Summer days in Alabama can be hot and muggy, and that’s when your trusted Nissan AC comes to the rescue. Gusts of cold air in the cabin can make the high humidity feel like a memory. Unfortunately, AC components can wear out or develop problems over time, stopping that flow of glorious cold air. As your Nissan dealer, we want you to know some signs that you need to visit us for AC maintenance.
Signs You Need AC Maintenance at Your Nissan Dealer
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is a liquid chemical that has the unique ability to absorb heat. This chemical is pumped through the AC system, changing several times between liquid and gaseous states as it does so, and chills the air before it blows into your cabin. As time passes, worn seals can develop leaks and refrigerant will flow out of the system.
As the refrigerant level drops, the air in your cabin will become warmer. The first step is to locate the source of the leak. Refrigerant is invisible and vanishes in contact with the outside air. We solve this problem by injecting a UV dye into the AC and using a UV viewer to trace the refrigerant’s progress through the system. Once we identify the leak source, our technicians will seal it, and refill your AC with fresh refrigerant.
No Cold Air
If your AC blows cool, not cold air, regardless of the temperature setting, your AC has a problem. The three causes of this problem are a refrigerant leak, a condenser issue, or a broken compressor clutch. As we saw above, a lack of refrigerant can be easily identified and fixed.
The condenser converts refrigerant gas back into a liquid, removing the heat as it does so. A blocked or damaged condenser will prevent this from happening, so the AC will only provide cool air. The compressor clutch controls the compressor, which changes liquid refrigerant into a gas. A failed clutch prevents the air from cooling sufficiently. Our technicians will identify the problem and fix it.
Bad Smells
During winter months, the AC system remains idle. AC ducts are dark, have little airflow, and contain slight amounts of water. This can make the AC system the perfect breeding ground for mold or bacteria. Bacteria or mold spores can enter the air duct and take up residence. They’ll expand unnoticed until summer arrives and you turn on the AC again.
If you smell a musty, earthy smell from the AC vents, visit our service department. We’ll fix this issue by adding an antibacterial solution to the AC and letting it work through the system. The solution is harmless but will rapidly clean the AC of any bacteria, mold, or fungi.
Don’t let an AC issue raise your temperature. Visit our service department today at Lynn Layton Nissan in Decatur, AL.

