The Nissan Frontier is a great mid-size pickup truck for summer adventures. However, what do you do on a hot day and the air conditioning isn't blowing cold air? We have done research on your behalf on how to diagnose this problem and what to do about it.
Most of the time, when your Frontier's air isn't blowing cold enough, it is due to a lack of refrigerant. We recommend having a professional recharge your A/C if that ends up being what's wrong with it. Also, make sure you don't put too much coolant in the vehicle, which can cause damage.
Having your air conditioning not working correctly can be a pain. It makes hot days even hotter, but what causes the AC system not to work? This article will outline the culprits of an air conditioning not working in a Nissan Frontier, so read on!
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Why is my AC running but not getting cold?
There are several different reasons why your air conditioning isn't working. A Nissan Frontier is an enjoyable truck to drive, but a hot summer day can make for a miserable trip without air conditioning. So let's take a look at the possible reasons your AC unit isn't working.
Lack of Refrigerant
Having the A/C not blow cold air when it usually does can signify that your vehicle is low on refrigerant. The air conditioning system works by using coolant, or refrigerant, to cool the air and circulate it throughout the vehicle's cabin.
If there isn't enough refrigerant left in your system, it will cause the air conditioning not to work as well as it usually does. If you believe there may be a lack of refrigerant in your vehicle, we recommend having a professional recharge the system.
Damaged System
When your system is low on refrigerant or has a leak, it causes damage over time. It is recommended to have your system checked and repaired if found damaged. Damage can cause a loss of coolant, which will lead to the A/C not blowing cold air.
Bad Compressor
A bad compressor is another reason for your air conditioning not working. When the compressor goes, it won't send refrigerant throughout the system, and the air won't be cool. A bad compressor will need replacing for the air conditioning system to work.
Bad Thermostat
A bad thermostat can cause the A/C not to blow cold air, but it usually causes other problems, such as the engine overheating or being difficult to start. In addition, a bad thermostat can cause the air conditioning to work less efficiently.
Resetting Custom Settings
If you have your A/C set on the wrong setting, it will not blow cold air. If you have your system on recirculating instead of outside or face level, it won't be as cool as it could be.
Also, if you have your fan speed on low or any other option that reduces the airflow, it won't be as cold. Make sure you change your settings to what you want for optimal cooling.
Bad Air Filter
Having a dirty air filter is another cause of having the A/C not blowing cold air. When dirt and debris are clogging up the system, it won't work as well. Having your air filter changed will ensure that cool air is running through the vents.
Bad Condenser
Having a bad condenser makes the air conditioning work harder than it should, which can cause damage to the system or clogged up lines.
Damaged Blower Motor
A faulty blower motor is another reason for the air conditioning not working. If the blower motor does not spin fast enough, air won't be pushed out of the vents, which will cause the A/C not to work. Having your blower motor repair if found damaged will keep it running more efficiently.
Clutch Cycling Switch
A damaged clutch cycling switch can cause the A/C not to work. It will either cause it to come on or won't turn on at all. Your mechanic will check the clutch cycling switch to see if it needs a repair.
Bad Heater Core
Having a bad heater core floods the cabin with hot air, whether the A/C is on or not. Having your heater core checked and repaired if found damaged will make sure you are comfortable in both warm and cold weather.
Bad AC Relay
Having a bad AC relay makes it so the system can't get power, which will cause it not to work at all. On the other hand, having your AC relay put in will ensure you have cold air blowing out of your vents.
Bad AC Compressor Clutch
A bad AC compressor clutch is another reason for the air conditioning not working. A bad compressor clutch will cause it to either come on and stay on or turn off completely.
If your vehicle has a bad compressor clutch, having a repair on this part will keep it running more efficiently.
Bad AC Evaporator Temperature Sensor
Having a bad AC evaporator temperature sensor makes the A/C not work with your car. If it goes out, your air conditioning won't come on until you reset it.
Blend Door
The blend door actuator can cause your A/C to stop working if it is stuck. For example, when the blend door cannot switch between hot and cold air, it will cause the A/C not to work at all.
Unfortunately, unless you are confident in your mechanic skills, your only option is to take your Nissan Frontier to a mechanic.
There are several variables when it comes to a vehicle air conditioning system not working. It also can be a long process to repair. Sometimes, mechanics have to remove the whole dash to fix the air conditioner!
How do I know if my AC needs recharging?
It is essential to understand how your air conditioning system works. If the compressor isn't working, it will need a recharge.
However, you can also have a bad condenser or evaporator causing this issue as well. In addition, a clogged-up A/C line might be another reason for your Nissan Frontier not blowing cool air.
It takes about 3-4 hours to recharge an A/C on a Nissan Frontier. This may be time-consuming, but it is better than having no AC at all!
Why is my car not blowing cold air after recharge?
If your car is not blowing cool air after you have had it recharged, there are several potential culprits.
A defective blend door actuator can cause this problem. In addition, the evaporator within the vehicle could be bad as well. As a result, the refrigerant might need to be charged again for optimal cooling.
It is essential to understand that air conditioning systems have a limited number of cycles before recharge. In addition, the quality of the refrigerant will affect how much you can use it in your vehicle.
Does AutoZone check freon?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether AutoZone checks freon. They will have to charge your air conditioning system before testing anything, including limiting the levels or adding refrigerant.
AutoZone will not put any additional refrigerant into your Nissan Frontier unless you have had it recharged before. If the air conditioning system doesn't need a recharge, they won't attempt to add more freon to your vehicle.
The reason for this is that AutoZone technicians are not mechanics. AutoZone only provides the tools and parts necessary for you to do the job.
Can I add freon to my car myself?
You can add refrigerant yourself if your air conditioning system needs recharging. However, taking it to a certified mechanic is the safest bet.
It takes approximately four hours for this process, so it may be time-consuming. You also need to purchase the necessary tools and parts before you can do anything.
Although AutoZone won't recharge or add chemicals to your Nissan Frontier, they will provide you with a list of other local repair shops.
How much does it cost to fill a car with freon?
Freon costs vary depending on make/model, but a basic estimate would be approximately $187-$261 plus about $57-$120 per container, respectively.
According to Cash Car Buyer, automotive freon is a crucial component of your car's air conditioning system. If you don't replace it regularly, the refrigerant will leak out of joints or breaks in hoses.
This can cause significant problems with engine cooling efficiency and decrease fuel economy by creating unreliable readings from sensors that measure temperature at high altitudes.
Final Thoughts
There are several variables as to why your air conditioning isn't blowing cold. The best thing is to take your Nissan Frontier to a certified mechanic who can diagnose the problem.
Typically, lack of refrigerant is the issue. However, that doesn't mean it couldn't be something else. If you live in a region with hot climates, then you will be glad you got your air conditioning fixed.
If you like this article, you should also read:
Air Conditioner Only Works When Driving - What Could Be Wrong?
Should I Drive With Overdrive On Or Off?
Whistle Noise When Driving And Turning: What's Causing It?
Ever had air conditioning problems in your Frontier? Leave us a comment below!