Huanxin Refrigeration Technology Co., Ltd.

JUN 20, 2022