The AC condenser fan in your car works to convert refrigerant into a liquid form. Essentially, it takes heat away from your air conditioning system by delivering air to the condenser. In removing heat from the AC system, it keeps the pressure down, and allows the AC system to deliver the coolest possible air. If you use your air conditioning when the AC condenser fan is not functioning, the air conditioner will simply deliver hot air, and this could cause serious damage to other components within the air conditioning system.
Usually, you can expect your air conditioning system to last anywhere from 10-15 years – in other words, the life of your vehicle. The AC system is a sealed unit, and very little can go wrong. That said, the AC condenser fan is electronically powered, and virtually every electronic component in a vehicle is vulnerable to corrosion. It is not the fan itself that might fail, but rather the electronics that drive it. If the AC condenser fan does stop working, you will not be able to use your air conditioning at all. Not only will you not get cold air, the entire temperature control system in your vehicle could be affected.
Signs that your AC condenser fan needs to be replaced include:
- Fan does not turn on
- No cold air
- Hot air
If your AC condenser fan stops working, you will need to have it replaced if you expect to use your air conditioning at all. Neglecting to have it fixed could affect the rest of your vehicle’s temperature control, so to have the problem diagnosed, and the AC condenser fan replaced if necessary.