Why Driver Side AC Not Cold: 5 Causes and Troubleshooting Guide
Why is my driver-side AC not cold? It is one of the most asked queries by car owners. If you are also looking for an answer to this question, then you are in the right spot. Several circumstances, including broken HVAC or insufficient refrigerant, may cause this one-sided airflow situation. But don’t worry!
Read on as I’ll discuss the 5 most common reasons behind driver-side AC not cold and their solutions in this article. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Driver Side AC Not Cold: Signs Of Temperature Problem
Some common signs point to an air conditioner temperature issue. Let’s check them out:
1. Clicking Sounds from the Driver’s AC Vents
A clicking or tapping noise from the driver-side AC vents can indicate an AC blend door actuator issue.
- This controls how much hot and cold air flows through the vents.
- A broken actuator may get stuck and prevent cold air from reaching the driver’s side.
2. Cold On Passenger Side Only: Uneven Temperature
Feeling hot air on the driver’s side while blowing cold air on the passenger side is a clear sign of uneven air conditioner temperature.
- This is often caused by refrigerant leaks or blower motor issues that impact airflow on one side.
- Checking the pressure and sealing leaks can help restore even cooling.
5 Common Causes Why the Driver’s Side AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
There could be numerous reasons behind the root cause of blowing hot air. Let’s explore them one by one in detail!
1. Faulty Climate Control System
Issues with the car’s temperature control system could cause hot air on the driver’s side. System malfunctions, including defective temperature sensors or vent control problems, might disrupt the normal distribution of cool air.
2. Blend Door Actuator Not Working Properly
The blend door actuator acts as an electric motor to regulate the climate control system in your car. Despite its relatively small size, it is essential for controlling cabin temperature and ventilation.
Over time, it may eventually experience problems, such as cracked plastic gears. This could create a disturbing situation where the car’s air conditioner appears to be cold on the passenger side while throwing hot air on the driver’s side.
3. Refrigerant Level Too Low
Refrigerant is essential for cooling the inside of your car via a compressor. Condensation is the phenomenon behind this process.
However, this procedure can be hindered by a drop in refrigerant levels. Consequently, it might result in problems, including inadequate cooling and possible engine overheating.
4. The Air Vent Door is Damaged
Your car’s vent door is critical in how cold air is distributed throughout the interior. However, if the vent door is damaged or becomes stuck, it can obstruct the proper distribution of colling and make your car’s air conditioner only blow cold air on one side of the car.
5. Faulty Temperature Sensor
Your car’s temperature sensor struggles to measure the outside temperature precisely when it isn’t working properly.
- This can cause the airflow from the vents of your car’s air conditioner system to become interrupted.
- As a result, you can encounter a situation where the AC only blows cold air on one side of the vehicle.
2 Easy Fixes When Driver Side AC is Not Cold
Now that we’ve covered the common causes of not blowing cold air on the driver’s side, let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to diagnose and address the issue properly:
1. Install New AC Vents
If the ACs on the driver’s side of your car aren’t cooling down or they blow warm air, there’s probably something wrong with the AC vent. Consider repairing the damaged vent to solve this issue efficiently.
The process for changing the AC vents in your car is outlined in the steps that follow:
- Start by gently pulling open the side cover panel with the trim removal tool;
- Disconnect the electrical connector to remove the old AC vent once the side cover panel has been reached;
- The new AC vent should be taken out and carefully positioned;
- Reconnect the electrical connector;
- Reinstall the side cover panel.
- Check that the air conditioner in your automobile is working properly.
2. Replace Blend Door Actuator
Another thing that you can do to target the car blowing hot air to the driver-side is to swap out the blend doors actuator.
To do this, you must follow these steps:
- Remove the safety barriers as a metal shield protects the temperature door actuator,
- Disconnect the electrical cable that is attached to the actuator,
- Next, remove both bullets that are holding with a ratchet and an 8mm socket. You’ll be able to remove the old actuator from its spot as a result,
- Get a new device and reinstall it with the bolts you previously removed. Ensure they are appropriately aligned,
- Ensure that the bolts are fastened by tightening the bolts,
- Also, ensure the electrical wiring is securely secured before re-connecting to the new actuator.
- Lastly, test the temperature door actuator’s functionality to ensure it operates as intended.
The Perks Of Clean Car’s AC System
Maintaining your car’s air conditioning system is essential for keeping the interior cool and pleasant, particularly during the hot summer. As time passes, the air conditioning system in your car may gather dirt, grime, and other debris, reducing its performance. Hence, cleaning your car’s air conditioning system regularly is crucial.
Let’s shed light on some advantages of clean car AC system:
- Improved Cooling: A clean AC system cools your car faster and more efficiently.
- Longer AC Life: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your AC system which will save you money in the long run.
- Comfortable Driving: Clean air and efficient cooling make your journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Your Air Conditioning System
In addition to repairs, regularly maintaining and cleaning your air conditioning system can help improve problems like cold on the passenger side only. Let’s look at some tips for adequately servicing your AC to maximize cold air:
1. Interior Duct Cleaning
The interior ducts of your vehicle’s air conditioning system are also responsible for hot air and can be cleaned by following simple steps:
- Step 1 – Gather material: Gather the tools you’ll need, such as a foam sponge, an appropriate cleaning solution, and warm water, to clean the vents.
- Step 2 – Check vents: Examine the dashboard vents to ensure you are not using any cleaning agents that can damage them.
- Step 3 – Getting Rid of Dirt: Be thorough and patient as you use the sponge to thoroughly clean the vents’ visible surfaces, which may have collected dirt and dust.
- Step 4 – Rinse and repeat: To retain the cleaning power of the sponge as it picks up dirt, rinse it out as necessary and reapply the cleaning solution.
- Step 5 – Dry Vents: After cleaning, dry the vents with a fresh cloth or towel to ensure they are spotless and moisture-free.
2. Intake Vent Maintenance
Following are the steps to maintain and clean the intake vents:
- Step 1 – Identify Vent Location: On your car, locate the external intake vents that allow hot air to enter the air conditioning system. Depending on the model of your car, the vents could be located on the hood, below the windscreen, or in the space between the headlights.
- Step 2 – Removal of debris: Clean out the vents of any material, such as leaves or insects.
- Step 3 – Cleaning Method: To clean the external vents, follow the same procedure as the internal vents and use a sponge and cleaning solution.
- Step 4 – Microbe elimination: Eliminate any remaining bacteria with an enzymatic disinfectant spray to keep your AC system smelling fresh.
3. AC Condenser Fan Cleaning
To clean the AC condenser fan, you should follow these steps:
- Step 1 – Safety first: Be careful to turn off the car’s engine and give the surrounding parts time to cool down.
- Step 2 – Locate the Fan: To find the fan’s location, which changes depending on the model and year of your vehicle. Consult the user handbook or conduct a quick online search using photos.
- Step 3 – Fan cleaning: Gently wipe the fan down to remove any dirt or debris from the blades.
- Step 4 – Debris removal: To maintain optimum efficiency, clean up any accumulated debris from the area around the fan.
Watch this video for detailed guidance on handling the AC-blowing hot air issues.
Is it Time to Replace Your Car’s Air Conditioning System?
Most car owners don’t need to consider replacing their vehicle’s air conditioning system because it normally lasts 8 to 10 years. Some AC components can even last the full life of the vehicle with proper care and maintenance.
However, the following signs indicate that it’s time to replace your AC unit:
- Compressor issues: After recharging the refrigerant, your AC no longer blows cold air. This likely means there is a leak or compressor issue.
- Noises in the AC: The AC compressor is making loud clunking or grinding noises, indicating it is failing.
- Low performance: The AC performance continues to diminish, and repairs no longer provide lasting fixes. Moreover, it is blowing hot air more than usual.
- AC has expired: The AC components are over 10 years old. The average lifespan of a car AC system is around this age.
FAQ
Why is my AC cold on one side but not the other?
Your AC is cold on one side only because of issues with the blend air door motor and vent-related problems.
How does dual AC work in a car?
The dual AC in a car works by enabling each passenger to adjust their preferred temperature and airflow independently. The term dual AC or dual-zone climate control describes a system with independent climate controls on the driver’s and passenger’s sides.
Where is the blend door actuator located?
The blend door actuator is located in the center of the dashboard. Depending on the model, a vehicle may have one or two blend door actuators. You will need to unfasten and take out two bolts to remove them.
How can I prevent my driver-side AC from going out again?
You can prevent your driver-side AC from going out by regular service of your car’s AC system, checking for refrigerant leaks, and replacing worn-out components. This will ensure proper cold air flow on both sides.
Conclusion
Summing up driver-side AC not cold is a frustrating issue that many can owners face. With proper troubleshooting, you can enjoy the cool air in no time. If you face insufficient refrigerant levels, refilling the solution as soon as possible is advised. On the other hand, if the vent doors are damaged, you need to clean or replace the vents. For faulty temperature sensors, it is recommended to swap them out.
It’s important to remember that, in some circumstances, you may even have to replace your entire AC system if the problem is exacerbating. If nothing works in favor of you, it is best to seek professional help. Lastly, have you ever experienced any issues with your driver-side AC? Share your experience with me in the comments.
I`m a current Law Enforcement Officer working within the Counterterrorism Bureau in New York State. I have been Camping for over 20 years. My styles of camping include tent, car, truck, van, and RV travel trailer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach all types of camping with an entertaining method: https://youtube.com/@TheSmallsRVAdventures
