Vehicles, especially modern cars, are fitted with several signals that help to notify the driver about imminent problems. The air conditioning system’s light is one such signal.
If you suddenly see the warning light and wonder, “Why is my AC light blinking in my car?” Don’t fret! This article exposes some of the reasons why you’re currently experiencing this issue in your car.
So, sit back and take a few minutes to go through some reasons why the light keeps blinking and the recommended solutions.
Why Is My AC Light Blinking In My Car
The common reason, car AC light is blinking on your dashboard is due to an air conditioning system malfunction.
However, the malfunction can be multi-dimensional. Here’s a list of reasons why you may see an AC light blinking in a car.
Low refrigerant level
The AC refrigerant is designed to enhance the air conditioning system’s performance. If the refrigerant goes down due to leaks around the system or usual exhaustion, the dashboard will most likely display the AC warning light.
Freon leak
A coolant leak is another factor that can trigger the air conditioner’s warning light. A leak in the refrigerant can result in the compressor overheating, which can send a signal that causes the light to illuminate.
Faulty condenser
The condenser is responsible for converting the AC refrigerant to liquid form. However, if the condenser becomes faulty, the conversion process may be hindered, causing the dashboard to release the AC warning light.
Clogged expansion valve
The expansion valve regulates the air conditioner’s refrigerant flow. Unfortunately, this component can become clogged over time, increasing the system’s pressure and causing the HVAC system to overheat. This malfunction can also cause the AC light to flicker.
Bad compressor clutch
The compressor clutch plays a crucial role in the compressor’s operation. So, if the clutch becomes faulty, the compressor will malfunction, and you will most likely see the AC light blinking.
Dirty/blocked air filter
When dirt or debris clogs your car’s AC air filter, blowing cold air into the vehicle will be difficult. Meanwhile, this abnormal experience can also trigger the AC warning light to illuminate the car dashboard.
Faulty pressure sensor
The pressure sensor in the air conditioning system measures the quantity of refrigerant in the system. If this component is faulty, you will eventually get incorrect readings, which can cause the AC compressor to go off and on.
Again, this kind of malfunction can further impact the illumination of the air conditioning system’s warning light.
Electrical fault
Electrical faults such as a blown fuse or wiring issue can also trigger the warning lights on your car’s dashboard. The warning light generally communicates a simple message – a problem is imminent.
How to Fix AC Light Blinking In Car
Before attempting to fix the flickering or illumination of your car’s AC warning light, it is essential first to diagnose the actual cause of the problem. However, the following recommendations will help you fix the causes of blinking AC light outlined above.
Check Freon level and refill
This is somewhat the easiest fix for a blinking AC light. If you notice that a low refrigerant level is a reason why your Toyota AC light is blinking or your respective car model, get the recommended Freon for your AC and top it off as needed.
Fix refrigerant leak
If you discover a coolant leak while diagnosing why your air conditioner light is blinking, simply contact an expert auto technician to fix the leaks as soon as possible. You can as well use sealant where necessary.
Repair or replace faulty condenser
The condenser plays a vital role in the air conditioning system. Therefore, do not hesitate to clean the condenser or replace it if this is why your AC dashboard light appears.
Unclog the expansion valve
If a blocked expansion valve is responsible for the issue, kindly take your car to a professional auto technician to service the system and unclog the expansion valve. This would cost a few bucks.
Replace AC compressor
The AC compressor is the major component of the air conditioning system. A malfunction in this part can affect the AC to a large extent. Therefore, ensure to fix the faulty compressor clutch or replace the component if this is the case.
Clean blocked air filter
If a blocked air filter is the actual cause of your AC button flashing problem, use a mixture of water and detergent to carefully and thoroughly clean the air filter to eliminate the dirt or debris blocking the component.
Replace faulty pressure sensor
If you found a faulty pressure sensor when diagnosing the root cause of the AC light illumination, replacing the component will help to fix the issue immediately.
Repair/replace faulty wiring or blown fuse
Lastly, repairing or replacing faulty wiring or a blown fuse will also help to fix the AC light flashing problem if this is the case. Faulty wiring can be detrimental in the long run; hence, it should be rectified immediately.
How Do I Reset my Air Conditioner?
To reset your car air conditioner, follow the below steps:
1. Turn off the Vehicle: Begin by turning off the vehicle.
2. Remove the Key or Disconnect the Ignition: Depending on your vehicle, remove the key from the ignition or disconnect the ignition (if it’s a push-button start).
3. Wait for a Few Minutes: Wait for a few minutes to allow all the systems to reset.
4. Disconnect the Battery: If the initial reset doesn’t work, you can try disconnecting the battery. To do this, locate the battery and disconnect the negative terminal (usually the black cable) using a suitable wrench. Wait for about 30 minutes before reconnecting. Keep in mind, this step will reset most of the systems in your car.
5. Reconnect the Battery: After waiting for about 30 minutes, reconnect the battery.
6. Turn on the Vehicle: Start the vehicle again.
7. Turn on the Air Conditioner: Once the car is on, turn on the air conditioner to see if it has reset.
8. Check the Air Conditioner: Check if the air conditioner is working as expected. Hope it is perfect now. If not, it might be due to some other issue that needs further inspection or repair.
9. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unable to reset the air conditioner successfully, it might be best to take your vehicle to a professional for diagnosis and fixing.
Conclusion
Flickering AC light may not stop your car from moving; however, ignoring the signal can eventually result in severe damage to your air conditioning system. So, if you were asking, “Why is my AC light blinking in my car?” Several causes have been stated in this article.
So, if you’re experiencing this challenge at the moment, ensure to first of all diagnose the problem to know the exact cause of the blinking dashboard light.
After that, identify the corresponding recommended solution and implement it immediately. Meanwhile, if you’re not sure about fixing the issue by yourself, kindly contact a professional auto technician to do the job.