Commonly, a no-blow or weak-blow condition comes from an electrical issue (fuse, relay, or blower motor), a faulty blower resistor, or a climate-control fault. If air is blowing but not cold, the problem is more likely related to refrigerant, the compressor, or the cooling components.
On the 2016 Chrysler 200, the HVAC system blends air through a blower motor and uses a control head to manage fan speed, mode selection, and temperature. Diagnosing the exact cause requires distinguishing between no airflow, weak airflow, and lack of cooling. The following guide covers the most frequent culprits and practical steps to troubleshoot them safely.
No air or extremely weak airflow from the vents
When you turn on the blower and nothing or very little air comes out, focus on the blower circuit and related components that control air movement.
- Blower motor failure — the fan itself is broken or seized, preventing air from moving even at high speeds.
- Blower motor resistor failure — often affects only low-speed settings; high speed may still work if the resistor is bad.
- Bad climate control module or wiring — the control head may not send the correct signals to run the blower.
- Loose or damaged blower connections — a poor connection behind the dash can stop the fan from running.
- Clogged or dirty cabin air filter — a severely restricted filter can noticeably reduce airflow.
Conclusion: If you don’t feel any air at any fan setting, start by checking power to the blower and the condition of the blower motor, resistor, and related fuses/relays. If those parts test good, the issue may lie with the climate control hardware or wiring, which may require a professional scan.
AIR IS BLOWING BUT IS NOT COLD
If air is moving but the temperature isn’t cool, the system isn’t effectively compressing or circulating refrigerant, or air isn’t being cooled due to airflow issues in the cooling path.
- Low refrigerant / refrigerant leak — the system may have escaped refrigerant over time, reducing cooling power.
- Compressor clutch not engaging — the compressor may not be compressing refrigerant if the clutch is faulty or not engaging when A/C is selected.
- High-pressure switch or low-pressure switch fault — safety switches can prevent the compressor from engaging if pressures aren’t within spec.
- Expansion valve or orifice tube issue — improper refrigerant flow can lead to poor cooling.
- Electrical control issues — sensors or the climate control module may not properly command cooling.
Conclusion: If you hear the blower and the A/C button is on, but the air doesn’t feel cold, the problem is more likely refrigerant-related or a compressor/clutch issue, which typically requires a professional with refrigerant handling equipment and diagnostic tools.
Beyond the main categories, several other failures can mimic no-blow or no-cool symptoms, including blend door or actuator failures and blocked airflow paths.
- Blend door stuck or actuator failure — doors that direct air to the vents may become stuck, causing incorrect or no airflow to certain vents.
- Faulty cabin temperature sensor or climate-control software — incorrect readings can lead to improper HVAC operation.
- Blocked or collapsed ductwork — physical obstructions can reduce airflow to various parts of the cabin.
Conclusion: If basic blower checks are inconclusive, these more nuanced HVAC failures may require diagnostic tooling and possible component replacement by a technician.
These steps help narrow down the issue and are safer to perform before visiting a shop. If you’re unsure at any point, stop and seek professional help.
- Check the interior fuse box and blower relay for the HVAC blower circuit; replace any blown fuses or faulty relays.
- Turn the climate control to A/C and cycle through fan speeds; listen for the blower motor engaging or buzzing sounds.
- Inspect the cabin air filter and replace if it is dirty or clogged.
- Inspect visible wiring behind the glove box or under the dash for loose connectors or signs of damage.
- Verify the blower does not overheat or seize when running; if it stalls, the motor may be seized and require replacement.
- If air is blowing but not cooling, check whether the compressor clutch engages (a quick click sound when you turn on A/C can indicate engagement). If not, suspect the clutch, wiring, or the AC pressure switches.
- Do not attempt to refrigerant charge yourself unless you have proper training and equipment — high-pressure refrigerant systems can be dangerous and require licensed service.
Conclusion: These steps help identify whether the problem is electrical, airflow-related, or refrigerant-related, and indicate whether a professional diagnostic tool is needed.
If you can’t isolate the fault or the problem persists after basic checks, a mechanic will typically perform:
- Electrical diagnostic scans of the HVAC control module and related circuits
- Pressure tests of the refrigerant system and leak checks
- Clutch engagement tests for the AC compressor
- Blower motor and resistor testing, and inspection of cabin air paths and blend doors
Conclusion: A professional diagnosis will determine whether the fix is as simple as replacing a fuse or as involved as repairing a refrigerant leak or a defective HVAC control module.
The most common causes of no airflow on a 2016 Chrysler 200 are blower-related (motor, resistor, fuse/relay) or a climate control issue, while lack of cooling with airflow typically points to refrigerant problems, a faulty compressor/clutch, or a control/electrical fault. Start with basic electrical checks and the cabin air filter, then inspect the blower operation and signals from the climate control head. If the symptoms persist or involve refrigerant or compressor issues, seek professional help to avoid hazards and ensure proper repair.
For the best outcome, consider scheduling a diagnostic with a qualified technician who can read the vehicle’s onboard computer data and perform system pressure checks to pinpoint the exact cause of your 2016 Chrysler 200’s HVAC problem.