Car AC Barely Blowing Air from the Vents | all about cars

Car AC Barely Blowing Air from the Vents

If the car ac barely blowing air from the vents it means there is problem with the air passage. In normal car air conditioning if the fan is set to maximum the air coming out the ac vents should be maximum also, but if the car air conditioning vent barely blows out air it is not normal. Usually the main reason of is a blower problem or air duct blockage problem.


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When troubleshooting the problem, the first culprit that will come into a mechanics mind is the blower because most often than not, the cause of the problem is a failing blower. But sometimes sliding blower wheel from the blower motor shaft is also the reason, there is other reason like the blower is having a faulty dashboard switch assembly, if this is the case the blower will not operate on maximum operation even if it was set on the highest setting.

Same as for the air duct blockage this will restrict the flow of air from coming out of the car air conditioning vent, possible reason for this is there is a closed or nearly closed air doors that is stuck inside from one of the air conditioning duct which prevents the air from coming out the car ac vents, it is also possible that an accumulation of debris such as leaves from a fresh air intakes is preventing the flow of air, but the restriction of air can only be felt when the car air conditioning is set to "fresh".

Car trouble symptoms

(1) Not enough air is coming out the car ac vents even when the fan is at maximum setting.

Possible cause why there is barely blowing of air from the vent

(1) Problem on the ac blower.
(2) Air duct blockage.

ac fresh air switchTo  fix the problem, one must determine first the setting of the ac system to where the problem occurred.

Occur on fresh setting
If the problem occurred only when the air circulation is set to "fresh", meaning the air from outside goes inside the vehicle then it obviously be a problem of accumulation of debris on the intake port for fresh air, check if there is leaves that accumulates on the intake port that restrict the flow of air from coming out vents, remove that debris to solve the problem, the intake port is located on the outside beneath the cowl top, this is near the windshield base, just open the car hood to gain full access on the intake port.

Occur on either re-circulation or fresh setting 
If the ac vents barely blows air even the car ac is set to "recirculate" then it is a more serious problem. In this case you need a mechanic to check the problem, bring the car to a reputable shop specializing in auto ac repair and have it check.

The mechanic will remove a lot of parts before the vehicle ac blower and air conditioning duct can be actually check. Checking this parts needs some expertise.

Suggested Article:

Why Is My Car Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
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  1. HI, I have a 2005 kia spectra5, my a/c unit works, but sometimes when Im driving the airflow stops. If I put my hand up to the vent, I feel the cold air inside the duct but there is no airflow and the fan sounds like is working. Also sometimes I see a white cloud of fog, almost like when you open your freezer. I dont know what could be causing this, but I think is freezing the duct and restricting the airflow because when this happens, Ill put the temperature to hot, and it takes a few minutes before the hot air starts flowing causing the air to flow again. Any Ideas or suggestions?

  2. my car really sucks. you cant feel any air at all. even with the air filter removed and the hole exposed to outside air



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