A car’s air conditioning system is susceptible to malfunction over time like other components. However, if you have a situation of front AC not working but back is, that must be a tricky challenge demanding critical analysis.
This challenge can be overwhelming when you can’t figure out what could be wrong. It can even result in unnecessary financial wastage if you suddenly replace components that are not necessarily the issue.
So, this article is a straightforward guide to help you ascertain the causes of the problem and how to fix them immediately.
How Does The AC Work?
In order to understand your car’s AC system, you have to start with the refrigerant. The refrigerant is a chemical used in the AC system.
When it is in a gas state, it is able to collect, absorb and hold heat. When it is converted into a liquid state, it releases that heat, and that process repeats over and over again.
That is how the AC works. In order for this process to happen, the pressure has to be right and all the components have to work properly.
What Are The Components Of A Car’s AC?
Although you can find different types of cars, the major components of a car’s AC are nearly the same.
There are several components with varying functions that make up the air conditioning system of the car. These include the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, filter drier, and ventilation blower. Here are their functions:
#1. Condenser.
A condenser ensures that compressed high-pressure gas which was warmed gets cooled. It is a heat exchanger. Additionally, it has fins and is curved so that heat can be released faster. The high-pressure gas is condensed by cooling into a liquid state.
A condenser fan assists in the cooling of the warm refrigerant. It blows air through the condenser, allowing the absorption of heat to take place in the condenser section.
#2. Compressor.
A compressor is responsible for moving heat from the area that needs to be cool in refrigerant cycles.
The compressor warms the cold vapor from the evaporator, and this warmed gas is pushed into the condenser. Then the compressor sucks in the heat absorbed from the passenger area of the car by the refrigerant.
#3. Compressor Clutch.
A compressor clutch ensures that the compressor works, through a pulley rotational mechanism. It is connected to the compressor and the engine speed with a V-belt, resulting in a continuous rotation when the car’s air conditioner is turned on.
#4. Evaporator.
An evaporator is the component of the car’s air conditioning system that changes the form of a chemical substance from liquid to gas so that it is able to evaporate. When the high-pressure gas passes through the expansion valve, the evaporator absorbs heat.
#5. Expansion Valve.
An expansion valve controls the quantity of refrigerant released into the evaporator per time and regulates the temperature of the high-pressure gas that flows out of the evaporator.
#6. Pressure Switch.
A pressure switch is used to adjust the pressure of the cooled-down high-pressure gas upon reaching its input, automatically controlling the car’s air conditioning system. It is connected to the compressor.
#7. Filter Drier.
A filter drier is responsible for filtering dirt, water, and dust carried by the refrigerant. Water carried by the refrigerant has to be filtered out to avoid it freezing in the expansion pipe.
It also dries the high-pressure gas temporarily storing the refrigerant in its liquid form.
#8. Ventilation Blower.
A ventilation blower blows high-pressure gas and air into the cabin of the car at an angle to the incoming heat absorbed air.
#9. High-Pressure Service Connection.
A high-pressure service connection is a safety tool that works when the pressure of the refrigerant is too high.
What Cause Front AC Not Working But Back Is Blowing?
If you have low refrigerant, a faulty motor blower, a broken fuse or bad relay, clogged vents, or an issue with the compressor, your AC won’t blow out of the front vents.
You’d better identify the underlying problem correctly to have a proper solution. And remember to troubleshoot it as soon as possible to prevent further system deterioration.
#1. Low Level Of Refrigerant Or Leakage.
The situation of the front AC not working, but back in Chevy Tahoe can result from insufficient refrigerant.
If there’s not enough of this chemical substance, the air can’t be circulated through the cabin. The refrigerant level will reduce after a long time using or due to leakage.
I noticed the cooling quality of the air was affected and experienced AC blowing weak in the car or even blowing hot air.
Besides, refrigerant leakage is also one of the potential reasons why an AC compressor shuts off after a few seconds.
#2. Broken Fuse Or Relay.
A broken blower relay can prevent the blower motor from working properly. When the motor has no blowing, it will lack ventilation.
Since almost no air goes through the vent, the AC doesn’t turn on in the car. In this case, I checked the fuse box to identify if it was the cause of the issue.
#3. Faulty Motor Blower.
The component is actually a fan behind the dashboard and is in charge of blowing air through the vents.
When this crucial part of the car’s ventilation system fails to work (can be due to long-term use or electrical issues), it leads to the issue of the AC not blowing air into the car.
In addition, the motor works with the help of the blower resistor. The resistor regulates the flow of the air or the blower motor’s speed.
When you rotate the speed dial, the resistor module will receive the signal from the climate control module and adjust the speed of the electrical current flow to the motor.
With a malfunctioning resistor, the blower motor runs at one fan speed or high speed only. That’s why your AC works in the back but not the front.
#4. Clogged AC Vents.
When I face the issue of the A/C and heater not working in the car, I always think of the clogged vents as one of the number one culprits.
The component allows the air to flow through into the vehicle, and I can adjust the direction of the airflow or stop the blowing by closing it.
When the vents get clogged by dust, it can cause cooling issues, such as AC barely blowing air into the car.
#5. Defective Air Compressor.
The refrigerant and compressor cooperation makes up the air conditioning system. Without the proper function of the compressor, the circulation will not be done correctly.
Lack of constant usage is one of the common reasons for a bad compressor. It usually happens when I leave the system unused for the whole winter and restart it in the summer.
The system can get shocked and damaged; thus, A/C won’t turn on in the car.
#6. Bad Cooling Fan.
The cooling fan and condenser also work in synergy. The condenser can turn the high-pressure gas into a liquid with the fan’s proper cooling.
Once the AC fan in the car is not working, it will badly influence the condenser. You may experience some sort of HVAC system malfunction.
#7. Failed Blend Door Motors Or Actuators.
They are small motors that complement the sensors of the climate control system to adjust the vent door and mix cold and hot air to produce the air of the desired temperature.
There are two HVAC actuators in the car: on the driver’s side and the passenger’s side. If the former is malfunctioning, only the rear AC works but not the front.
How Do I Fix The Problems?
Proper diagnosis is the first step to fixing any of the problems above. Once you ascertain the exact reason why your Dodge Durango’s front AC is not working but back is, then you can proceed to fix the problem.
The following solutions will fix the problems outlined above. However, you must ensure that you apply the correct solution to the accurate problem to get your desired results.
#1. Clean the AC vents.
Firstly, take out time to inspect your car’s AC vents on the dashboard. If you discover dirt or dust build-up within the components, get a mixture of detergent and water solution and clean the vents with a foam paintbrush.
Ensure to prevent water from entering the vents directly; hence the need to ensure that the detergent and water solution form lather. After cleaning up the dust or dirt, carefully wipe the vents with a dry towel.
#2. Seal refrigerant leakage.
During your diagnosis to find out why your car’s front AC is not working, if you discover any leaking AC unit hose, ensure to seal it. If you are a DIYer, kindly get a good sealant at a car accessories or auto parts shop across the street. It will only cost a few bucks.
However, if you’re not sure about performing the task perfectly, kindly contact an expert auto technician to do the job. The sealant and labor costs will not affect your pocket so much.
#3. Replace bad compressor.
First of all, you must ensure that you prevent your car’s AC compressor from going bad. In order to do this, you must run the air conditioner on full blast at least once, around 15 minutes every three weeks.
Do this without fail, irrespective of whether it is winter, spring, or summer. However, if you already have a bad air conditioner compressor, all you have to do is simply replace the component. Kindly contact an expert auto technician to do the replacement.
#4. Repair/replace faulty cooling fan.
Sometimes, a blown fuse or some sort of electrical fault may be responsible for the malfunctioning of the cooling fan. If this is the case, ensure to replace the blown fuse and rectify the electrical faults.
However, if the cooling fan is the real issue, kindly get a new replacement in order to rectify the problem immediately. So, if your Chrysler Town and Country AC is not blowing or the front AC fails to work, implementing the solutions above may be helpful.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some of these troubleshooting steps can be performed by a mechanically inclined individual, certain repairs require specialized tools and expertise. It’s advisable to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic in the following situations:
- You lack the necessary tools or experience to perform the repairs.
- You suspect a refrigerant leak, as handling refrigerant requires proper equipment and training.
- The evaporator needs to be replaced, as this is a complex and labor-intensive job.
- You’re unable to diagnose the problem after performing the basic troubleshooting steps.
How much does it cost to fix Front ac not working but back is?
The cost of fixing the problem with a car’s HVAC system where the front AC is not working is estimated to be around $100 – $900.
However, the cost can be more depending on whether you have to replace faulty components like the compressor, sensor, condenser, or hose.
Meanwhile, the car makes and model can also impact the cost of repair. While some cars’ AC problems can consume as much as $1000 – $4,000, others may fall within $163 – $520.
In any case, ensure to contact an expert auto technician to diagnose the AC problem before opting for a repair or replacement of any component.
FAQs.
Q: Why does my AC work in the back of my car but not the front?
Airflow control diverters or flaps – AC vents issue is one of the culprits of this problem. If your car’s back air conditioner is working and the front fails to work, you most likely have a blocked front AC vent.
Sometimes, your car’s air intake system may be clogged, preventing proper air inflow. When this happens, it becomes difficult for air to circulate appropriately within the air conditioner system.
So, if you’re experiencing less cooling from your car’s front AC, ensure to check for clogs in the front vents or the air intake system. If this is the case, carefully clean the vents with detergent and water solution using a foam paintbrush.
Q: Why is my AC not blowing out the front vents?
A clogged air intake system may be the reason why your car’s air conditioner’s front vents are not blowing out. The intake system helps to collect air from outside the vehicle and circulate it through the air conditioner system.
When this component is faulty or clogged, it will be difficult to collect air. So, if your Acura MDX front AC is not working, you most likely have a clogged air intake system.
Therefore, ensure to check for a bad relay or blown fuse within your car’s electrical system. It would be best to contact an expert auto technician to diagnose and fix this problem as soon as possible.
Q: Can a blown fuse cause AC not to work?
Of course, a blown fuse can cause a car’s AC not to work. This is because the air conditioner system is largely electronic. The operations can be altered by a simple electrical fault, especially a blown fuse.
If you work on other areas like cleaning the vents, topping off the refrigerants, etc., and you have a blown fuse, the AC will not work. The fuse is a very sensitive component in the HVAC system.
It is important for you to properly diagnose the actual cause of the problem before acting. If you are a DIYer, ensure to get a voltmeter to test for the blown fuse in order to replace it.
However, if you can’t do the job, you may have to contact a professional auto technician to do it.
Q: Why is only one side of my car’s AC working?
If one side of your car’s AC is not working, the car is most likely running on a low refrigerant level. Although blocked vents can sometimes also be a culprit; however, you can blame a low refrigerant level nine times out of ten.
When your car’s air conditioning system’s refrigerant is low, it will automatically alter the temperature circulation from one end of the dashboard to the other. Hence, the system may blow cold air from one side while the other side fails to cooperate.
If you’re experiencing this challenge, ensure to consult an expert auto mechanic to check it out and rectify the problem immediately. Always remember that delay can make a problem escalate severely.
Q: How do I know if my AC vent is clogged?
Some of the signs that let you know that your car’s AC vent is clogged include the following; inconsistent temperature circulation, dust build-up within vents, overheating, etc.
When you have a clogged air conditioner vent, the difference in temperature circulation will make a part of the car cold while the other becomes hot. Also, you may physically spot dust build-up when you carefully look through the vents.
In some cases, the dust build-up may be protruding from the vent. Meanwhile, a prolonged clogged AC vent may eventually lead to overheating within the air conditioning system and cause the HVAC system to completely shut down.
Q: Where is the AC fuse located?
A car’s AC fuse is located within the disconnection box that is connected to the air conditioner. It is a wire within a glass casing that protects the air conditioning system from electrical damages that can hinder its proper functioning.
However, if you have a blown fuse, ensure to check it out with a working voltmeter. Once you confirm it, kindly remove the blown fuse and replace it.
If you’re a DIYer, replacing this component can be pretty easy. However, if you’re not sure of doing a perfect job, kindly contact an expert auto technician.
Q: Can a dirty air filter cause AC not to cool?
Yes, a dirty air filter can alter your car’s air conditioner from cooling properly. The air filter helps to trap dirt, dust, and other contaminants from accessing the HVAC system. This process cleans the air that flows into the air conditioning system before it circulates.
However, due to excessive dust or dirt build-up, the air filter can be clogged over time, resulting in several malfunctions. One of such malfunction is the impact it has on the air conditioner’s ability to cool properly.
So, if your car’s AC is not cooling as expected, ensure to check the air filter, among other related components. If the component is clogged, kindly clean or replace the air filter.
Final Words
Some of the common reasons why you’re experiencing a situation of front AC not working but back is have been exposed in this article. The corresponding solutions have also been unveiled simultaneously.
So, if you’re battling this issue in your car at the moment, ensure to implement the recommended solutions above. Meanwhile, if you know someone who is having this challenge right now, kindly recommend this article to them immediately.