Why does my heater work but not my AC in my car?

Author: Bria Renner  |  Last update: Monday, May 19, 2025

Another common reason your car's AC system might not be working is a lack of refrigerant. Refrigerant is what helps cool the air that comes into your car. If there's a leak in your car's refrigerant system, it can cause the AC to stop working.

Why is my heat working but the AC does not?

One of the most common problems is disconnected or loose wires. If the wires are frayed, not connected, or dirty, your air conditioner will not be able to turn on. Another common problem is a faulty thermostat. If the thermostat malfunctions, it will not send the signal to the air conditioner to turn on.

Why does my AC in my car not work when it's hot?

Several factors could cause a car's heater to work while the air conditioner doesn't. It could be a problem with the A/C compressor, refrigerant levels, electrical issues, or a malfunctioning component. A professional inspection is recommended to diagnose and address the specific issue.

Why is my car fan working but no AC?

The capacitor supplies power to the compressor, outer fan, and blower motor. The starter relay moves that power to the compressor from the capacitors. If your compressor isn't working but the fan is,you may have a faulty capacitor.

Why is cold air not blowing out when AC is on in car?

One of the most common culprits behind an A/C system blowing warm air is a low refrigerant level. Refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the cabin and releasing it outside, creating cool air. Over time, your car's A/C system may develop leaks, resulting in a loss of refrigerant.

TOP 5 REASONS why your car heater is not working. Cheap and easy fix: car heater blowing cold air

How do I fix my car AC not blowing cold air?

How to Check Your Car AC
  1. Check to see if the cabin filter is clear; if not, replace it.
  2. Figure out the last time the condenser was replaced. ...
  3. When the AC is on, listen to hear the condenser hum as it spins. ...
  4. Make sure the condenser is free from leaves, bugs, or other debris.
  5. Check for leaks in the system.

Will AutoZone recharge my AC?

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.

How to tell if freon is low in AC car?

One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs a Freon recharge is that your vehicle will be blowing warm air, even after your vehicle has been running for some time. If your refrigerant gets too low, there will simply not be enough “coolant” to cool the air as it is passed through your evaporator coil.

Why is air not coming out of my vents in my car?

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.

How much does it cost to fix AC in a car?

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.

How do I fix my car AC blowing out hot air?

DIY Diagnosis and Quick Fixes
  1. First, check the cabin air filter condition and replace it if it's dirty or clogged.
  2. Check that the heater fan is blowing. ...
  3. Clean off the radiator. ...
  4. Check all the wiring connections for the AC system that you can access. ...
  5. Check the refrigerant level and top it up.

What are the symptoms of a bad evaporator sensor?

Identify the Problem: The first sign of an evaporator temperature sensor failure might be your car's air conditioning (AC) not cooling properly or fluctuating temperatures. You might also notice that the AC turns off unexpectedly. These symptoms suggest it's time to check the sensor.

Why is my AC only blowing hot?

A dirty, clogged HVAC filter is a common cause for your AC blowing warm air. And, it's an easy one to fix. If you're keeping up on your maintenance, you'll take care of this problem before it happens. The filter traps dust, dirt, and contaminants as they pass through your system.

What is the first thing to check when the AC stops working?

Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.

Can a bad blower motor cause no AC?

Your AC's blower motor is responsible for moving air through your air conditioner to cool it and then pushing it back out into your home. Without this incredible component, your AC can't provide any cooling effect, no matter how much the compressor runs.

Does AC and heat use the same blower?

Both AC and furnace use the same thermostat to activate and shut down. The AC and the furnace use the same blower to spread cool and warm air throughout your home.

How do I fix my car AC not blowing air?

Solutions for AC Not Blowing Cold Air
  1. Recharging the AC System. If low refrigerant is the problem, the solution is a recharge. ...
  2. Fixing Leaks and Replacing Damaged Parts. Leaks in the air conditioning system can be tricky to locate. ...
  3. Regular Maintenance Tips. Keeping your car's AC running efficiently requires regular checks:

How much does it cost to fix an air vent in a car?

The average cost of car A/C repair is between $384 and $445. Find out how much it costs to have a repair shop fix your car's air conditioning.

How do I know if my car needs Freon or compressor?

How to Tell if Your Car A/C Needs Recharging
  1. Your car is blowing warm or hot air instead of cold. ...
  2. Your car is visibly leaking refrigerant. ...
  3. The A/C clutch is not engaging. ...
  4. There's a weird smell coming from your vents.

How much does it cost to refill Freon in a car?

What is the average cost of a car AC recharge? The average cost of a car AC recharge can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and location. How often should a car's AC system be recharged? A car's AC system should only be recharged if it is leaking or experiencing a loss of refrigerant.

Can a car AC be low on Freon without a leak?

While the refrigerant in your vehicle can escape even without a leak, it's often not enough to cause significant issues unless you've failed to top up the refrigerant for years. When the lack of refrigerant becomes significant though, it can cause a number of problems, including an overheating driver in the summer sun.

How to tell if car AC is low on freon?

If there's not enough freon, it won't engage and you won't hear that click. Another more serious symptom of low freon levels is a visible sign of a refrigerant leak. You can tell that it's freon if it looks like thin grease in liquid state.

Can I recharge my car AC myself?

Refrigerant can leak slowly from your car's air conditioning system over time, but recharging your car's air conditioning system so it once again blows cold air is an easy DIY task and takes just about 15 minutes.

Why is my car AC blowing warm air?

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.

Previous article
How much does it cost to run a furnace fan constantly?
Next article
Do you put anything over grout?