Imagine it’s a hot day, and you are driving your car to a long destination. Suddenly something happens, and a question comes to mind, “why does my AC stop blowing when I accelerate?” It is really confusing and annoying to sweat inside the vehicle. However, many drivers and car owners experience this issue significantly when accelerating or going uphill.
While pressing the gas pedal, the air conditioning system may stop working. It can happen for insufficient engine power, faulty compressor clutch, vacuum leakage, and damaged belts. Other reasons include low refrigerant levels, compressor issues, electrical defects, and clogged components.
In the latter part, I will focus and explain these issues in more detail. You will get tips on how to fix them. So, let’s find out why your AC stops blowing when you accelerate.
Why Does My AC Stop Blowing When I Accelerate? – The Reasons and Solutions
Typically, the AC system of any car has five main components. They need to function together to provide cool air when running it. These parts are:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Evaporator
- Expansion valve
- Refrigerant
If these components are not acting properly, you get faulty AC before or during acceleration.
The engine powers the AC system in your car. It means it places an additional load on the machine while operating. In some situations, cars lose power to keep the AC working (Source).
Imagine you are accelerating the car to move forward. But the engine cannot distribute power evenly to AC and wheels. Thus, there is a chance for the air conditioner to stop blowing cold air temporarily. It can be a significant reason, yet there are more why this situation happens. Now, I will discuss why your AC stops blowing when you accelerate.
Insufficient Engine Power
The engine may prioritize providing power to the acceleration over running the AC compressor. It may cause the AC to stop blowing cold air temporarily. Also, you may get slow acceleration or increased engine RPMs at idle when the AC is on
How to Diagnose and Fix Engine Power Issues
You can follow these steps to solve engine power issues affecting your AC system:
- Consult a professional mechanic to assess the engine’s performance and identify any underlying issues.
- Check the AC compressor for carbon buildup. It can add additional pressure to the engine and affect its power.
- Ensure regular maintenance of your car’s engine and AC system. It will prevent issues related to insufficient engine power and other potential problems.
Faulty Compressor Clutch
The compressor clutch engages and disengages the AC compressor to turn it on and off as needed. It prevents the AC system from running continuously. Eventually, it would strain your car’s engine and reduce fuel economy (Source).
If you get symptoms like air blowing occasionally and failing at other times, loud noises, immovable clutch, etc., your car AC may not work while accelerating.
How to Diagnose and Fix Compressor Clutch Issues
Follow these steps to deal with compressor clutch issues in your car’s air conditioner:
- Visually inspect the compressor clutch for any signs of damage or wear.
- Listen for any odd noises from the compressor when the AC system is turned on.
- If the DIY inspection does not yield any results, consult a professional mechanic to perform a complete checkup of the AC system.
Vacuum Leaks
Vacuum leaks can affect various systems within your car, including the AC system. Hence, vacuum pressure maintains an even draw of air into the engine. Also, it regulates multiple components, like the climate control system.
A vacuum leak can cause the AC system to malfunction. It may occur during acceleration when the engine is under increased load. However, some symptoms of this leak are erratic idling, hissing or whistling noise from the engine, hard starting, excessive fuel consumption, etc.
How to Identify and Repair Vacuum Leaks
You can follow these steps to diagnose and fix vacuum leaks in your car:
- Listen for any hissing or whistling noises coming from the engine compartment.
- Inspect vacuum lines, modules, and diaphragms for any signs of damage or wear.
- Besides DIY inspection, consult a professional mechanic to perform a complete checkup of the vacuum system. He will identify and fix the source of the leak.
Damaged or Worn Belts
The AC belt connects the AC compressor clutch to the engine crankshaft. It allows the AC compressor to rotate when the engine runs (Source).
If the belt is damaged or worn, it may not provide sufficient power to the AC compressor. Thus, it will resist the AC to stop blowing cold air, significantly when you accelerate.
Some notable symptoms of defective belts are squealing noises, cracks or signs of wear, and broken belts.
How to Inspect and Treat Belt Issues
You can follow these methods to solve belt issues in the car’s AC system:
- Perform a visual inspection of the AC belt to check for cracks, wear, or other signs of damage.
- Listen for squealing noises when the AC is turned on, which may indicate a loose or worn belt.
- Replace the belt yourself or contact a mechanic to do it without hesitation.
Other Reasons for AC System Malfunction When You Accelerate
Except the above, the AC system may fail to perform amid acceleration for these reasons too:
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant absorbs heat from your car’s cabin and releases it outside. You get a relaxed and comfortable temperature inside (Source).
When accelerating for low refrigerant levels, you may get hot air instead of cold air. Other symptoms include loss of cooling capability and AC clutch failure.
How to Check and Refill Refrigerant
Look for ice on the outdoor condenser or indoor evaporator coils to check for low refrigerant levels. It may indicate low refrigerant. Also, listen for hissing or gurgling noises near the outside unit.
It is best to consult a professional technician when you suspect low refrigerant levels or a leak. After all, solving this issue can extend AC life and improve its efficiency.
Compressor Issues
The compressor pressures the refrigerant. Then, refrigerant changes the interior environment with cool and comfortable air. If you get inconsistent AC performance, like stopped performing while accelerating, consider compressor has some issues.
You may also get reduced cooling performance from a car AC system for compressor problems. If you hear strange or louder noises when pedaling the gas, it can also root from the compressor.
How to Diagnose and Fix Compressor Problems
Fixing the compressor can be doable by yourself. But you must have the knowledge, experience, and tools to fix it. Otherwise, it is good to consult a professional technician. If you get any symptoms, solve them immediately to reduce damage and higher repair costs.
Electrical Problems
Electrical components power the compressor, fan, and other parts. They ensure the AC system cools your car’s cabin effectively. If the system stops blowing when you accelerate, you may look for electrical problems.
Some common electrical problems are loose or damaged wiring, faulty fuses, failing capacitor, and short in wiring.
How to Diagnose and Fix Electrical Problems
Again, you must be trained or skilled in electrical repairs to diagnose and fix electrical issues in car’s AC system. If not, avoid trying it by yourself. Instead, call the specialists who can thoroughly check and troubleshoot the problems.
Leaks in the System
AC leakage can cause reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption. It may also cause potential damage to the AC components or the environment (Source). However, you may get symptoms like insufficient cooling, short cycling, and oily residues around the air conditioning system.
How to Locate and Fix Leaks
Depending on the severity of the leak, a car technician can provide you with information regarding repair tasks. Sometimes, you may need to replace the refrigerant coil to keep the AC working properly. Furthermore, full AC (or HVAC) system replacement may be required to keep it ongoing while you accelerate.
Blocked or Clogged Components
Blocked or clogged components can negatively impact the efficiency and performance of your AC system. Some common causes of blockages and clogs in the AC system are dust, dirt, debris, mold, and mildew. The blockages may prevent the air conditioner from turning on and blowing the cool air when accelerating.
How to Diagnose and Fix Blocked or Clogged Components
First, you should look for signs like reduced cooling efficiency, a moldy smell, or visible water damage around the unit. Then, contact an HVAC pro to assess the situation. He will give you further ideas to resolve the issue quickly.
How to Prevent AC Failure When You Accelerate
If your car AC stops blowing when you accelerate, you may experience these things:
- It can cause discomfort for the driver and passengers during hot weather conditions. You may not enjoy driving in such situations while bearing the unbearable extreme heat.
- A malfunctioning AC system can pose health risks to passengers, like suffocation and heatstroke due to high temperatures and poor air circulation.
- Suppose the AC system stops working during acceleration. In that case, it may cause the engine to work harder to compensate for the lack of cooling. Therefore, the engine will consume more fuel and provide less efficiency.
- A malfunctioning AC system can also increase the risk of engine overheating. On the other hand, overheating causes significant damage to the engine and other components.
Preventive Maintenance and Tips
Here are some tips for maintaining the AC system, even if you are not accelerating:
- Regularly check and replace the AC filter. It will ensure proper airflow and prevent dust and debris from entering the system.
- Examine the belts and hoses for any signs of wear or damage. Then, replace them (if needed).
- Check the refrigerant levels and top them up if necessary.
- Inspect the AC compressor, clutch, and other components for any signs of wear or damage.
- Keep the AC system clean by removing debris from the condenser and evaporator coils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still drive my car when the AC stops blowing?
Answer: Yes, you can! But you may feel uncomfortable during hot weather. Also, it may lead to health risks for passengers.
What is the lifespan of an AC system in a car?
Answer: It depends on maintenance, usage, and environmental conditions. Regular maintenance can help prolong its life.
Why do I feel a decrease in the air from the AC vents when I accelerate?
Answer: It can happen because the compressor works less efficiently at lower engine speeds.
What should I do if I notice AC system issues while driving?
Answer: Inspect and repair the car with a professional to prevent further damage. It will ensure you a comfortable driving experience.
Final Words
Why does my AC stop blowing when I accelerate? Are you still confused about the reasons?
Throughout the blog post, I explained all possible reasons for AC failure when accelerating the car. I have also provided ways to identify and solve these problems. You may also contact the experts if you fail to recognize them.
I hope you have read and understood the causes and solutions quickly. I appreciate your time for spending on this post.
Happy Driving!
