As the weather heats up, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting into your car, turning on the air conditioning, and feeling hot air blowing out instead of incredible. Unfortunately, this is familiar issue car owners face, especially after an oil change. When the oil is changed in the engine, it can sometimes impact the performance of the AC system.
In this blog, we will explore the leading causes of car AC problems after an oil change, the different detection methods, and the solutions that can help you get your AC system back to its optimal performance.
Various factors, including leaks can cause car AC problems after an oil change, damaged AC components, contaminated refrigerant, or incorrect oil type. Detecting these issues can be done through visual inspections and testing. Solutions include repairing leaks, replacing damaged components, flushing the AC system, and using the correct oil type. Read on to learn more about how to identify and solve these issues.
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Reasons Why Is Car ac not working after the oil change
There are many reasons for car AC not working after the oil change. Some of the reasons are explained below:
Low refrigerant level
Refrigerant is an essential component of a car’s air conditioning system, as it is responsible for cooling the cabin by absorbing heat and circulating through the AC system.
However, leaks in hoses, fittings, and gaskets can cause refrigerant to escape, leading to low refrigerant levels. When the refrigerant level is low, the cooling capacity and efficiency of the AC system are significantly reduced. As a result, the AC system may blow out warm or hot air instead of cool air, and the compressor may work harder than usual to compensate for the lower refrigerant levels.
This can cause discomfort to the passengers in the car and increase fuel consumption, as the AC system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Therefore, it’s essential to have any leaks in the AC system fixed as soon as possible and to regularly check the refrigerant levels to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of the AC system.
Damaged AC fuse or wiring
The AC fuse and wiring are vital components of the AC system. The fuse protects the electrical circuit from overload or short circuits, while the wiring connects the electrical components of the AC system.
However, these components are susceptible to damage due to factors such as corrosion, wear, and tear, or accidental contact during an oil change. When the fuse or wiring is damaged, it prevents the power supply to the AC system, causing it to malfunction.
Therefore, regularly inspecting and maintaining these components is essential to ensure the AC system’s smooth functioning.
Non-moving AC compressor clutch
The AC compressor clutch plays a critical role in the functioning of the air conditioning system by engaging and disengaging the compressor from the engine power. The compressor compresses and circulates the refrigerant in the AC system, which cools the air. However, if the compressor clutch is not moving, it can prevent the refrigerant from circulating, resulting in the AC system not working.
Various factors can cause the compressor clutch to stop moving, including a faulty relay, switch, sensor, or coil. Any of these components can prevent the clutch from engaging or disengaging correctly, resulting in the compressor not compressing the refrigerant.
When the compressor clutch is not moving, the refrigerant cannot circulate and compress, which is necessary for the AC system to function correctly. Diagnosing and repairing any issues with the compressor clutch is essential to avoid further damage to the AC system. Regular maintenance of the AC system can also prevent such issues from occurring, ensuring that the AC system is always functioning optimally.
Failed AC clutch relay
The clutch relay is an essential component of the air conditioning system that controls the power supply to the compressor clutch. The relay is responsible for engaging and disengaging the clutch, which compresses and circulates the refrigerant in the AC system. However, the relay may fail due to age, heat, moisture, or vibration, preventing the compressor clutch from activating.
When the clutch relay fails, it can cause the compressor clutch to stop working, leading to a malfunction in the AC system. For example, a damaged relay can prevent the clutch from receiving the signal to engage or disengage, causing the refrigerant to stop circulating or compressing. As a result, the air conditioning system may not function correctly, resulting in reduced cooling or no cooling at all.
Therefore, it is crucial to maintain and replace the clutch relay periodically to ensure the smooth functioning of the AC system. Regular maintenance and inspection of the AC system can also help identify any issues with the clutch relay before they cause significant damage.
How to Detect Car AC Problems After Oil Change
When getting an oil change in your car, it is crucial to check for any AC system problems that may have occurred during the service. Here are some ways to detect car AC problems after an oil change:
Check for oil stains or wet spots along the AC system
Inspect the AC system for any oil stains or wet spots that may indicate a refrigerant leak. Use a flashlight to check the hoses, fittings, gaskets, condenser, evaporator, and compressor for any signs of leakage.
Check for bubbles when pouring soapy water on the AC system
Another way to check for refrigerant leaks is by spraying soapy water on the AC system and looking for bubbles. If bubbles appear, it indicates a refrigerant leak, and you should inspect that specific part of the system to locate the leak.
Check for loose connections or tears on hoses, fittings, and gaskets
Check for loose connections or tears on hoses, fittings, and gaskets that can cause refrigerant leaks or electrical problems. Use your hands and eyes to inspect the AC system, feeling for any looseness or tears in the hoses and fittings.
Check if the compressor clutch is moving when turning on the AC
Check if the compressor clutch is engaging when you turn on the AC. The compressor clutch should engage, causing the compressor to start and produce a clicking sound. If the compressor clutch is not engaging, it may indicate a faulty relay, switch, sensor, or coil.
How to Fix the Car ac not working after the oil change
If your car’s AC is not working after an oil change, here are some possible solutions to fix the issue:
Recharge the refrigerant level using a recharge kit
If the refrigerant level is low or empty, you can recharge it using a recharge kit available at most auto parts stores. The kit usually contains refrigerant and a gauge to measure the pressure level.
Replace the fuse using a fuse puller or pliers
If the AC fuse is blown or damaged, you can replace it using a fuse puller or pliers. You should first locate the fuse box, usually under the dashboard or engine compartment, and refer to the owner’s manual to identify the correct fuse.
Repair or replace any leaking parts using sealants, hoses, fittings, gaskets, etc.
If there is a refrigerant leak, you can repair or replace any damaged or leaking parts, such as hoses, fittings, gaskets, condensers, evaporators, or compressors, using sealants or replacement parts.
Replace faulty components
If any electrical or mechanical components of the AC system are faulty, you should replace them using the appropriate tools. This may include replacing a faulty relay, switch, sensor, coil, compressor clutch, or compressor.
Fixing the AC system may require specialized knowledge and skills, and it is best to consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself.
How to Prevent Car AC Problems After Oil Change
To prevent car AC problems after an oil change, here are two vital preventative measures you can take:
Regularly inspect and maintain your AC system components
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your AC system components can prevent issues from occurring. This can include checking for leaks, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, and inspecting hoses, fittings, and gaskets for wear or tear. Additionally, scheduling regular maintenance with a certified mechanic can help catch any potential issues before they become significant problems.
Regularly clean or replace your cabin air filter
The cabin air filter plays a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness and quality of the air inside your car. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, reducing the efficiency of the AC system. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter can help prevent this from occurring, ensuring that your AC system is working at its best.
Also, Read:
- Maintenance Light Still On After an Oil Change?
- Why Your Car has Rough Idle after an Oil Change?
- Why Is My Car Sputtering After an Oil Change?
- Why Does the My Car Feel Sluggish After an Oil Change?
- No Oil on The Dipstick After the Oil Change? Here Is Why!
- Why Is the Engine Ticking/knocking After the Oil Change?
Conclusion
In conclusion, car AC problems can arise after an oil change for reasons such as refrigerant leaks, damaged fuses or wiring, and non-moving compressor clutches. To detect and fix these issues, you can inspect the AC system for oil stains, bubbles, loose connections, and faulty components and recharge refrigerant levels or replace parts as needed.
However, the best way to prevent these issues is to properly care for your car’s AC system by regularly inspecting and maintaining its components and cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter. Doing so can ensure that your car’s AC system remains in good working order, minimizing the risk of problems occurring after an oil change and improving your driving experience overall.
