Blog / Air Conditioning

5 Signs Your Honda's Air Conditioning Needs Maintenance

2 Friends driving down the road in a white car smiling.

Driving is about more than just getting from A to B. You want to enjoy your ride in comfort, feeling cool and refreshed. Most of the time, this takes a well-serviced air conditioner. Here are some warning signs that you need air conditioning maintenance at your local Honda dealership.

Weak Airflow into Your Cabin 

If you switch on the AC but no air is blowing from the vents, it's quite likely that the blower is malfunctioning. If the fan itself isn't damaged or stuck, the fault might lie with the blower motor or resistor. A bad relay or blown fuse could also have interrupted the blower's power. A mechanical problem with the belts and hoses might also stop the air from flowing.

Only Warm Air From the Vents 

Refrigerant needs to flow smoothly through an AC system for the cooling process to work. If refrigerant leaks, the air will stay warm, with nothing to cool it down. Barring a leak, a problem with the thermostat could also keep your cabin air warm. Alternatively, a malfunctioning condenser or clutch switch might be to blame. 

Banging, Rattling, or Squeaking Sounds

Your AC should run quietly; any odd noises should prompt repairs. Banging or rattling sounds may mean a leaf or stone has gotten caught inside the blower. Clutch failure might also produce a rattling noise. Squeaking could stem from a loose fan belt or worn-out compressor bearings. 

Strong Smells of Mold or Mildew

A natural byproduct of suddenly cooling air is moisture, which tends to gather inside air conditioners. This moisture creates a potential breeding ground for bacteria and mold, especially if your AC is wet and then sits unused for weeks or months, as often occurs during winter. 

A buildup of mildew would give you a noxious blast of moldy air when you turn the AC on again. It's advisable to switch on your AC at maximum power and coldness once per week, which effectively gets rid of moisture and prevents mold. 

Water Leaking Under Your Dashboard

Your air-con has a drain line that allows condensation to run out of your car. However, if this drain line gets clogged up with mold or debris, the trapped moisture could drip inside your cabin instead. This will usually be under the dashboard. 

Book Yearly Air Conditioning Maintenance at Your Honda Dealership

As with any important car part, along with responding to signs of a fault, you should have your AC periodically checked by a professional. Once a year is typically enough to keep a car's AC in great shape. 

Visit Coeur d'Alene Honda in Coeur d'Alene, ID, today to get your AC running perfectly once more. We've been helping our customers stay cool and comfy on the road since 1968. 

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