Understanding Air Conditioning | Auto AC Repair Lewisville, TX
When your vehicle’s air conditioning doesn’t seem to be as cold as it was, it may be in need of auto ac repair in Lewisville, Texas. Fifth Gear Automotive can repair your vehicle’s air conditioning, and restore your comfort. By understanding air conditioning, you will realize the interaction of the components, and how one component in need of replacement can cause the failure of others if not repaired in a timely manner.
Before you attempt to provide do-it-yourself auto ac repair in Lewisville, Texas, you need to realize that the cause may not be as easy to determine, or to repair as you may think. When working with a complicated air conditioning system, it is important that the repair is provided correctly. Otherwise you may cause irreversible damage to the compressor or other components. Most likely, you do not have all of the equipment and tools required for a proper repair anyway.
This guide will help you understand all of the components that can go bad in an automotive air conditioning system requiring professional auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX. It will provide a brief overview of how the individual components in your automobiles air conditioning system work in conjunction with each other to deliver refreshing cold air during a Texas summer.
First, there are three different types of auto air conditioning systems. They are orifice tube, expansion valve and a combination of the two which is typically used in rear auto ac systems.
In the Orifice Tube System, refrigerate flows at a consistent rate. The system automatically turns the air conditioning off and on to regulate the refrigerant flow to the evaporator. In this system, there are no moving parts, though it can become clogged over time.
The Thermal Expansion Valve System uses a valve to sense the high pressure liquid refrigerant and regulate its flow to the evaporator core. The moving parts of the valve will eventually experience wear and require replacement with auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX.
Auto AC Components
Air Conditioning Compressor
The air conditioning compressor pumps the refrigerant circulating coolant throughout the system. A worn compressor is a common problem with automobile AC repairs. When the parts inside the compressor become worn, debris and contaminants gain entry into the system. Eventually the seals fail and allow a leak to occur. A rattling noise when the AC is running is a potential sign of a leak.
Accumulator
The accumulator uses a desiccant bag that collects moisture and assists in preventing damage to your auto’s AC system by preventing moisture from entering the compressor. A common issue is torn seals or other leaks. When the accumulator has a leak, air will enter as the coolant escapes. This will result in an excess of moisture and accumulator failure. Once the accumulator becomes saturated with moisture, it will no longer be able to protect the system leading to compressor damage. A damaged compressor must be replaced with auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX.
Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve
This automotive A/C component meters the direct flow of refrigerant coolant to the evaporator core. A common issue is due to debris blocking the orifice. Typically, this is caused by a failing compressor or a ruptured desiccant bag in the accumulator. When the orifice becomes blocked, the system is not able to produce cool air.
Condenser
The condenser looks similar to a radiator. The condenser’s job is to keep the refrigerant cool when it leaves the compressor. Common issues with the condenser are due to leaks and or particulates restricting the flow of coolant which will lead to poor cooling.
Evaporator
Refrigerant enters the evaporator and becomes a cold mist, which in turn makes the evaporator tubes quite cold. The blower motor then sends air across the cold tubes of the evaporator which produces the cold air. Common problems with evaporators are due to leaks and/or debris restricting the flow of refrigerant leading to poor cooling. Fifth Gear Automotive’s certified ASE technicians utilize the latest technology in equipment, and possess the expertise to diagnose and provide reliable auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX. Thanks for visiting Fifth Gear Automotive.