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Car ac not blowing cold air repair cost?
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Car ac not blowing cold air repair cost?
Chevrolet Suburban Car AC Repair costs starting from $372. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. Decades ago, air conditioning was a luxury amenity available in an elite bunch of automobiles. If it’s not coming on at all, it may be broken or not receiving power. As you might know, a car’s AC condenser placed before the radiator means the air conditioning condenser is situated in the front of the car to maintain the flow of air coming from outside as it needs to cool the refrigerant rapidly. Turn off the AC Unit: Before starting the inspection process, it is important to turn off the air conditioning unit at the thermostat Locate the AC Unit: The next step is to find the AC unit. On average, the cost for a Hyundai Santa Fe Car AC Repair is $372 with $176 for parts and $196 for labor. Oct 31, 2023 · Why Is My 2014 Chevy Traverse Ac Not Blowing Cold Air? The most common reasons for a 2014 Chevy Traverse AC not blowing cold air are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. Your car's AC might not be blowing cold air for reasons, such as a Freon leak, a faulty compressor, or a damaged evaporator. #3 Clogged Drain Causing Water Builtup And Shutting Down Compressor. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Cheap tests would be to start the car in the morning when the A/C isn't blowing cold air have someone listen under the hood for a clicking sound when you turn the A/C on and off. Turn off the AC Unit: Before starting the inspection process, it is important to turn off the air conditioning unit at the thermostat Locate the AC Unit: The next step is to find the AC unit. Common Reasons Car AC Stops Blowing Cold Air. If your AC is not cooling your living space, several causes could be to blame. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). Imagine this: It's a sweltering summer day , and after recharging your car's AC, you expect a blast of cold air. The cheapest repairs are usually with the fan or blower motor, which costs around $350 to replace in most cars. A car AC not blowing cold air can be a frustrating problem, but it is a common issue that can be easily resolved by checking for low refrigerant levels and recharging if necessary, replacing a faulty compressor or compressor clutch, or cleaning or replacing a dirty or clogged cabin air filter. With hot weather comes faulty AC compressor challenges that can leave us feeling droopy in no time at all. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. Insufficient coolant flow due to a malfunctioning radiator fan, a clogged radiator, or a faulty water pump can disrupt heat transfer. Diagnosing Airflow Issues. Here are some common causes for broken car AC, and how to fix them. If your AC is not cooling your living space, several causes could be to blame. Identify the compressor under the hood (driven by the serpentine belt with other components in the front of the engine), and listen to hear the clutch “click” on and off while the car is running. Cost To Fix A Car AC Nobody likes running a car that requires repair work, much more so when the AC is not blowing cool air on a hot summer day. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). When first starting the climate control system, you may hear knocking noises. Running the AC 10 minutes a week, even in the winter, helps circulate refrigerant oil and lubricate the compressor and condition O-rings and seals. The following are some common reasons why your car’s air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air: Leaks of Refrigerant. The compressor of the AC system moves heat from the radiator to the condenser. One additional note: fixing the AC compressor can reveal that other issues need attention in the AC system. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. Read on to learn some common reasons for a car’s AC not blowing cold air, possible solutions, and the cost of potential air conditioning repairs average AC repair cost at dealerships is. Prices may vary depending on your location Service Shop/Dealer Price. 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic Read FAQ Hyundai Tucson Car AC Repair costs starting from $372. Turn off the AC Unit: Before starting the inspection process, it is important to turn off the air conditioning unit at the thermostat Locate the AC Unit: The next step is to find the AC unit. When first starting the climate control system, you may hear knocking noises. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Another source that your AC isn’t blowing cold air is that. Driving isn't as fun without some music or a favorite talk radio show to listen to, so if your car radio stops working it can make long journeys a tedious chore Older automotive batteries had removal caps so the electrolyte, or acid, could be checked and topped off if needed. And if there’s a leak, the cost can go up to $1,500. On average, the cost for a Chrysler Town & Country Car AC Repair is $372 with $176 for parts and $196 for labor. Although an automotive AC system has few moving parts, diagnosing why your car is blowing warm air can be tricky. Depending on the issue, fixing it could cost about $100–800. This cycle lets your AC system chill the air and the fan then blows the cold air that cools your car’s interior. A leak typically causes low refrigerant; a worn hose or a loose connection is often the culprit. In general, one can expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $150-$300 to have. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. A few minutes later, you may be able to get cold air once again, making the whole situation very confusing. As mentioned, "why doesn't my AC work in my car?" is a bit of a broad question as the air-conditioning system can fail in several ways. The parts and labor required for this service are. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. Prices may vary depending on your location Service Shop/Dealer Price. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. Bad Clutch Cycling Switch: If the clutch cycling switch has failed, then the electromagnetic clutch on the air compressor won’t kick in, which means that the refrigerant cannot be. Don't rely on this symptom alone, though, since almost all AC issues will cause it. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). But if you’re willing to do the work yourself, it typically only costs between $50 and $75 for everything you need. If that condenser gets blocked, then the A/C will stop blowing cold air and will eventually blow hot air. Feb 12, 2023 · RELATED: 9 Causes Why Your Car AC is Not Blowing Cold Air Irregular Air Temperature From Vents. Learn how to get that cool air back. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. Whenever there is a freon leak on your car there is no way to cool the air. If the condenser gets blocked, your air conditioning system will stop blowing cold air and will blow warm air instead. Luckily it was still under warranty, and I was sure something was wrong with the compressor. “More often than not, the cause is road debris hitting the condenser,” says Jamie Merritt, co-owner of J&D Auto Repair in Nanuet, New York. Car Service Estimate. Parts and labor to replace a broken thermometer in a car add up to about $200. Your car's AC might not be blowing cold air for reasons, such as a Freon leak, a faulty compressor, or a damaged evaporator. There are several common reasons for a car AC to stop blowing cold air, including low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, a clogged condenser, a faulty cooling fan, or a leak in the system. Most mechanics charge £25 to £80 an hour, depending on the location, experience, and expertise. In central air conditioning units, the refrigerant line runs into the unit from the outside and is easily accessible Dec 13, 2023 · Car AC Not Blowing Cold Air: How Much Will It Cost To Repair? Depending on the complexity of the repair, the prices can range from $150 to $700 for minor repair and well over thousands for major repairs. One common cause of compressor failure is a leak that can occur in the seals or gaskets, allowing refrigerant to escape. If there's no voltage, test the resistor (YouTube) AC System Not Blowing Cold Enough. To get more information, you can call them at 800-296-1996. Recharging Your Car’s AC System. The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. Prices may vary depending on your location. vengeance imdb parents guide 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic Read FAQ Hyundai Tucson Car AC Repair costs starting from $372. If it’s kicking on and off rapidly. The AC condenser will need clean cooling fans to work so that the refrigerant flowing through the condenser can cool down. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. When there's no air flowing through the car's cabin, a bad blower motor usually causes this scenario. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. Your AC may not blow as cold as it used to, and it could be caused by contaminated refrigerant. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. If your car's air conditioner is having problems, or not blowing cold, find out how much the average cost of A/C repair is in your area for your vehicle. Electrical issues are particularly difficult to diagnose. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. Mar 28, 2023 · In general, car heater issues can be caused by the following: Low antifreeze. Most of the time, when your TSX’s air isn’t blowing cold enough, it is going to be a lack of refrigerant causing the problem. Other car AC issues may. jenison culver The car’s AC system needs freon to lower the ambient air temperature and creates some needed cold air. This data is based on Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Repair Range. Other common issues are the AC blowing hot air or only blowing on one side of the car. I think we charge like $150ish. Expert Advice On Improving You. After two trips to the dealership, they replaced the line. If your car's air conditioner is having problems, or not blowing cold, find out how much the average cost of A/C repair is in your area for your vehicle. These issues can cause the AC to stop blowing cold air or not work at all. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. There are two types of refrigerant Here are some of the common reasons why your A/C is not as cold as it used to be: Refrigerant Levels. Your AC is blowing cold air on the driver’s side and hot air on the other side because of low refrigerant levels in the AC system, a clogged evaporator or condenser, or a faulty blend door actuator. There are two types of refrigerant. Parts and labor to replace a broken thermometer in a car add up to about $200. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. Do you want to fix the problem of the car heater not working blowing cold air? If yes, learn why is my car heater blowing cold air and how to fix it quickly. 1. If the condenser gets blocked, your air conditioning system will stop blowing cold air and will blow warm air instead. Read Also: Car Won’t Start When AC Is On? (13 Solutions) How to Fix It. Should I replace or repair my car? Visit TLC Home to find out if you should replace or repair your car. AC Blowing No Air at All. Usually the culprit. The electrical issues are one of the most troublesome issues to diagnose when it comes to car ac stops blowing cold air after a while. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. 1 hour labor plus whatever overhead for refrigerant and disposal. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. san francisco symphony violinist salary Car Service Estimate. If deprived of it, the compressor can swiftly fail. Locate the air conditioner compressor, which is usually located near the front of the engine Disconnect the negative battery terminal. All said and done, expect a total repair cost, on average, in the vicinity of $900 to $1,200. First, make sure the coolant levels are full and that there are no leaks in the system. You can replenish the system using a recharge kit available at an auto parts store. A leak can be due to many things, including a bad seal or a faulty or damaged component. And it is summer time!. The excess debris formation can be a reason for this Electrical Issues. A basic recharge of the system can cost around $150, while a more complex repair such as replacing the compressor can cost upwards of $1000. One additional note: fixing the AC compressor can reveal that other issues need attention in the AC system. The car's AC system needs freon to lower the ambient air temperature and creates some needed cold air. Car Service Estimate. Identify the compressor under the hood (driven by the serpentine belt with other components in the front of the engine), and listen to hear the clutch “click” on and off while the car is running. Identify the compressor under the hood (driven by the serpentine belt with other components in the front of the engine), and listen to hear the clutch “click” on and off while the car is running. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. In central air conditioning units, the refrigerant line runs into the unit from the outside and is easily accessible Dec 13, 2023 · Car AC Not Blowing Cold Air: How Much Will It Cost To Repair? Depending on the complexity of the repair, the prices can range from $150 to $700 for minor repair and well over thousands for major repairs. Whenever there is a freon leak on your car there is no way to cool the air.
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Your AC is blowing cold air on the driver's side and hot air on the other side because of low refrigerant levels in the AC system, a clogged evaporator or condenser, or a faulty blend door actuator. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. Jun 21, 2021 · Without it, you lose your cool air. The parts and labor required for this service are. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of a bad car AC condenser and how they differ from other malfunctions. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. The 2014 Cadillac ATS air conditioner problems include a refrigerant leak, electrical climate control issues, and problems with the air conditioning compressor. It requires special tools to replace and will cost a lot of labor. If your Sentra is having air conditioner problems, there are a few things you can check before taking it in for service. Refrigerant, also known as coolant, is responsible for cooling the air inside your car. One of these relays is used to help power up your ventilation system, and it could. A leak can be due to many things, including a bad seal or a faulty or damaged component. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC. This is normally a gradual process. If you suspect your air con system has stopped working, for example it isn't blowing any cold air at all, or there's a strange smell coming from the outlets, then we'd recommend you get it checked out at your nearest Halfords garage. If your car is blowing cool air instead of cold, it could result from a cooling fan issue, radiator trouble, a clogged filter, or your AC could simply need recharging. If it’s not coming on at all, it may be broken or not receiving power. Also check the serpentine belt. The most common one is when the vents blow air but it isn't cold. craigslist mia The average cost of an AC compressor replacement for a Mazda can vary depending on the model and the location. Apr 13, 2023 · However, if you need a new compressor, you can expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500 or more. There are two types of refrigerant. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic Read FAQ Hyundai Tucson Car AC Repair costs starting from $372. — Broken Cooling Fans. Service type Car AC Repair: Estimate $555. Electrical faults cost £64. Where the heat and humidity levels increase as fast as our car AC repair costs. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). 2013 Lincoln MKZ L4-2 Service type 5 symptoms of a bad car a/c condenser (and replacement cost in 2023)How to replace a faulty a/c condenser Air conditioner condenser replacement costs & repairsRepair air car ac conditioning services. With hot weather comes faulty AC compressor challenges that can leave us feeling droopy in no time at all. However another solution may involve an AC compressor replacement AC condenser fan not turning on. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. On average, the cost for a Nissan Rogue Car AC Repair is $372 with $176 for parts and $196 for labor. 1 As the blend door actuator fails, you could hear a variety of noises. Expert Advice On Impr. Parts and labor to replace a broken thermometer in a car add up to about $200. Is your car’s air conditioning system on the fritz? Don’t let the summer heat get the best of you. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. olgam life reviews The AC clutch doesn't engage. Since the condenser is usually at the front of the car, a quick visual check may reveal the debris causing the blockage. Car Service Estimate. Feb 2, 2022 · How Your Car’s Air Conditioning System Works. Whenever there is a freon leak on your car there is no way to cool the air. Should I replace or repair my car? Visit TLC Home to find out if you should replace or repair your car. If there’s no voltage, test the resistor (YouTube) AC System Not Blowing Cold Enough. If you have a car, it can be tempting just to ignore any type of maintenance unless something goes wrong. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. Car Service Estimate. Cars operate on a 12-volt electrical system, which provides a lot of current at low voltage. 77: Shop/Dealer Price $64670: 2006 Toyota RAV4 V6-3. If you’ve noticed that your dryer is not blowing hot air, it can be incredibly frustrating. Aug 27, 2023 · The most common reason for your car's AC not blowing out cold air is that it is low on freon. Repairs can range from $0. The most likely reason your air-conditioner isn’t cooling is the car’s air-conditioner is leaking. The thermostat opens and closes to regulate coolant flow. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). View the current off. Having trouble with your car air conditioner not blowing cold air? Find out possible reasons and solutions with our ultimate guide to home maintenance. Another condenser-related issue that can render your car AC not blowing cold air is the failure of the condenser fan. The condenser is located at the front of the car and can become blocked with leaves or other debris. The parts and labor required for this service are. Aug 27, 2023 · The most common reason for your car's AC not blowing out cold air is that it is low on freon. braylinbailey Stop wasting electricity on sub-par AC performance and clean or change it in minutes Identifying why your window AC isn't blowing cold air is the first step in restoring comfort to your living space. Also check the serpentine belt. One of these relays is used to help power up your ventilation system, and it could. AC isn't blowing cold air. There are two types of refrigerant. These cannot be interchanged. To get more information, you can call them at 800-296-1996. Service type Car AC Repair: Estimate $555. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). Is your car’s air conditioning system on the fritz? Don’t let the summer heat get the best of you. 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic Read FAQ. But this lasts only until the air conditioning is effective.
Your AC is blowing cold air on the driver’s side and hot air on the other side because of low refrigerant levels in the AC system, a clogged evaporator or condenser, or a faulty blend door actuator. Identify the compressor under the hood (driven by the serpentine belt with other components in the front of the engine), and listen to hear the clutch “click” on and off while the car is running. Earlier, we mentioned that the condenser has fans that help dissipate heat. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. Some ACs blow warm air while others blow moderately cool air. 81003 cpt code reimbursement Why does the air inside a tornado get extremely cold? Learn more about new tornado analysis in this HowStuffWorks Now article. Your Mercedes vehicle will flash a host of service lights to inform you when something might be damaged inside the car. Experiencing a lack of cool air from your car's AC? Discover common reasons why your car AC might not be blowing cold air to beat the heat on the road. Luckily it was still under warranty, and I was sure something was wrong with the compressor. There are two types of refrigerant. It should be the first thing you explore if your air-con system isn't blowing as cold as it should. Topping up your car up with R134a gas costs £59 while topping up R1234yf costs £129. amazon anime hoodies Common Reasons Car AC Stops Blowing Cold Air. The refrigerant cost will vary depending on the type your vehicle uses. When first starting the climate control system, you may hear knocking noises. Recharging the AC system with freon is a waste of money unless the leak can be fixed. Here's everything you need to know about car AC repair costs, including some of the most common problems and how to get your cool air blowing again. In older vehicles, it could also be cracked AC control vacuum lines. Prices may vary depending on your location Service Shop/Dealer Price. john franzese jr Other car AC issues may. Nov 1, 2023 · Solution: An inoperative compressor is normally due to low refrigerant or loss of power to the compressor. 1995 Jeep Wrangler L6-4 Service type If you can't find which coolant gas you need, then you can always head into a Halfords store and ask, but you may need to re-book an appointment if there aren't any slots available. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. If your car's air conditioner is having problems, or not blowing cold, find out how much the average cost of A/C repair is in your area for your vehicle.
On average, the cost for a Dodge Durango Car AC Repair is $372 with $176 for parts and $196 for labor. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. AC Blowing No Air at All. Usually the culprit. If voltage goes to the blower motor, it'll need replacing. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. If the blower isn't working, it could also be due to a blown fan fuse. 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic Read FAQ Toyota Prius Car AC Repair costs starting from $370. If the air conditioning system in your 2010 Honda Civic is not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and repair the issue. Car Service Estimate. About $500 for auto AC hose repair and replacement. For example, an evaporator leak could also be present, but you might not discover it until the compressor is fixed. This would make the AC act up when idling. It may be labeled as "RESET" or have a picture of a reset symbol next to it. If you need car AC repair or your car's heat malfunctions, visit a Kwik Kar near you in Texas to fix your car's air conditioner. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. 2013 Lincoln MKZ L4-2 Service type 5 symptoms of a bad car a/c condenser (and replacement cost in 2023)How to replace a faulty a/c condenser Air conditioner condenser replacement costs & repairsRepair air car ac conditioning services. snail bait Expert Advice On Improvin. A broken condenser will need to be replaced. AC BLOWING WARM AIR AND NOT COLD AIR OR AC IS INCONSISTENT MAYBE THE EXPANSION VALVE IS BAD TOP5AUTOREPAIRS SUBSCRIBE Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Locate the air conditioner compressor, which is usually located near the front of the engine Disconnect the negative battery terminal. For this reason, it's possible that you need to install a new. Learn what you’ll pay for your AC repairs in this article. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. If the condenser is the problem in your car, the repair cost can vary quite a bit - anywhere from $300 to $1,000 is typical for replacement, while an AC compressor can cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $1,500. Acura MDX Air Conditioner AC Not Blowing Cold / Battery Draining? - How To Fix It For Cheap! For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). This is because technicians should find one that. 1. 1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic Read FAQ Chevrolet Sonic Car AC Repair costs starting from $372. Discover helpful articles on why your car's AC may not be blowing cold air. The excess debris formation can be a reason for this Electrical Issues. Common Reasons Car AC Stops Blowing Cold Air. These cannot be interchanged. By Brie Greenhalgh , Evelyn Auer Updated on Jun 29, 2024 11:58 PM EDT If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. If the condenser is the problem in your car, the repair cost can vary quite a bit – anywhere. If your antifreeze has gotten too low, it means there won’t be enough hot liquid in the heater core, resulting in cold air. Prices may vary depending on your location Service Shop/Dealer Price. Aug 31, 2021 · The excess debris formation can be a reason for this Electrical Issues. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. If there's no voltage, test the resistor (YouTube) AC System Not Blowing Cold Enough. mugshots florida pinellas county The car AC compressor, for example, could cost you over £500 for the component alone. 5L: Service type Car AC Repair: Estimate $555. The most common causes of a car heater blowing cold air are low coolant, a stuck thermostat, air locked coolant system, and issues with electronic blend doors. Or there's gunk clogging the condenser core. If the AC does not have enough refrigerant, it will not blow cold air. The compressor clutch might slip if the belt is loose. Common Reasons AC Doesn't Run Cold In modern cars, it is reasonable to expect an air conditioning system to be dependable for 100,000 miles or more. Not blowing cold air: Your AC may turn on and blow air, but when the air from your vents isn. Over time, refrigerant can leak from the AC system through seals. If there’s no voltage, test the resistor (YouTube) AC System Not Blowing Cold Enough. Plus, with so many components in this complicated system, there are a number of ways your A/C could malfunction Replenish Low Refrigerant. The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. Diagnosing Airflow Issues. To ensure optimal performance from the A/C systems, regular maintenance checks are essential, so you don't get stuck sweating in a broken-down vehicle this summer! But not to worry because I've got some valuable tips and easy solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem of a car heater blowing cold air. AC Blowing No Air at All. Usually the culprit. The refrigerant cost will vary depending on the type your vehicle uses. Since the AC system is a sealed unit, the only way to tell if the car needs a recharge is if the AC is not blowing cold air through the vents. For an AC system to work, it needs a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant (R-12 in older cars, R-134a in 1995 and newer cars). Or there's gunk clogging the condenser core.