Your car’s AC might struggle in hot weather, cooling well in cooler conditions but not in the heat. This could be due to low refrigerant, a clogged condenser, faulty sensors, or the AC system struggling to handle extreme temperatures.
Table of Contents
Why Does Car AC Works In The Morning But Not Afternoon
- Faulty AC Compressor Relay: A faulty relay causes intermittent compressor engagement/disengagement, which results in cold air loss.
- Heater Control Valve/Blend Door Issue: hese stuck open or failing to close will allow warm air to mix with cold AC air.
- Compressor Clutch Gap: A gap that is too large may cause the compressor to disengage when hot.
- Faulty Pressure Switch/Expansion Valve: Issues here lead to incorrect compressor cycling.
- Condenser Blockage or Mounting Issues: This can restrict airflow or cause the condenser to be mounted poorly, which may cause overheating and a reduction in cooling efficiency.
- High Ambient Temperature implies increased heat load during the middle of the day, forcing the AC to work harder; performance reduces.
- Solar Load: Direct sunlight can severely affect the amount of heat inside your car, especially in the afternoon when the sun is usually at its highest.
- Compressor Efficiency Drop in Heat: With high temperatures, the compressor’s efficiency falls, reducing its ability to cool.
- Increased Refrigerant Pressures: High temperatures extend system pressures, which can cause the AC to cycle off as a means of self-protection.
These short causes will help you find the root of the problem with the AC performance in your car.
How To Fix Car Ac Cold In Morning, Hot In Afternoon?
Replace The Ac Compressor Relay:
Since the compressor started working when the relay was replaced, this would imply one of the critical procedures for repair is replacing the faulty AC compressor relay. A new relay will ensure that the compressor will always engage and provide a good cooling performance. Relays are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, thus making this fix pretty straightforward.
Inspect And Adjust Heater Control Valve And Blend Door:
The flow of warm coolant and the direction of airflow in the car’s HVAC are controlled by the heater control valve and the blend door, respectively. If the heater valve is stuck open or the blend door doesn’t close right, an intermingling of warm air with the cold air coming out of the AC will occur. Check these components for proper operation and replace or adjust accordingly to stop unwanted warm air from crossing into the cabin.
Check And Adjust Compressor Clutch Gap:
Gradually, the compressor clutch gap widens too high, more so in high temperatures, resulting in occasional clutch disengagement. Verifying this gap using a feller gauge and adjusting to the manufacturer’s specifications can maintain the clutch’s consistent operation without a breakdown in cooling.
Test And Replace Faulty Pressure Switch Or Expansion Valve:
Pressure Switch and Expansion Valve: Both are vital components that control the AC system pressure and refrigerant flow. If these parts go bad, there is incorrect compressor cycling or premature shutoff. A technician will be able to diagnose and test both components. Replacing either can reinstate normal AC function and uniform cooling if faulty.
Clean And Ensure Proper Condenser Mounting:
Your condenser must dissipate heat from the refrigerant and have adequate airflow to function well. Check for any blockages from debris, dirt, or other materials that will impede airflow toward the condenser.
Also, ensure it is mounted properly and not leaning against the radiator where overheating may occur. Clean the condenser with a light water flow; the cooling fans should be running.
Use The Recirculation Mode On Your AC:
Operating the AC on recirculation pulls cabin air instead of hot outside air, greatly lightening the cooling demand on the system by cooling already conditioned air. This function is most useful during extremely hot parts of the day.
Perform Routine Ac Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is necessary for the AC system to work perfectly. This includes checking the amount of refrigerant present, inspecting the compressor, cleaning the condenser, and ensuring all the other parts of the system work appropriately. These tune-ups help diagnose minor issues and fix them before they become a big problem.
Manage Solar Load With Sunshades Or Tinted Windows:
Minimize the heat load inside the cabin by using sunshades on the windshield and windows or by tinting the windows. Whenever possible, parking in the shade will also help keep the cabin cooler and ease the burden on the AC system.
Implementing These Fixes Should Significantly Improve Your Car’s AC performance, particularly in hotter conditions, Ensuring That The System Operates Efficiently Throughout The Day.
A/C only blows Cold in shade or low temps
If the car’s air conditioner works fine in the shade or when the temperature is cool but underperforms in high temperatures, it might be due to a low or over-full refrigerant level, or problems with the expansion valve, condenser, or freezing of any of the evaporator coils.
Air-Conditioner Works Only When Car Is Moving
The probable causes are no condenser fan or external airflow over the condenser if the car air conditioner works only while the car is running, and it cannot dissipate the heat effectively when idle or at a standstill without airflow. Further, some common remedies include properly operating the condenser fan, cleaning the condenser coils, and refrigerant charge. If those do not work, further inspection by an AC specialist.
Related Questions:
Why Is My Car AC Not Cooling In The Afternoon?
One of the very common causes of an A/C system blowing out warm air is a low refrigerant condition. Refrigerant absorbs and dissipates heat from the cabin to the outside air, creating cool air.
Why Does My AC Work At Night But Not During The Day?
When the fan motor exceeds the limit/threshold, the controller simply turns it off to protect it from overheating.
Why Is My Car AC Not Working On A Hot Day?
If you find your car A/C not cooling in hot weather, it could be due to a leak in your system, a faulty condenser, or a broken compressor.
Why Does My Car AC Start Cooling After Some Time?
If your car’s A/C isn’t cooling down in hot weather, the possible causes include leakage to the system, a malfunctioning condenser, or a defective compressor.
How Can I Improve My Car AC Performance In Extreme Heat?
Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit may have repeatedly leaking coolant. Coolant leakage is probably the most common reason for a car AC taking a long time to get chilly or not working properly.
Is It Normal For My Car AC to Struggle In Very Hot Conditions?
Yeah, it’s common for car AC systems to struggle when outside temperatures are very high. The system struggles to cool the air, and issues, such as low refrigerant or clogged components, become accentuated in extreme heat.
Conclusion
If your car’s AC works only in the morning, it’s probably due to several factors combined: higher ambient temperatures, solar load, or malfunctioning AC system components. Knowing what to look for and applying the recommended fixes are surefire ways to enhance your car’s AC performance at any time of the day.
