Everything You Need to Know About Truck Air Conditioner

You're grateful for your truck air conditioning, which helps keep your car cool on hot summer days. But do you understand how your air conditioning system works and how to maintain it? This guide covers the ins and outs of your parking air conditioning to help you spot problems early and keep it in good shape.

How does a truck air conditioning system work?

When you turn on your air conditioning, the compressor compresses the system's refrigerant, raising its pressure and temperature. The refrigerant loses heat as it flows through the condenser. Typically, it passes through a receiver/dryer, where contaminants and moisture are removed.

It then moves to the expansion valve. Here, the refrigerant loses pressure and temperature as it moves into the evaporator, which cools it.

The evaporator is like a miniature radiator on your dashboard. The air is blown through the cooled evaporator, which cools and removes moisture from the air. The ventilation system blows the cool, dry air into the passenger compartment. Your air conditioning system works hard so that you get fresh, cool air.

How often does my air conditioning system need to be recharged?

Modern air conditioning systems don't need to be recharged on a set schedule. Most drivers can go a few years before needing a recharge. However, you may be able to notice when a recharge is needed. Signs that your air conditioning may need a recharge include hot or warm air blowing out of the vents, refrigerant leaks, odors coming from the vents, and the air conditioning clutch failing to engage. (We'll cover all of these potential symptoms below!)

If you're experiencing any issues, click it to contact Colku for an air conditioning performance check. Our professional technicians will get to the bottom of the problem.

What are the components of a truck air conditioner?

To keep your cabin cool, your air conditioner relies on several components. Let's take a closer look at these air conditioning system components and their role in providing you with refreshing, cool air.

①Air Conditioning Compressor

The compressor is the heart and main component of every air conditioning system. They control the temperature output through an electric clutch. This clutch opens and closes whenever you change the temperature or the HVAC module senses that the desired temperature has been reached. If the ambient air temperature is lower than the set value, the compressor clutch may not engage. colku's air conditioning compressor generally uses GMCC compressors, and the quality is guaranteed.

Signs of a worn A/C compressor:

• Oil or refrigerant leaks (professionals can use special dyes to spot refrigerant leaks)
• Strange noises under the hood when the A/C is on
• Erratic or malfunctioning A/C

②Compressor Clutch

Before the compressor starts, a special electromagnetic clutch (compressor clutch) engages and disengages the compressor cycle. The compressor clutch engages the compressor, turning it on or off on command.

Signs of a worn compressor clutch failure:

• Poor air conditioning performance
• Unable to turn the air conditioning on or off
• Clutch fails to engage

③Air Conditioner Condenser

The air conditioner condenser is the main device that converts hot refrigerant gas into liquid. The condenser is installed in the front of most vehicles, usually in front of the radiator. Outside ambient air passes through the condenser, condensing and cooling the hot refrigerant gas into cold liquid refrigerant.

Signs of a worn air conditioner condenser:

• Leaks
• Clogged, corroded or damaged fins or tubes
• Poor air conditioner performance

④Receiver/Dryer

The receiver/dryer is installed on vehicles with thermal expansion valves. It is the safety net responsible for helping to capture and prevent harmful debris and moisture from entering the compressor and other important A/C components. The receiver/dryer should be replaced every time the A/C system is opened for service or a technician determines that moisture or debris has damaged the performance of the receiver/dryer.

Signs of a worn receiver/dryer:

• Poor A/C performance
• Moisture on the glass and/or the defroster is not removing moisture from the glass and windows

⑤Thermal Expansion Valve/Throttle Tube

The throttle tube or thermal expansion valve is located between the condenser and the evaporator. It constantly monitors the pressure and temperature of the air conditioning system to determine the exact amount of refrigerant that can safely enter the evaporator. If too much or too little refrigerant enters the evaporator, big problems can occur.

The throttle tube may also contain a fine mesh screen to block contaminants from entering the rest of the system.

Signs you may need a new throttle tube or thermal expansion valve:

• The air conditioning system is not performing well
• The technician has determined that it is dirty or clogged

⑥Evaporator

Located behind the dashboard, the evaporator is responsible for cooling the cabin air and removing moisture. Low-pressure refrigerant flows through the evaporator, cooling the cabin. This allows the evaporator to absorb heat from the cabin air, lowering the temperature of the air blowing out of the vents. If cool, fresh air blows in your face, the evaporator is working properly.

Signs of a worn evaporator:

• Poor air conditioning system performance

⑦Clutch Cycling Switch

The clutch cycling switch cycles the compressor based on the pressure in the accumulator. This action helps prevent ice buildup on the evaporator. While most cars can blow air at temperatures as low as 60 degrees, the temperature inside the evaporator core can get cold enough to completely freeze the entire core.

What the clutch cycling does is ensure that the evaporator does not reach glacial temperatures.

Signs of a worn clutch cycling switch:

• Evaporator ice buildup
• Evaporator not cold enough

If you want to know more about parking air conditioning system, please contact us.