Air Conditioner not blowing cold after freezing temperatures?

Tiny
JACOB JAYNES
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 KIA FORTE
  • 1.8L
  • 60,000 MILES
Recently I had single digit temperatures, a few weeks after temperatures got hot enough to need cold A/C again. I noticed the air was not blowing cold, and the heat works fine. Zero issues before the freeze, A/C would blow ice cold. Can't tell if the compressor is turning on/off. Can cold weather affect the performance of my A/C and/or cause other issues, such as leaks and can using the heat/defrost create issues for the cooling components after more than normal use?
Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 12:18 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

When temperatures get below 39 degrees F, the compressor shouldn't turn on. So, the cold temps shouldn't have hurt anything.

As far as the new issue, we need to determine if the compressor is engaging when you request the A/C or defroster. If possible, have a helper start the engine and select A/C. At the same time, watch under the hood for the compressor to engage. In addition to seeing the clutch engage, you should hear a click sound when it engages and one when it disengages.

Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
JACOB JAYNES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thanks for the insight. I have determined the A/C clutch is not engaging when turning on the AC/Defrost.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Could you let me know if this has automatic climate control or if it is a manually controlled system? I found different wiring schematics based on that info.

Thanks,

Joe
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
JACOB JAYNES
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I believe it is a manually controlled system.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the info. Take a look at pic 1 below. I need you to check both highlighted fuses first, in addition to checking the fuses, confirm there is power to and from them.

Here is a link that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If they check good, switch the compressor relay with a different one in the fuse box having the same part number. If there isn't one, here is a link that explains how to check the relay and circuit:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 8:51 PM

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