A/C blowing warm air?

Tiny
SPUDMELON
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA CRV
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Hello!

I have been chasing an A/C issue for a while now. The car would blow ice cold a/c and just randomly stop. After it did that for about a few months it finally quit and never came back. Took it to Firestone and all they did was put dye in it and told me to bring it back to check for leaks. After chatting with a few other CRV owners they said they had the same problem and I was the expansion valve. I replaced valve and the pressure was reading fine at 40 PSI. Now the compressor the pressure is currently reading 150PSI on the low side because the compressor is not engaging. I did some diagnosing today and found that the compressor is not locked up and spins manually okay. I am however not getting any voltage to the compressor plug. I traced back to the relay which is getting 14 volts, I checked all fuses, and they are good as well. No leaks in the system. So, my thoughts are the system is overcharged and being shut off by the pressure switch it also may possibly air in the system. What would be my next diagnoses step?


If you need any more info let me know I can test more things if needed.
Saturday, June 10th, 2023 AT 7:37 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

Are you seeing 150 PSI on the low-pressure side of the system? What is the high-side reading? Also, what was the outside temperature when you checked the pressure? If the static pressure is 150, the outside temperature should have been approximately 110 degrees F.

Next, I realized you checked the relay and fuse. I attached a pic below showing the fuses related to actuating the compressor clutch. At the relay, there are 4 pins. If you remove the relay, there will be numbers identifying each pin.

On the relay primary side will be pins 85 and 86. On the relay secondary will be 30 and 87.

Here is how this works. When the A/C is requested on, the powertrain control module provides a ground path to the relay primary side (either pin 85 or 86. Each manufacturer can be different). When that ground is provided, then power from fuse 36 (under the dash fuse box) runs through the relay creating an electromagnet. The magnetic field draws the switch closed on the secondary side and power is then able to reach the compressor clutch.

Here is a link that explains it in more detail:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

What we need to do is check if the fuses are good and have power first. Then, remove the relay and with a test lamp, check the connectors. One of the pins will have constant power regardless of the ignition key position. (Secondary pin 30 or 87) If that is present, we need to check the primary side for power and a ground signal from the PCM. First, determine if it is pin 85 or 86 that has power with the key on. Once that is determined, check the other primary pin (55 or 56) for a ground path.

To check for a ground path, connect the alligator clip of a test lamp to the battery positive and probe the light to the ground pin. If a ground is present, the light will turn on. Note: the key has to be on and A/C requested.

I know that sounds like a lot, but it isn't too difficult. If you have questions, let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, June 10th, 2023 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
SPUDMELON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you. I checked this morning and all relay points and fuses had power. I tested the pressure outside temperature was 75 degrees and the low side pressure was 65 PSI high side 150. When I checked before, the low side pressure was 150, it was 85 degrees outside, not over 100 degrees. The compressor engaged the fins this morning and the A/C was blowing cool not super cold. I would imagine that as the car warms up the pressure will climb to 150 again and stop working. I will drive it today and let you know.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
SPUDMELON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I went for a drive, and it worked for a couple hours then the pressure spiked up to 150 on low side and the compressor shut off. It cam back on for about 15 minutes then off again.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,961 POSTS
When the low side spikes to 150 PSI is the compressor running/have power to the clutch? Also, when the system is running does the condenser fan operate.

Check out this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/comprehensive-guide-troubleshooting-intermittent-automotive-air-conditioner-problems

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 5:40 PM
Tiny
SPUDMELON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you. The compressor shuts off and the condenser fans are running. There is no power to the clutch at that point.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,961 POSTS
When this happens what is the high side readings?
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
SPUDMELON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Around 200 PSI.
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 5:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,961 POSTS
To confirm the low side is 150 and the high side 200 at this just happens at times. When the compressor kicks off the high side stays at 200? Can you please shoot a quick video so we can see what's going on?
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
SPUDMELON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yes, I can try to catch it doing it because it does it intermittently. It's been working for the last few days.
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Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 AT 4:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,961 POSTS
Sounds good, let us know.
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Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 AT 11:39 AM

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