Common Car AC Faults

Symptom	Usual causes	What we do
Blows warm air	Low refrigerant from a leak, compressor or clutch not engaging, blocked condenser, blown fuse or relay	Read pressures, leak-test, check the compressor clutch and electrics, repair and recharge
Cool while driving, warm in traffic	Condenser fan not working, dirty condenser, low charge	Test the fan and relay, clean the condenser, check the charge
Weak airflow	Blocked cabin filter, failing blower motor or resistor, blocked evaporator	Replace the cabin filter, test the blower, clean the evaporator
Bad smell	Mould and bacteria on the evaporator, wet cabin filter, blocked drain	Clean the evaporator and drain, replace the cabin filter, apply a sanitising treatment
Clicking or clutch not engaging	Low pressure cutout, worn clutch, electrical fault	Test pressure switches and clutch, repair or replace
Water in the footwell	Blocked evaporator drain	Clear the drain and check the seals
Noise when the AC is on	Worn compressor bearing, loose belt or pulley, failing clutch	Inspect the belt, pulley and compressor, replace worn parts
Cold, then warm, then cold again	Icing evaporator, moisture in the system, expansion valve or sensor fault	Check for moisture and icing, replace the drier or valve, evacuate and recharge

 

What We Repair

AC regas and leak testing Leak testing, vacuum and recharge by weight, for R134a systems, with the gas and equipment confirmed for newer vehicles.	Compressor repair and replacement Compressor and clutch testing and replacement, with the system flushed and the receiver-drier or accumulator changed when needed.
Condenser and radiator fan repair Condenser replacement and cleaning, and fan, relay and wiring repair so the AC works in traffic.	Evaporator and expansion valve Evaporator cleaning or replacement and expansion valve or orifice tube replacement for icing and weak cooling.
Blower and cabin filter Blower motor, resistor and cabin filter replacement for weak airflow and bad smells.	Electrical and pressure switches Fuses, relays, pressure switches, sensors and controls diagnosed and replaced.
Fleet AC servicing Scheduled AC checks and repairs for matatus, buses, taxis and company vehicles, planned around your vehicle schedule.

 

Regas Without a Leak Test Wastes Money

A healthy car AC loses very little gas. If yours needs topping up every few weeks or months, there is a leak: at a hose, a seal, the condenser, the evaporator or the compressor shaft seal. Topping it up repeatedly means paying for the same gas again and again. We leak-test, repair, vacuum the system and recharge by weight so the charge is correct.

Gas Types

Most cars on Kenyan roads use R134a. Some newer models, particularly recent imports and certain European makes, use R1234yf, which needs different equipment. Tell us your make, model and year when you call so we can confirm we have the right gas and equipment before you come in.

Our Process

1. Performance check. We measure vent temperatures and system pressures to see how the AC is actually performing.
2. Leak test. We test the system for leaks before adding any gas.
3. We identify the failed part or fault and explain it.
4. You receive a quote for parts and labour before we replace anything major.
5. We replace or repair the faulty component and change the drier or accumulator when the system was opened.
6. Vacuum and recharge. We vacuum out air and moisture, then recharge by weight.
7. Performance test and handover. We re-measure vent temperature and pressures and explain what was done.

 

Fleets, Matatus and Company Vehicles

Downtime costs fleets money. We plan AC work around your schedule, doing vehicles one at a time or in batches, keep a service record per registration number, and invoice the company. We service fleet vehicles along Thika Road, including Roysambu, Zimmerman and Ruaka, as well as from our base in Kamakis. Fleet owners with a depot, workshop or office that needs air conditioning can also use our AC installation and AC repair and servicing teams.

Shred Designs tip Run your car AC for a few minutes at least once a week, even in cool weather. It keeps the seals lubricated and helps prevent leaks. Replace the cabin filter regularly and avoid idling in heavy dust with the AC on. More in Car AC Maintenance Tips Between Services.

 

Related services

• AC Repair & Servicing (homes, shops and offices)
• AC Installation (homes, shops and offices)
• Car AC Maintenance Tips Between Services
• Service area: Kamakis
• All HVAC Installation & Repair services

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my car AC blowing warm air?

The most common cause is low refrigerant from a leak. Others are a compressor or clutch that is not engaging, a blocked condenser, or a blown fuse or relay. A gauge reading and leak test show which.

How often should I regas my car AC?

There is no fixed interval. A healthy system loses very little gas. If it needs regassing often, it has a leak that should be repaired.

Can you repair the compressor instead of replacing it?

Sometimes. A compressor with a bad clutch or a leaking seal can often be repaired. If the compressor has failed internally, it is replaced and the system is flushed so the debris does not destroy the new one.

How long does a car AC repair take?

A regas with leak test is usually done in a few hours. Compressor, condenser or evaporator work can take a day or more. We confirm the time when we quote.

Do you work on matatus and company fleets?

Yes. We plan the work around your vehicle schedule and keep service records per registration number.

Which areas do you serve?

We work from our Kamakis workshop on Eastern Bypass for drivers in Kamakis and Ruiru, and service fleets along Thika Road.

 

Book a car AC check Tell us the make, model, year and what the AC is doing, and we will give you a time. Request a quote   |   Call 0704 879 675   |   info@shreddesigns.co.ke Shred Designs Limited, Pemwa Building, Kamakis, along Eastern Bypass