Solving Automotive HVAC Problems
Solving HVAC Problems
I’m going to split this article into two parts: one part on heating, the other on AC.
One important note before I get into this article: Be sure to check your local laws before working on your AC system if that’s what you intend to do. Some places don’t allow do-it-yourself-ers to service their own AC systems, and they also might prevent you from purchasing refrigerant. We’ll talk more about this in the AC section of this article. For now, on with the show!
In general, HVAC problems can range from the simple to the very complex. Most HVAC systems are behind your dash, which means that if you need to get to those parts, you’re going to have to remove it. This can be a daunting task, but with a bit of time and patience, you should be able to get through it.
Select Your Issue
- Solving HVAC Problems
- Working on Your Vehicle’s AC System
- AC System Basics
- AC Performance Testing
- Finding Out What’s Wrong With Your AC
- Finding AC Leaks
- Repairing AC Leaks
- Mixing Refrigerants
- Recharging AC Systems
- Think About Replacing the Receiver Dryer or Accumulator
- Adding Oil to the AC System
- Retrofitting AC Systems
- Rear AC Systems
- Evaporator Odor
- Stop-Leak in Your AC System
- Black Death
- Flushing the AC System
- Water or Swishing Noise in Your Dash
- Heater Problems
- Thermostat Problems
- Clogged Heater Core
- Leaking Heater Core
- Heater Control Valves
- HVAC Controls and Air Flow in the System
- Blower Motor Problems
- Noisy Blower Motor
- Cabin Air Filters
- Defogging Windows
- Summary
9 thoughts on “Solving Automotive HVAC Problems”
Joe Russell
January 6, 2022 at 9:15 pm
I have a 1998 ford contour. I have a heat issue warm and cool air coming out the vents. I replace thermostat, heater blend door and water pump no hot air blowing through the vents what is the cause?
Frank moore
June 27, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Need help on recharging a Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3 L V8
Steve
October 3, 2021 at 10:41 pm
I have a 2000 chevy asyro van. I have a heat issue but not what I see covered in your frequently answered questions. If I turn the heat control dial all the way to the left, cold, it’s ok, if I move it 1/4″ to the right, I have hot air, I mean hot! Moving it further into the right gives the same. What’s changed? Well I thought it was the heater control unit on the dash, so I but a used one, no change really. The blend door unit I bought a new one but realized the old one was still working, no change with either. Ideas?
Antonio Garcia
April 14, 2021 at 12:20 am
I wanted to know if I need to replace my ac condenser with the drier if my ac compressor failed.
Gabriel
November 1, 2021 at 11:13 pm
I did for mine. I believe the site I purchased also recommended it.
DaveM
August 14, 2020 at 1:29 pm
I’ve used AC pro to recharge my 2013 Ford E350 van, with rear AC.
AC Pro got the pressure up from 170 to near 300 lbs, but won’t go any higher. Spec is 338. The system cools much better now, but not really cold. The can feels half full, but no more will go into my system. Anyone know how much pressure is in an AC pro can?
Edward E Melzark
July 19, 2020 at 9:38 pm
Can I use nitrogen to pressure check for leaks in AC auto
Marc Gary
July 15, 2020 at 11:33 am
My pressure is good and my low side and high level out. But the cycling switch doesn’t have power. So the compressor wont come on
Hermenegildo Nava
May 13, 2020 at 11:53 pm
If the wrong oil it’s added to the compressor, is it possible to drain ti and add the right oil back?