The weak air flow from vents in car not only wreaks havoc on the cooling performance but also heightens the fuel consumption, costing you more given the gas charge.
So what are the roots of this issue? How to solve it effectively? Let’s check our article now!
What Are The Causes Of The Weak Air Flow From Vents In Car?
Below are some underlying culprits:
- The clogged cabin air filter
- The dirty evaporator
- The frozen evaporator
- The dirty blower motor
- The bad blower motor
- The failed mode door actuator
- Other factors
Let’s take a closer look at each case.
The Clogged Cabin Air Filter
The clogged filter is one of the main contributors to the weak AC airflow.
As its name suggests, its function is to remove harmful substances, such as dirt, crud, or debris, from the air passages, protecting drivers’ health.
Due to this constant interaction, it can easily become dirty if not properly and frequently maintained.
The overall ventilation process, in turn, deteriorates, rendering the reduced airflow and affecting the cooling performance.
The Dirty Evaporator
Like the AC filter, the evaporator also assists in capturing airborne particles that are adverse to human health.
Over time, they would likely build up and get stuck on the fins’ surface, blocking the delivery of airflow and degrading the cooling performance.
Here are common symptoms helping you spot the issue:
- A choppy air flow from AC vents.
- An unpleasant smell, like covered with mold.
Check out more detail with below video:
The Frozen Evaporator
The issue is normally boiled down to an insufficient refrigerant level in the AC system. Most AC systems are not completely sealed, triggering the leak of refrigerant.
Other agents, namely damaged condensers, leaked O-ring seals, or cracked hoses, also induce AC fluid leakage.
Suppose this problem happens; your evaporator coil will freeze up quickly, generating the diminished capacity of airflow due to the frost formation.
The Dirty Blower Motor
The blower motor is no stranger to automotive enthusiasts, playing an important role in the air conditioning system. It is responsible for blowing the air through vents.
Although most dirty particles are filtered via the evaporator, few can escape and get lodged on the outer side of the fins.
If not cleaned thoroughly, they will get stuck and place strain on the blower cage, causing it to wobble and the car AC blowing weak.
The Bad Blower Motor
If a blower motor is out of order, you can easily spot the problem by noticing the lower spinning fins’ speed. This could be boiled down to the control module failure or resistor defection.
As a result, the car AC weak air flow will be induced if this issue persists, having repercussions for the cooling performance of your automobile.
The Failed Mode Door Actuator
The mode door actuator also belongs to the AC ventilation system, and it takes charge of managing the airflow via three main vents: floor, front and defrost-positioned vents.
When it shows some signs of degradation or operates out of calibration, the airflow is no longer under control.
The air may get divided and blow freely through different vents, resulting in cooling chaos and reduced airflow greatly.
Other Factors
- Flipped blend doors
- Mold and mildew in the air conditioner units
- Loose hoses
- Failed Ventilation Fans
How To Solve This Matter?
Following is a list of solutions that correspond to each of the above roots:
- If the problem lies in a clogged cabin air filter, you should clean it carefully with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Try to take the dirty air filter out of your car and clean its deep layers, which are most vulnerable to crud.
- Suppose the evaporator is an underlying culprit; you need to scrub it out of the dirt by taking out the dashboard before accessing the evaporator.
- If the frozen evaporator is responsible, you need to recharge the refrigerant to the full. To do so, you must switch the AC and locate the L-shaped service port before connecting it to the recharge kit.
- Suppose the dirty blower motor is the cause; clean it by using a Cataclean product. Yet, this product poses some problems after use, so you should pay close attention to them and read the instructions beforehand.
- Replace the torn mode door actuator, faulty blower motor, loose hoses, etc. to avert worse scenarios.
- Tow your car to a reliable motor workshop. The cost could be quite high, but you must pay the bill fully so that qualified mechanics will check and release your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Symptoms Of A Weak AC In Cars?
A weak AC device normally displays some symptoms as follows:
- The funky gym sock smell gives off, which is quite unpleasant and sour, triggered by mold and dirt particles.
- The airflow becomes poor in quality and circulating speed due to a build-up of mold and dirt.
- The hot air is blown inside the car, which is attributed to the corrosive acid wear.
Why Isn’t Air Coming Out Of My Car Vents?
This problem is relatively common, but many are confused and don’t know how to solve it. Below are some causes that could help you figure out the roots and search for corresponding remedies.
- The air intake gets clogged, blocking the air circulation both from inside and outside of the vents.
- There might be a blown fuse in the AC system.
- Electrical issues, such as a bad relay or a short circuit, arise.
- The AC blower motor is vulnerable to damage.
- A hose falls victim to rusting and corrosion.
Why Are My Dashboard Air Vents Not Working?
Here are the primary agents of malfunctioning dashboard air vents:
- A failed blower resistor
- The low level of refrigerant or AC fluid
- Jammed air intake
- The worn-out return vents
- Torn belts or hoses
- The defective compressor or condenser
The Bottom Line
This article helps you comprehend more about the weak air flow from vents in car. Its causes and symptoms are clearly explained in our post, hopefully offering you a helping hand.
Thank you for being supportive, and wish you all the best!