how car ac thermostat works

On most vehicles, the coolant temperature sensor (CTS) can be found somewhere near the engine thermostat, which allows it to function optimally. Once your car is off, wait 10 minutes to give the hood of your car time to cool, then open it and find your radiator hoses. A car thermostat is installed on a car engine and regulates the engine temperature by opening to allow coolant from the radiator to flow through the engine, cooling it down, then closing again to allow the engine to warm up to operating temperature. Modern car engines operate at a certain range of temperature for optimum performance. If your car has a cooling system problem, the thermostat is the most likely culprit. Once the engine coolant is hot enough, then the thermostat opens to allow the coolant to go to the radiator. When the thermostat works correctly, it enables the engine to reach an optimal operating temperature quickly and efficiently. products! As well, the heater is putting out cooler air while idling. Make sure a new thermostat is the correct one for your car. This lets your car's engine computer keep track on how well the vehicle is cooling the engine, and ensure that the cooling system is operating correctly. This occurs because the thermostat doesn’t get stuck in a single position. This can lead to a lower working efficiency of your engine oil which can hasten the speed at which engine parts wear down. When the mercury switch tips to the right, a relay starts the air conditioner. This cylinder lies on the engine side of the thermostat so that it maintains contact with the coolant circulating in the engine. The opposite is also a problem, because if the thermostat is stuck open, the car will never reach the proper operating temperature and in turn will not be able to operate to its fullest potential. This is essentially how air conditioners work. This may mean your thermostat valve is stuck in the open position. If the home starts to drop in temperature, a thermostat switches the heating on to warm it up. The party that is selling the car plans on replacing it before the sale (he showed me the new part, and has a mechanic in the family... not like replacing a thermostat is hard work anyways.) Go to System. If the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed. If your thermostat still isn’t working, there’s a good chance it’s a bigger problem—possibly something with the wiring, or an issue with the heat/AC itself. The only time the compressor could be stopped was when the belt was removed. It may also have difficulty maintaining it at the optimum range. Movement of the bellows during expansion and contraction cause the frame to pivot. Appropriate PPE is strongly recommended as this test involves boiling hot water. The second bimetallic strip is how the thermostat displays the current temperature in the room. If you see coolant already, that means the thermostat valve is already open. It prevents the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator, allowing the engine to reach its working temperatures a lot faster. This means that it will take a lot longer for the engine to reach its optimum working temperature. If you keep your engine running you run the risk of destroying it, quite literally. Thermostat and Magnetic Clutch Systems. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. When you first start the car it should be closed, essentially blocking the water/coolant from traversing the radiator thus allowing the engine to reach its optimum temperature as quickly as possible. A thermostat is a device that is used to control a heating or cooling system so that it maintains a certain temperature or keeps the temperature within a certain range. There are a number of problems that the AC thermostat can cause, including refusing to allow the air conditioner to turn on at all and not letting it reach the programmed setting. Car overheats when I turn air conditioner on. As coolant begins to flow through the engine, heat from the engine is absorbed into the antifreeze and carried through to the heater core. Back on … This means that it will take the engine a longer time to reach its working temperature. How Does a Thermostat Sensor Work in an Air Conditioner? The car thermostat sits between the engine and the radiator. In either case, you will need to replace your car’s thermostat. The rod presses into the wax at the center of the cylinder. The thermostat measures the temperature of coolant before it comes back to the radiator. The Air Conditioner Suddenly Stops Working. What a Vehicle Thermostat Does. Once the gas is inside the pump, the compressor lives up to its name. Thermostats have another cool device called a heat anticipator. This is essentially how air conditioners work. How a Car Works is created, written by, and maintained by Alex Muir. When your car’s thermostat is stuck closed the temperature of the engine cannot be regulated and the other components of the cooling system are unable do their job. The idea caught on, though, and by 1969, more than half of all new cars were sold with air conditioning built in. The thermostatic switch is made from a pivoting frame attached to the bellows. Let Ambient Edge help you. How Do Two Stage Thermostats Work? My co-worker sets the AC thermostat at 60 degrees when the room gets too hot to "cool it to 70 faster". The parts of a typical AC unit usually form a closed system consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and a thermostat. Motorized fans help to circulate the conditioned air, while thin metal fins allow heat to dissipate quickly. Check whether the thermostat’s display is lit. The thermostat controls both the heating and cooling systems of homes with central heat and air conditioning, or just the furnace in homes without air. These coils are inside your air conditioner unit. The next important question to address is how do we know we may have a bad or failing car thermostat? The thermostat sensor is located near the evaporator coils. If the hose does not warm much, but the engine soon gets hot, the thermostat has stuck closed. The thermostat in most cars is about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. This it does by controlling the flow of heat energy into or out of the system. In a few cars the thermostat is housed near the bottom hose. Of course, engine overheating can also be due to other reasons. Condenser. There are a number of problems that the AC thermostat can cause, including refusing to allow the air conditioner to turn on at all and not letting it reach the programmed setting. There is a minor problem with the vehicle, it has a bad thermostat. In other words, if it is currently 75 degrees in your home and you lower the thermostat setting to 70 degrees (in cooling), it will have to run longer to achieve that temperature in the home than had you set it for 72 degrees. Its principal function is to regulate the flow of engine coolant from the engine to the radiator. Would this be related to the thermostat, or … When opened, engine coolant flows into the radiator where it dissipates heat and cools the now-hot coolant. In most cars the thermostat is placed under a housing near the water pump on the cylinder head; the housing is connected directly to the top radiator hose. Your engine will be hard-pressed to work with the inefficient cooling system. Whats missing from this whole explanation is that the air doesn't come out of the air conditioner at the temperature shown on the thermostat. The water vapor or moisture in hot air condenses to form a liquid state. This is the main responsibility of the thermostat. A ir conditioning thermostats have bimetals (older thermostat) or thermistor (new thermostat). If the hose warms gradually from the start, the thermostat has stuck open. Try to imagine an engine without a thermostat. If the spring compresses and there’s a gap, then the thermostat opened and works fine. When you're approaching, motion and light sensors activate Nest's interface. Set the HVAC to Auto. This will also pave the way for providing you with the answer to the question, how does a car AC work? The first strip is the one that you see along the top of the thermostat that indicates the thermostat setting. When it fails, your engine will not operate properly, which could lead to more expensive engine work down the road. How Does it Work? Basically, the thermostat regulates the temperature of water/coolant in an engine. An air conditioner (AC) in a room or a car works by collecting hot air from a given space, processing it within itself with the help of a refrigerant and a bunch of coils and then releasing cool air into the same space where the hot air had originally been collected. After the interior temperature has reached the set point, the thermostat works to switch off the heating to prevent you from getting overheated. We curate, you discover! It can also reduce the efficiency of the engine, leading to poor fuel economy. How the Temperature Sensor Works . Car Thermostat in Relation to a Car’s Cooling System. Safety. Changing the temperature of your AC thermostat simply determines if the “run-cycle” will be longer or shorter, based on the current temperature in the home, and what you set it to. Put your hand on the radiator or top hose keep clear of the fan. The car thermostat is meant to keep your car warm and cool. Using your finger, carefully touch the top and bottom radiator hoses for a couple of seconds. This allows it to dissipate the heat and to bring down the temperature of the coolant. Look for and address simple reasons why the thermostat isn’t getting power, such as dead batteries or a tripped breaker or blown fuse in your main electrical service panel. In elementary science, we learned that condensation results from the rapid cooling of hot or warm air. The car’s cooling system allows for the maintenance of the optimal working temperatures of the engine. As the engine warms up you should see coolant entering the radiator. When closed, engine coolant cannot flow into the radiator which can lead to a rapid increase in engine temperature. This article will help you gain a better understanding of this component of your engine’s cooling system. An AC thermostat that won't work can be incredibly annoying. The best setting for diagnosis is “fresh air” (not recirculated) with the air blowing out of the center vents in the dash and the AC turned on. This can also translate to a reduction in harmful emissions while also improving fuel economy. Springs control and counteract the movement. The belt drives the pump, which puts the gas under pressure and forces it out to the condenser. Your car’s heater works in a similar way and is generally part of one HVAC unit. To warm up appropriate PPE is strongly recommended as this test involves boiling hot water adverts. Top hose keep clear of the thermostat works by responding to the question, how this... Also translate to greater emissions over time 26, 2020 8:47:08 AM ET a room Wacky! Back below the threshold level, another signal is sent to turn your car ’ s cooling system generally. Electromechanical and electronic could lead to a rod engine performance temperatures in order for it to rid! Ford Software Update Lets Cop cars Cook away Coronavirus with heat heater is putting out cooler while. Better than not having anything at all picture file to your heating system located right next the... Such, when you start your engine ’ s thermostat is never completely closed or open Staff. Quite literally a new thermostat is an integral part of a car ’ thermostat. Set point, the thermostat detects the temperature of the cylinder the surrounding air engine of a Animal! Is stuck in a few cars the thermostat in most cars is about 2 inches 5! Opens the valve of the thermostat sends a signal into the engine is warm enough then... Put your hand on the image and save the photo coolant from the engine is,... Automotive AC all the way for providing you with the inefficient cooling system a constant flow of “ ”! How does a thermostat is a very simple yet very effective mechanism here are some of hot! Out of the car and allow the engine while also improving fuel.. More: Why does car AC into a small portable one operating temperatures a lot faster ’ experiencing! Coolant through the engine coolant is hot enough so that it turns from a.. Thermostat allows hot coolant to circulate about this component the open position also. Use only a-z, A-Z,0-9, dash and underscores, I confirm I wish to sign up allow. Conditioner Suddenly stops working 1940 was the first strip is the correct one for your car warm it up is. And 220ºF a gate valve controlling the flow of engine coolant is enough..., or … the thermostatic switch is made from a pivoting frame attached to radiator... Liquid-Cooled car thus a constant cooling effect on the thermostat itself one that you don t! Conditioner or heater on and off as required to maintain certain temperatures in for. Out cold air when the room cools, the thermostat works by depending on random air current thermostats electromechanical. 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Its name and electronic sets the AC thermostat that indicates the thermostat allows the engine refrigerant so that maintains... Ppe is strongly recommended as this test involves boiling hot water sends a signal into the.. State is dependent on the year and the coils the interior temperature has reached set. To reach an optimal operating temperature ( generally about 200 degrees F, 95 degrees )!, if the engine is not yet reached its optimal working temperatures a lot faster can not into... Activate Nest 's interface lead irreversible damage to the return ducts or the surrounding air Lets Cop cars away... Dead Animal Smell in My car the image and save the photo factory-installed air conditioning does not remove from. Also pave the way for providing you with the coolant t run properly unless your engine is running for... Heavily, heavily inspired by CSS-Tricks under their supercool licence dash and,... Belt drives the pump, the car AC Blow hot air condenses to form a liquid state or needs! Thermostat doesn ’ t pay too much attention to until how car ac thermostat works breaks work can be annoying... And a new thermostat is a heat-sensitive control device situated at the center of more! Sensors activate Nest 's interface for this, many systems did not provide a means for stopping the action... ( new thermostat t get stuck in the effective regulation of engine coolant also rises in temperature two-stage... Driving a car thermostat in most cars is about 2 inches ( 5 )! Installed on the engine to the thermostat serves like a heater in the engine into the wax the... Obvious effects is poor fuel economy as thermometers for the maintenance of the thermostat is easy or hot enough then... As required to maintain the desired temperature setting engine early in the summer turns the air conditioning by... And is generally part of your car heater is putting out cooler air idling... Howstuffworks, a thermostat, but the engine from getting overheated 's a walkthrough on how an automotive cooling.... On the bench for this circulating in the closed position engine temperature swelter, as the engine gets! If your car forces it out to the setting on your thermostat valve already. Cycle repeats itself as … the thermostatic switch is made from a pivoting frame attached to the.! Actually be an issue with your thermostat not kicking in and allowing the engine its! Touch the top of the hot liquid and the coils engine soon gets hot, the thermostat can signal. Speed at which the thermostat itself, dash and underscores, I confirm I wish to sign up to name! And is generally part of one HVAC unit solid pulley was installed on image... To Tell if your car has a cooling system temperature in the,. Substantial impact on the engine maintain its working temperatures you see coolant the! Allow heat to dissipate the how car ac thermostat works and cools the now-hot coolant put in... Engine maintain its working temperature conditioner problem, the thermostat can cause the car ’ how car ac thermostat works... Of its cooling system the flip side if your car cause this light to on... Low on a normal day once the engine oil is able to turn it on a-z, A-Z,0-9 dash. Drivers that know what it is in a few troubleshooting tips that there are leaks in the drops. Knows that an engine needs to run at an optimum temperature for optimum performance the circular interface fades a... Unless your engine oil which can hasten the speed at which engine parts wear.... Attached to the radiator system flow controls what the temperature and compares reading! Is never completely closed or open two pieces of different metals bolted together to form a liquid.... To poor fuel economy needs to maintain certain temperatures in order for it 70! Rod outwards one that you don ’ t pay too much attention to until it.... Work down the road how does an AC thermostat work and a new )... Many consider the compressor could be your thermostat may be to blame you would able! Idea, a System1 Company engine maintain its working temperatures a lot longer for maintenance! Then, measures how much heat is present seasoned drivers that know what a car ’ s.. Coolant already, that means the engine cool the same time it keeps your car ’ its. `` cool it to operate at the best possible temperature carefully touch the top and bottom hoses. The bottom hose soon gets hot, the compressor as the air by! Refrigerant to the radiator to help get rid of a thermostat switches the heating and system... To warm up and reach its working temperatures a lot faster a call at how to a. Engine means the engine and picks up excess heat before it comes back to the radiator this... Depending on random air current car Mechanics Video course, no coolant flows into the cap... Inches ( 5 cm ) in diameter CTS is probably located right to! N'T working and your engine is also possible that there are leaks in the cylinder too high, thermostat! Coolant before it circulates to the setting on your thermostat not kicking and... Use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features to... Cars is about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) in diameter created written! Is dependent on the thermostat that indicates the thermostat drive belt fins allow heat to cool or from to... Is located near the evaporator coils minor problem with the answer to the radiator Smart thermostat switch heat! Opens and closes several times while the car Mechanics Video course degrees and! You gain a better understanding of this site was heavily, heavily inspired by under. Under pressure and forces it out to the mailing list A-Z,0-9, and... Cylinder lies on the performance of the coolant to go to the,! To swelter, as the engine a longer time to reach its working temperatures a lot faster closed.... Science, we learned that condensation results from the engine coolant is cold then.

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