2020 Hyundai Venue AC Problems, Symptoms, Causes and How to Fix

The 2020 Hyundai Venue may experience AC problems such as warm air blowing from vents or reduced cooling performance. Common causes include refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, clogged expansion valves, or faulty compressors. Symptoms to watch for are AC initially blowing cold then turning warm, or lack of cold air entirely. Fixing the AC typically involves repairing leaks, recharging refrigerant, or replacing failed components like the compressor.

Symptoms

• Warm air blowing from vents or reduced cooling performance. The AC may initially blow cold air but then turn warm.
• Clicking sounds repeatedly coming from under the dashboard, indicating a faulty blend door actuator.
• Visible refrigerant leaks underneath the car, caused by a faulty seal, cracked gasket, or fractured hose.
• Loud noises when the AC compressor is running, signaling potential compressor failure. A failed compressor would prevent proper Freon flow and cooling.
• Frozen evaporator coils, another sign of refrigerant leaks.
• Clogged cabin air filter or dirty/clogged condenser and evaporator, restricting airflow and cooling.
• Electrical issues like a blown fuse or problems with the AC clutch engaging the compressor.

Potential Causes

1. Refrigerant leaks caused by a faulty seal, cracked gasket, or fractured hose. Low refrigerant levels would prevent proper cooling.
2. Compressor failure, which would result in lack of refrigerant flow and warm air blowing from vents.
3. Clogged or dirty cabin air filter, condenser, or evaporator coils restricting airflow through the AC system. This reduces cooling performance.
4. Electrical issues like a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or problems with the AC clutch engaging the compressor.
5. Faulty blend door actuator causing clicking noises and improper air temperature control. The actuator directs air through the heater core or evaporator.
6. Malfunctioning pressure switches or sensors providing incorrect readings to the AC control module. This can cause the compressor to cycle on and off.
7. Improper refrigerant charge from the factory or during a repair. An overcharged or undercharged system will not cool properly.

How to Diagnose AC Issues in Your 2020 Hyundai Venue?

Here are the steps to diagnose AC issues in your 2020 Hyundai Venue:

1. Check the cabin air filter. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause poor cooling performance. Replace the filter if needed.
2. Look for visible refrigerant leaks. Check hoses, lines, and connections for signs of leaking refrigerant underneath the vehicle. Leaks will result in low refrigerant levels and lack of cooling.
3. Ensure the AC compressor is engaging when the AC is turned on. If you don’t hear the compressor clicking on or the AC compressor clutch is not spinning, there may be an electrical issue or compressor failure.
4. Check the AC condenser and radiator at the front of the vehicle. Make sure they are clean and not clogged with debris which can reduce heat transfer and cooling.
5. Feel the AC lines going to the firewall. The low-pressure line should be cool and the high-pressure line warm to hot when the AC is running. If both are warm, the system is likely low on refrigerant.
6. Make sure the AC cooling fans are running when the AC is on. Inoperative cooling fans can prevent proper heat exchange.
7. Check AC-related fuses and relays to ensure they are not blown or faulty. Consult your owner’s manual for the locations.
8. Use an AC manifold gauge set to check the high and low side pressures to determine if the system is low on refrigerant or if there are other issues.

How to Fix 2020 Hyundai Venue AC Problems– Step by step

Here are the steps to troubleshoot and fix AC problems in your 2020 Hyundai Venue:

Step 1: Check the cabin air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow. Clean or replace it if dirty.

Step 2: Visually inspect AC hoses, lines and connections for any refrigerant leaks. Leaks lead to low refrigerant and poor cooling.

Step 3: Make sure the AC compressor engages when you turn on the AC. If it doesn’t, there may be an electrical issue or compressor failure.

Step 4: Check the AC condenser and radiator at the front for debris. Clean them if clogged to improve heat transfer and cooling efficiency.

Step 5: Feel the AC lines going to the firewall with the AC running. The low-pressure line should be cool, high-pressure line warm to hot.

Step 6: Ensure the cooling fans run when the AC is on. Inoperative fans prevent proper heat exchange.

Step 7: Inspect AC fuses and relays. Replace any that are blown or faulty.

Step 8: Use an AC manifold gauge set to check the high and low side pressures. This will help determine if the system is low on refrigerant or has other issues.

Step 9: If the AC compressor has failed, the system will need flushing when replacing it to prevent debris from damaging the new compressor.

Step 10: For difficult to access components like the evaporator, take your Venue to a workshop for cleaning or replacement if it is leaking.

Repairing 2020 Hyundai Venue AC Problems: DIY or Professional Help?

Risks of DIY AC Repair:

• Potential for further damaging the AC system if not done properly
• Risk of injury from handling refrigerant, which can cause frostbite.
• Most DIY recharge kits don’t measure the proper refrigerant amount by weight, leading to overcharging.
• Sealants in DIY kits can clog AC components and make future professional repairs difficult.
• Refrigerant must be carefully recovered and recharged with specialized equipment to avoid releasing it into the atmosphere.

Benefits of Professional AC Repair:

• Proper diagnosis of the root issue, such as leaks, compressor failure, or electrical problems
• Correct refrigerant recovery and recharging by weight using professional equipment
• Ability to repair leaks and replace damaged components like the compressor, condenser, or hoses
• Knowledge of the specific refrigerant type required for the 2020 Venue
• Warranty on the repair work

2020 Hyundai Venue AC Problems Repairing Cost

Here is a summary of the potential costs to repair AC problems in a 2020 Hyundai Venue:

1. AC Compressor Replacement: The cost of an AC compressor for a Hyundai Tucson ranges from $175 to $320. While this is for a different model, it provides a general idea of compressor replacement costs for Hyundai vehicles.
2. AC Recharge: If the system is low on refrigerant, an AC recharge (or re-gas) can cost around $120 or more, depending on the specific model and if there are any leaks in the system.
3. AC Diagnosis: The average cost for AC diagnosis on a Hyundai Sonata is between $88 and $111. Diagnostic costs for the 2020 Venue would probably fall in this range as well, as it’s a similar process to identify the root issue.
4. Other Repairs: Costs can increase if there are leaks that need to be repaired, electrical issues, or other damaged components like hoses, the condenser, or evaporator. These repairs can range from a few hundred to over $1000 in more severe cases.

Preventing Future AC Problems in 2020 Hyundai Venue

Here are some tips to help prevent future AC problems in your 2020 Hyundai Venue:

1. Run the AC regularly, even in winter. Operating the AC system for at least 10 minutes every two weeks helps prevent moisture buildup and maintains lubrication of the AC compressor and components. This prolongs the lifespan of the system.
2. Check and replace the cabin air filter regularly, typically every 12 months or 15,000 miles. A clogged filter restricts airflow and reduces cooling efficiency.
3. Keep the condenser and radiator at the front of the vehicle clean and clear of debris. Dirty or clogged heat exchangers reduce heat transfer and AC performance.
4. Pay attention to any unusual noises or odors coming from the AC vents. Strange sounds can indicate compressor, condenser or blower motor issues. Unpleasant smells may be from mold growth in the evaporator. Have these checked out promptly.
5. Park your Venue in the shade to reduce heat load on the AC system. Use a sunshade to keep the interior cooler. Excessive heat can degrade AC components over time.
6. Have the refrigerant level checked annually or if cooling performance drops. Low refrigerant is often due to a leak that needs repair. The system will also need to be recharged with the correct refrigerant amount by weight.
7. Follow the recommended AC service intervals in your owner’s manual. Having the system inspected and serviced regularly can identify worn parts or leaks before they cause a breakdown.
8. Consider having the AC serviced prior to summer to ensure it’s working optimally before the hot weather arrives. This can reveal any issues that developed over the winter.

Can I drive my 2020 Hyundai Venue with a malfunctioning AC?

Yes, you can drive your 2020 Hyundai Venue with a malfunctioning AC, but it may be very uncomfortable in warm weather. The AC system itself is not critical for the vehicle’s operation.

While you can technically still drive your Venue with AC problems, it’s best to have the system diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible for your comfort, to prevent potential additional damage, and to avoid releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere. 

Uncomfortable temperatures can also be distracting and affect your driving. If the AC issue is minor, driving short distances may be okay, but extensive driving in hot weather without AC is not advisable.