That being said, there are several fuses in your car's A/C, including ones to power fans and the ventilation system. In many modern cars, electricity even powers the A/C's compressor. So, if one of those fuses blows, you may experience other issues, like weak airflow, warm air, and poor ventilation.
Electrical Issues:
Various electrical problems, such as a faulty relay, blown fuse, bad sensors, loose connections, or damaged wiring, can disrupt the functioning of the car air conditioner. Solution: Check the electrical components associated with the AC system and replace any damaged parts.
An air conditioning fuse is an electrical safety device that protects the system's electrical circuit, other electrical components, and the air conditioner and its parts from damage caused by short circuits and electrical overloads. The fuse is typically located on the unit's control board.
A blown fuse can halt the operation of your air conditioner, leaving you without cooling. Before proceeding with any checks or replacements, check out this guide on identifying the reasons and fixing a blown air conditioner fuse.
Replacing a car fuse is inexpensive, often costing less than a dollar if done yourself. Mechanics charge $75-$130 per hour of labor and a simple fix will take about an hour of the mechanic's time. Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care.
Because modern cars have complex electrical systems, a blown A/C fuse can have a negative impact on your vehicle's other operations too. So, it is crucial to take your car to a skilled mechanic quickly if an A/C fuse is blown.
Where is the AC Fuse Located? The AC fuse on most HVAC systems is typically on the unit's control board. You'll normally find the board behind an access panel on the unit's lower compartment. While you sometimes have to unscrew areas to access the control board, others have clips.
The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.
If you're changing a fuse yourself, a single fuse can be under a dollar each or more than $5 apiece.
If you have fuses, you can only reset the AC by taking the fuse out. After the 30 minutes lapses, reinstall the fuse back in position if it's still in good condition, but replace a worn-out fuse with a new one. Now turn the AC back on, confirm if the thermostat is set to cool, and observe how the unit functions.
If the fuse is blown, the air conditioner will quit working and you'll need to have your AC repaired.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
This could happen for a wide variety of reasons, such as a faulty wire, broken switch, or blown fuse. Another common reason is your compressor not turning on because it doesn't have enough refrigerant. Most compressors won't turn on if they go below a certain refrigerant level.
If you think your air conditioner has blown a fuse, the first sign you'll notice is that the outside AC unit is inoperable. The best way to check for a blown fuse is by using a voltmeter. Be warned — you are working with live electricity and should use extreme caution when troubleshooting your system.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
The most likely reason your air-conditioner isn't cooling is the car's air-conditioner is leaking. The car's AC system needs freon to lower the ambient air temperature and creates some needed cold air. Whenever there is a freon leak on your car there is no way to cool the air.
Warm Air from the Vents
If the compressor is fine, it will push cold air into the cabin of your vehicle. If you begin to notice warm or even hot air coming out of the vents, this is a clear indication that the compressor is not functioning properly.
Air conditioners can stop working if there is a blown fuse. Replacing that fuse can fix the problem, though it's important to have a certified car AC service technician check your electrical system.
Call as soon as you can, especially if the forecast promises hot and sunny days. Driving without air conditioning isn't just uncomfortable; it can also be dangerous! In addition, pay attention to the details of the problem so that you can provide your mechanic with useful information.