Car AC Evaporator Repair and Replacement Services
The evaporator sits deep behind the dash. Looks a bit like a small radiator, but instead of heating, it cools the air before it reaches the vents. Without it, the AC just pushes warm cabin air around.
Refrigerant goes in as a liquid, expands into a cold gas inside the coil, and the blower pushes air over it. That’s how you get cold, dry air instead of hot, sticky air.
At Fasttrack Emarat, we replace just the coil if that’s all that’s damaged, or the whole core if it’s beyond repair.
Signs of a Faulty AC Evaporator
Here are the signs of a Faulty AC Evaporator in your Car:
Unusual smell when you start the AC - If it hits you with a damp, old-cloth kind of smell or something faintly sweet, it’s usually mold inside the unit or a small refrigerant leak.
Air feels weaker than before - Even at full fan speed, it’s like the air is being choked. Sand and dust here clog up the fins faster than in most places.
Cold air turns into lukewarm air - One day it’s fine, the next it’s just moving the cabin air around without cooling.
Oily marks near AC pipes - That film isn’t just dirt. It’s often refrigerant mixed with oil escaping from a leak.
AC keeps switching itself on and off - The system tries to cool, can’t hold the temp, so it cycles constantly.
Wet carpet in the front - Moisture inside where it shouldn’t be, usually near the passenger side footwell.
Hissing or bubbling from behind the dash - That’s refrigerant moving through a system that’s not sealing properly.
Takes ages to get cool - Even early in the morning, when it should chill fast, the cabin stays warm for too long.
Windows fogging on the inside - Extra moisture from leaks or poor evaporation can mist up the glass.
Water collecting under the mats - Blocked drain line or a clogged evaporator, causing the water to back up inside.
Common Causes of Evaporator Failure
Age-Related Wear & Tear – In the UAE, the AC isn’t seasonal. It’s on most of the year, so the evaporator is always under load. Sooner or later, the metal gets tired.
Refrigerant Leaks – A tiny pinhole can slowly drain the system and let moisture in, which is bad news for the inside of the coil.
Corrosion due to Moisture – Cars used near the sea pick up salty, humid air. That salt speeds up corrosion on the thin fins.
Debris/Mold Buildup – Daily driving in dusty areas pushes grit into the system. Add a bit of moisture, and mold forms on top of it.
Damage to Fins – If someone’s been inside the AC housing before, even a small bend can restrict airflow and make the system work harder.
Blockages – When parts like the receiver dryer start breaking down, tiny particles travel through the lines and end up blocking the evaporator.
