Reasons why your car's air conditioner shuts off when driving

A car air conditioner that shuts off when driving is an important and essential part of summer, providing comfort and refreshment for car passengers while traveling in high temperatures.

However, some drivers complain of an unpleasant experience when they find that their car's air conditioner stops cooling after driving distances of more than 70 kilometers.

When this problem occurs, drivers feel uncomfortable and the cabin becomes hot, affecting their comfort and concentration while driving.

Understanding the cause of this cooling system malfunction may help you resolve the issue and ensure that your car's air conditioning system is operating efficiently at all times.

One common reason why a car's air conditioner stops cooling after long drives is that the engine overheats when the engine is running for a long time and heat builds up near the air conditioner unit.

Car air conditioner shuts off when driving

Here are some reasons why your car's air conditioner shuts off when you're driving.

high temperature

There are several possible reasons why your car's air conditioner might stop working in hot weather. These include:

  • Engine overheating: If the engine temperature rises to a very high level, the air conditioner may automatically cut off to maintain engine performance and prevent it from burning out.
  • Low coolant: If there is a low coolant level in the engine, the air conditioning may be disabled to prevent the engine from overheating.
  • Compressor problem: The compressor compresses and pumps Freon into the air conditioning system. If there is a malfunction in the compressor, the air conditioner may stop working.
  • System leak: If there is a leak in the cooling system, it may lead to a freon deficiency that causes the air conditioner to malfunction.
  • Fan Problem: If there is a malfunction with the fan that helps air flow through the heat exchanger, the air conditioner may stop working in the heat.

Not disconnecting the car air conditioner compressor

 If your car's air conditioning compressor won't shut off, this could indicate a problem with the air conditioning control system. There are several possible causes for this problem, including:

  • Low Freon Pressure: If the Freon pressure in the system is too low, the compressor may not be able to shut off. The system may need to be charged with additional Freon to achieve the proper pressure.
  • Pressure sensitive switch: There is a pressure sensitive switch in the air conditioning system that cuts off power to the compressor when the freon pressure becomes higher or lower than a set limit. This switch may be damaged or need to be adjusted.   
  • Problem with the compressor itself: There may be a defect in the compressor that prevents it from shutting down properly. This may require repair or replacement of the compressor.
  • Control unit problem: There may be a problem with the electronic control unit that controls the compressor's operation. The control unit should be checked and serviced if necessary.

The air conditioner turns off when the car speeds up.

Among the reasons that lead to the air conditioner being disconnected when the car is running at high speed are:

  • Fan failure: There may be a malfunction in the fan responsible for airflow to the evaporator. When the vehicle speed is high, airflow may be affected due to a malfunctioning fan, causing the air conditioner to stop working.
  • Air Filter Clogged If your air conditioner's air filter is clogged with dirt and dust, it can lead to reduced airflow and an increase in the evaporator temperature. When the car speed is high, the air conditioner can stop working due to this increase in temperature..

Weak car air conditioning cooling

There are several possible reasons why your car's air conditioner might be not cooling properly. Here are some common causes:

  • Low refrigerant level: There may be a low refrigerant level in the cooling system. This may be caused by a leak in the system, reducing the amount of refrigerant available for cooling. This leak could be in the condenser, evaporator, refrigerant hoses, or any other part of the system.
  • Clogged evaporator: Dirt and dust can build up in the evaporator, the part responsible for cooling the air inside the car. When the evaporator is clogged, airflow is insufficient, reducing the air conditioner's ability to cool the air.
  • Weak air conditioner compressor: The compressor, which compresses the refrigerant and moves it through the system, may not be able to provide enough pressure to cool the air effectively. The compressor may be damaged or suffer from another malfunction, resulting in poor air conditioning.
  • Evaporative unit contamination: If there is a large buildup of dirt and debris in the evaporative unit, the air passing through it may not be adequately cooled. Contamination can be caused by not replacing the air filter regularly or by a polluted environment in the unit.

Car air conditioner shuts off when driving Ford

There are several possible reasons why your car's air conditioner might stop working while driving a Ford. Here are some common causes:

  • Refrigerant shortage: There may be a refrigerant shortage in the air conditioning system, a leak in the system, or a faulty control valve, leading to a lack of cooling and the air conditioner stopping working.
  • Fan problem: The air conditioner fan may be faulty, preventing cool air from flowing properly. The fan's electric motor may be faulty, or the fan may be clogged with dirt or dust.
  • Thermal switch fault: The air conditioning system contains a thermal switch that prevents the air conditioner from operating if the engine temperature rises too high. If the thermal switch is faulty, the air conditioner may stop working.
  • Compressor problem: The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and converting it from a gaseous state to a liquid state. If there is a defect in the compressor, such as damage to its internal parts, the air conditioner may stop working.

Compressor shuts off and starts quickly window air conditioner

If your car's air conditioning compressor is constantly on and off, it could indicate a problem with the cooling system. Possible causes include:

  •  Freon deficiency: There may be a deficiency in the level of Freon in the cooling system. A deficiency of Freon affects cooling performance and can lead to rapid start-up and shutdown of the compressor. The cooling system should be checked and refilled with the appropriate amount of Freon.
  • System leak: There may be a leak in the refrigerant system, causing freon to leak and drop in pressure. The system should be inspected, any leaks repaired, and the necessary freon refills provided.
  • Thermostat Problem: There may be a malfunction with the thermostat, which controls the compressor's on and off based on the desired temperature. The thermostat should be inspected, tested, and serviced.
  •  A problem with the compressor itself: There may be a defect in the compressor causing it to start and stop irregularly. This may require repair or replacement.

What causes the car air conditioner to delay turning on when starting?

There are several possible reasons why your car's air conditioner might be slow to turn on upon startup. Here are some common causes:

  • Air conditioning control system: There may be a malfunction in the vehicle's air conditioning control system. The main control unit or its associated sensors may be faulty. This can cause the air conditioning to be delayed when the vehicle is started.
  • Refrigerant Pressure Delay: If there is a refrigerant pressure lag in the air conditioning system, it may take some time to reach the proper pressure to operate the air conditioner. This may be due to a leak in the system or a refrigerant shortage.

In conclusion, there are several possible reasons why a car's air conditioner shuts off when driving long distances or walking more than 50 km.

One common cause of this problem is engine overheating. When the engine runs for a long time and heat builds up in the system, it can affect the performance of the car's air conditioner and cause the compressor to overheat, causing it to shut down to protect the system. The solution in this case may be to ensure that the engine is operating properly and that the cooling system is operating at peak efficiency.

There may also be a problem with the flow of refrigerated air to the condenser, which helps cool the compressor. A clogged or damaged condenser fan, or an air direction issue may impede airflow and affect cooling performance. In this case, the condenser fan should be checked, cleaned, and proper air direction ensured.

Other possible causes include a problem with the compressor itself or a problem with the air conditioner's electronic control. Diagnosing and repairing these problems may require the help of a specialized technician. It is important to handle a car air conditioner that shuts off while driving carefully and quickly. It is recommended to contact an authorized repair shop to diagnose and repair the problem correctly and effectively.

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