Blowing the fuse cuts the power to the unit to prevent electrical damage. If your AC has shut down and won't start again, especially if you've noticed odd electrical behavior immediately before the shutdown, chances are the fuse has done its job and will need to be replaced.
If the fuse is blown, the air conditioner will quit working and you'll need to have your AC repaired.
AC Fuse, Circuit Breaker, or Relay Replacement Cost
Expect to pay between $15 and $300 to have AC fuse and circuit breaker issues addressed or relays in your AC unit replaced. These projects do not usually take more than a couple of hours.
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.
Swap out the clogged filter for a new one to see if this stops fuses from blowing due to an overworked AC unit. Put in a new capacitor: A malfunctioning capacitor calls for a repair job by a qualified HVAC technician from Blue Dot to replace it.
One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner circuit breaker to trip is dirty condenser coils. As the coils become clogged with dirt and dust, they become less effective at transferring heat. This causes the coils to overheat, which eventually trips the breaker.
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.
Because modern cars operate on complicated electrical circuits, a broken air conditioning fuse can impact other areas of your car. For example, you may notice minor electrical issues, such as a faulty turn signal or interior lights failing. In extreme cases, a blown car A/C fuse can prevent your car from starting.
On average, car AC repair costs run between about $430 and $520. However, if you need a new compressor, you can expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500 or more. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common car AC repairs and their average cost.
Yes, a dirty air filter can significantly affect the performance of the air conditioning system in a car. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making it harder for the AC system to cool the air effectively.
AC System Not Turning On
The most obvious sign of a blown fuse is when your air conditioning unit flat out refuses to turn on and start running.
Wear and Tear on the Fuse
The lifespan of a fuse can be up to 20 years. AC fuses are usually what is known as 'slo-blow' or 'time delay' fuses. This means that they are at work every time you turn the machine on and off and eventually, will simply wear out due to the strain of the operation.
In addition to the previous mentioned reasons, a blown fuse can also be the cause of a car not starting. Fuses are essential to protect the car's electrical system from damage caused by excess current, and if one blows, it can disrupt the electricity flow and prevent the car from starting.
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.
It may sound ridiculous, but if your AC is not blowing air, make sure you plug the cord in correctly and that there is no damage to the cable or plug head. If they are both fine, it could be an issue with the electrical panel itself. A tripped breaker or blown fuse could be the cause of it not working.
Driving with a broken A/C compressor isn't ideal and can become unsafe if ignored. Every mechanism within your car is essential to your vehicle's overall efficacy and safety.
However, why is car AC repair so expensive? This is because the system is complicated, AC services are in high demand during summer, and prevention is better than cure. To begin with, let us dissect the constituents of a car AC system.
Low pressure in the system can occur when there is not enough refrigerant in the lines. This results in an inefficient cooling process, which can cause warm air to blow instead of cold. Refrigerant leaks could be caused by something as simple as a loose connection or a more serious issue like condenser failure.
Complete AC Unit Failure
Blowing the fuse cuts the power to the unit to prevent electrical damage. If your AC has shut down and won't start again, especially if you've noticed odd electrical behavior immediately before the shutdown, chances are the fuse has done its job and will need to be replaced.
Blown Fuse. 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.
How long do air conditioner fuses last? A typical air conditioner fuse is designed to last throughout the lifespan of your unit.
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.
AC Fuses: Alternating current naturally passes through zero voltage 100 or 120 times per second (depending on the frequency of the AC system). AC fuses are specifically designed to handle this frequent zero-crossing point, which helps extinguish the arc that forms when the fuse interrupts the current.