How To Troubleshoot Subaru Auto AC

Is the auto AC system in your Subaru vehicle not working? Or have you experienced problems with achieving an optimal temperature? If so, you may be wondering how you can troubleshoot your Subaru auto AC by yourself. In this guide, we share with you some top troubleshooting tips to follow when you are trying to diagnose the problem with the AC system of your Subaru vehicle.

Reasons for Malfunctioning Subaru AC Systems

There are a few common reasons that the AC system in your Subaru vehicle can malfunction. Below is a list of the top reasons:

  • Clogged air filter
  • Dirty or clogged condenser
  • Refrigerant leak
  • Compressor failure
  • Dirty evaporator

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot these problems and determine the cause of your malfunctioning AC system. Then, depending on its severity, you can either take care of the problem yourself or engage a professional to fix it.

Check Your Cabin Air Filter

When your AC system is not working as expected, the first thing to check is always your cabin air filter. When it is clogged or dirty, this affects the ventilation within your vehicle, resulting in a compromised airflow and reduced cooling effects. On top of that, it can put unnecessary strain on your AC system. Air filters should be changed regularly. If your air filter is fairly new, you can get away with cleaning the pollen filter, but there’s simply no avoiding a replacement down the road.

Clean Your Condenser

If the problem is a dirty or clogged condenser, all you need to do is clean it. Over time, dust, grime, and bugs can get into your condenser, causing it to clog up. As less air is allowed to pass through, this affects the condenser’s ability to release heat and results in poorer cooling. Thankfully, if you have a dirty condenser, it is easy to clean. To get access to your condenser, you will need to remove the front bumper on your vehicle.

Check for Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak is one of the most obvious causes of a malfunctioning AC system. If the refrigerant level of your system goes down suspiciously quickly after a refill, that’s one sign that there has been a leak. Defective components can also be the result of a refrigerant leak. Depending on what is causing the leak, the source of the refrigerant escaping has to be sealed in order to solve the problem.

Shop for New and Used Subaru Vehicles at Competition Subaru of Smithtown

Whether you are looking to purchase a new Subaru vehicle or a pre-owned Subaru model, Competition Subaru of Smithtown can help. We stock a diverse range of models to suit different lifestyle needs and budgets. Our sales department is open seven days a week for your convenience, while our service department is open Monday to Saturday. Our sales department can be contacted at 888-604-0343. Please feel free to schedule a service appointment with us if your Subaru auto AC system needs fixing.