Heating & Air Conditioning

 

Heating & Air Conditioning System

The function of the heating and cooling system is to heat and cool the vehicle cabin and defrost the windows. Your heating and cooling system should be checked by a professional technician every 12 months or according to your owner’s manual. Any related maintenance should be handled only by professionals.

It is recommended to run your air conditioning regularly—even during the winter—because the system contains a PAG oil (R134a) or mineral oil (R12) in the refrigerant to keep the compressor properly lubricated. The general rule is to run the system about 10 minutes per month.

If you notice any of the following conditions, have your vehicle checked right away:

1. Musty smell when the air condition or heating system is activated
2. Inadequate cooling or heating when system is activated
3. The vehicle’s temperature gauge indicates a “red” condition
4. Steam coming from the engine compartment
5. Unusual smells inside or outside the vehicle

If your engine is overheating while driving the following steps can alleviate the condition:

1. Set the climate control system to “Heat”
2. Set the blower fan on “High”
3. Roll down your windows
4. Allow more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This enables your vehicle to “breathe” more easily

The above steps will help reduce heat on the system. If the overheating condition persists, pull over to the shoulder of the road and allow the engine to cool. As a precautionary measure, have your vehicle checked by a professional technician as soon as possible.

Points of Interest

• Compressor
• Compressor Clutch
• Condenser
• Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
• Accumulator/Drier
• Evaporator
• Blower Motor
• Heater Core
• Heater Hose

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Compressor
The compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the cooling system.

Common signs of wear include lack of or insufficient cooling, excessive clicking sounds or an unusual noise when using the A/C system.

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Compressor Clutch
The function of the compressor clutch is to turn the compressor on or off.

Common signs of wear include reduced cooling in the vehicle interior and noise when running the air conditioning system.

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Condenser
The condenser is a radiator-like unit that cools the refrigerant gas back into a liquid.

Common signs of wear include reduced cooling capability in the vehicle cabin or physical damage to the condenser.

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Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
A vehicle is equipped with one or the other. These parts act as restriction points at which the refrigerant expands or cools.

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Accumulator/Drier
The function of the accumulator/drier is to store and remove liquid in the refrigerant.

A common sign of wear includes insufficient cooling in the vehicle cabin.

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Evaporator
The function of the evaporator is to absorb heat from the air cabin and remove its moisture. Water is typically visible beneath the vehicle when the A/C system/evaporator has been operating.

Insufficient cooling in the vehicle cabin is a common sign of wear.

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Blower Motor
The function of the blower motor is to drive air though the cabin’s heating and air conditioning system.

Lack of airflow through the cabin vents or unusual noises coming from the blower motor indicate a need for service.

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Heater Core
The heater core is a small radiator through which the engine coolant flows in order to heat the air entering the cabin.

If there is a sweet-smelling vapor coming through the defroster or other cabin vents or insufficient or lack of heat in the cabin, seek professional service.

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Heater Hose
The heater hose routes the heating and air conditioning system’s liquid and gas.

Common signs of wear include hose leaking, hardening, brittleness or lack of heating or cooling within the cabin.