Your car’s AC stopped working because of a failing compressor or a freon leak. Though these may be the obvious reasons for your AC not cooling inside your vehicle, it could also be anything as simple as a bad compressor belt or a dirty cabin air filter.
On average, the cost for a Kia Optima Car AC Repair is $249 with $116 for parts and $133 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.
What causes car AC to suddenly stop working?
So what caused your air conditioner to stop working? Most likely, your AC system lost its charge of refrigerant. Or, due to an electrical fault, its compressor is not engaging when you turn on the system. Another possibility is that an internal obstruction is blocking the circulation of refrigerant.
If your air conditioner is running, but not lowering temperatures inside, one issue could be a blocked or clogged condenser coil. When operating correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to pull heat energy out of your home.
Why is my AC not working in my Kia? – Related Questions
How do I get my AC cold again?
How to make your A/C colder
Replace the cabin air filter. The cabin air filter prevents dust, pollen, dirt and other pollutants from entering your car through the A/C and heat vents.
Park in the shade whenever possible.
Supercharge your A/C system.
Don’t switch to max A/C right away.
Source: Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Why would AC suddenly stop cooling?
Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters. When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesn’t cool your indoor air effectively.
How do you fix an AC that is not cooling?
The following are a few things to check when your air conditioner is not cooling your space.
Check and reset the thermostat.
Replace the dirty filter.
Clear the clogged condensation drain.
Try to diagnose duct malfunctions.
Clear the area around the compressor.
Can an AC compressor running but not cooling?
If the compressor clutch engages and turns the compressor, but the A/C still does not blow cold air, the system is probably low on refrigerant and needs to be recharged.
The outside condensing unit is making strange noises.
How do I know if my AC compressor is clogged?
If you notice that the air coming from the vents with the AC switched on is not as cold as you remember it to be, you could have a problem with the AC compressor. There are other issues related to the AC system that could cause the air to be warmer than normal, but a bad compressor is certainly one option.
What are signs of a weak AC compressor?
If there’s an issue with your compressor, you might experience one or more of these signs:
Your AC Is Making Growling, Screeching, or Clattering Noises.
You Have a Hard Time Getting Your AC to Start.
Your AC Stops Blowing Cold Air.
Circuit Breaker Problems.
Diminished Airflow.
Is it safe to drive a car with a failing AC compressor?
It’s not a good idea to drive with a broken A/C compressor. While you can sometimes drive your vehicle with a broken A/C compressor without needing expensive repairs, it’s not wise. When these integral parts of your car’s air conditioning system break, that can cause greater damage to your engine and even your health.
How much does it cost to fix an AC compressor in a car?
The average cost to replace a car a/c compressor is around $1,100—your mechanic isn’t far off the mark. The cost of parts and labor can vary greatly depending on where you live. On average, the labor cost can run between $160 and $200, with the parts costing between $650 and $840.
While this prevents serious trouble such as electrical fires, it also means that a single blown fuse can cause the entire air conditioner to stop working. Some of the most common causes of AC failure are rooted in electronics.