As high pressure refrigerant is pumped from the A/C compressor, it flows through a refrigerant line and into the air conditioning condenser. The condenser is located next to the radiator and serves a similar function. The condenser transforms high pressure, high temperature gas into high pressure slightly lower temperature liquid needed for A/C function.
How does the AC condenser work?
When air flows across the air conditioning condenser, it cools the gaseous refrigerant inside the condenser, and allows it to exit in a liquid state, ready to travel to the next A/C component: the accumulator.
A failing condenser will cause the A/C to stop cooling. The condenser is at the front of the vehicle, right in front of the radiator, and can be damaged by road debris or a even a small front end accident.
If they are found to be leaking, A/C condensers should be replaced.
What are the symptoms related to a bad AC condenser?
When the condenser fails, the air conditioner will fail along with it. The engine idle speed will not undulate as normal when the air conditioner is turned on, and the air in the vehicle will be just warmer than ambient temperature.
Can I drive with an AC condenser problem?
Driving with a faulty condenser is not comfortable in warm weather, but will not cause harm to the vehicle. However, if the condenser is leaking, it may also allow dust into the system, and cause blockage once a repair has been made.
How often do AC condensers need to be replaced?
Failure of an air conditioning condenser is normally due to physical damage, but debris in the air conditioning system can cause it to clog. If the small metal fins on the exterior of the condenser become matted with a foreign substance, the condenser will not function properly, but may be repairable with a specialty comb.
The location of the AC condenser makes it prone to damage if the vehicle is involved in a front-end collision. If such a collision occurs, the AC system should be closely inspected to ensure that it is operating correctly and not in danger of failing at a later date.
How are AC condenser issues diagnosed?
Diagnosis of the air conditioning condenser requires advanced knowledge of air conditioning systems, and a good understanding of the relationship between temperature and pressure of a liquid and gas. A technician with proper training, and certification is required to repair an air conditioning system. Professional grade equipment is used to read high and low side pressure, and the technician must rely on hours of classroom and hands-on training to understand the readings and diagnose the faulty part. If the condenser is suspected to be faulty, the technician will decide if replacement is necessary based on the cause of the fault. In most cases, a leak will be detected in the condenser.
"Stop leak" compounds are not recommended, as they are a temporary solution and can damage AC components, resulting in expensive repairs.
How is an AC condenser replaced?
Replacement of most air conditioning components requires complete evacuation of the air conditioning system with a refrigerant recovery machinery. The engine cooling system must be drained as well. Once refrigerant and engine coolant have been removed from the vehicle, disassembly may being. The cooling fans, radiator hoses, electrical connectors, refrigerant lines, and in some cases, the front bumper assembly must be removed. Finally, the mounting bolts and hardware must be removed to allow the condenser to separate from the vehicle and radiator. Once those components are re-installed, the technician will remove all air from the system in preparation for recharging the system with new refrigerant. Prior to recharging the A/C system with refrigerant the engine coolant must be full and free of air.
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