Air Conditioning Problem

1994 HONDA CIVIC
193,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HONDACCORD91
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Hello, I have had my car for 2 yrs without any issues. When I got the car the AC needed recharged, done; drove the car it was cold. the next afernoon the air didn't blow cold at all, thought there was a leak, no leak. I did some research, replaced the thermal sensor and the relays, still nothing. Lastly I noticed the AC would only work then the car was cool (not sitting in the sun all day) . I could get cold air first thing in the morning, but never after work, when the car sat in the sun all day. Any ideas?
Jun 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Can you tell me if the A/C compressor clutch is engaging at all? Get back to me and we will take it from there.

This guide will help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jun 23, 2009 at 9:20 AM
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HONDACCORD91
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I am not for sure certain on how to tell. In the morning when I turn the air on, I can feel the idle drop and know there is cold air coming out.

Say it is the clucth, is that a costly repair? Just curious.
Jun 23, 2009 at 9:37 AM
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RACEFAN966
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I am not really thinking that the compressor clutch is bad I need to know if the clutch is engaging as this may lead to a low pressure or high pressure switch problem or a leak in the system or something. Here is a pic of the a/c clutch what it should do it when the ac if off it shouldn't spin once you turn the ac on then it should engage (you should hear a click) and the front part should spin. I need to know if it is doing this. Here is a pic of the clutch.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_567135_1.jpg

Jun 24, 2009 at 9:22 AM
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HONDACCORD91
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Thank you for the picture, yesterday after the car sat for several hours in the hot sun... the clutch engaged but didn't run for more than 2 min after I started driving. This morning it was much cooler and the sun wasn't out, the clutch started and I drove 25 miles to work with the AC. I have had the system checked and there aren't any leaks.
Jun 24, 2009 at 9:27 AM
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RACEFAN966
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If the the clutch is cycling often (engaging and disengaging) then there is a problem with either the low or high pressure switch or a leak. Have you put a die in the a/c system?
Jun 24, 2009 at 9:32 AM
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HONDACCORD91
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[quote:c7b3408c33="racefan966"]If the the clutch is cycling often (engaging and disengaging) then there is a problem with either the low or high pressure switch or a leak. Have you put a die in the a/c system?[/quote:c7b3408c33]

yes the system has a die in it. It was filled last summer, but before I could get around to fixing the issue after replacing a thermal sensor and 2 relays it was Fall... If there was a leak it wouldn't be ice cold would it?

why would the unit not even work if the car sat in 90 degree sun all day? It won't even turn on. just blows hot air.
Jun 24, 2009 at 9:36 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok so if it is blowing hot air and the clutch is engaging then the system is low meaning it leaked out over the winter. Now if the clutch is not engaging the system is either to low to engage the clutch or one of the pressure switches is not functioning right. I have included a pic of the reciever dryer. If there is a sight glass on it then I need you to turn the a/c on if the clutch engages then look in the sight glass does it look like liquid or like liquid with air bubbles in it?


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_239236_1.jpg

Jun 24, 2009 at 9:54 AM
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HONDACCORD91
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Well I am not 100% sure where that is located, if it is on the drivers side front just under the steering fluid reservoir, I didn't see a glass opening. Maybe I am looking in the wrong place.
Jun 24, 2009 at 10:18 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok it is in the drivers side front corner under the hood. Here is a pic of the system and it shows that there should be a sight glase on it, it is labeled as reciever dryer. It may have a rubber boot or cover on it. Let me know what you find.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_Graphic_96.jpg

Jun 25, 2009 at 8:47 AM
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EGILBERT21
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OK I WROTE EARLIER ABOUT MY PROBLEM AND HERE IS MY PREVIOUS POST....
OK I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TROUBLSHOOT MY AC AND CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT DOESNT WORK. OK THIS IS WHAT ALL IS GOING WRONG. AC LIGHT TURNS ON AND EVERYTHING BUT JUST HOT AIR. I LIFT THE HOOD AND THE AC CLUTCH NEVER ENGAGES. I JUST PUT A BRAND NEW COMPRESSOR ON. AND STILL NOTHING. I VACUUMED THE SYSTEM OUT AND ADDED FREON. WHEN THE FREON I GUESS GETS TO A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT THE CAR STARTS IDLE HIGH AND LOW. BUT WHEN YOU TURN THE AC OFF THE CAR IDLES FINE. WELL MY GIRLS DAD TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND THE TWO AC RELAYS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE CONDENSER FAN HE TOOK APART AND THEY WERE FRIED KINDA AND ONE LOOKED LIKE IT HAD OIL ON THE INSIDE. SO IM REPLACING THOSE TOMMOROW. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO. O THE CONDENSOR FAN NEVER TURNS ON AND ANOTHER GOOD PEICE OF INFORMATION THE CAR SAT FOR LIKE TWO YEARS. O AND THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS HOW HOT OR COLD TH AC BLOWS IN THE CAR IS BROKEN. IT ONLY STAYS ON THE COLD SIDE. HELP


OK I REPLACED THOSE RELAYS THAT WERE CONNECTED TO THE CONDENSOR FAN AND NOW IT TURNS ON...BUT THE COMPRESSOR CLUTCH DIDNT ENGAGE SO I HOOKED UP MY GAUGES AND THE FREON WAS LOW SO I ADDED FREON AND FINALLY THE COMPRESSOR KICKED IN AND THE AC STARTED WORKING. NOW THE AC BLOWS KINDA COLD BUT NOT REALLY COLD AT ALL. NOW THE FREON ISNT ALL THAT FULL I NEED TO GET SOME MORE BUT OULD THAT BE WHY ITS NOT BLOWING ALL THAT COLD. OR WOULD IT JUST BE THE BROKEN TEMP CONTROL SWITCH IN THE DASH. O AND ANOTHER QUESTION. WHY DOES MY CAR IDLE ROUGH AND SOMETIMES WANT TO DIE BUT RECOVERS. IT IDLES EVEN ROUGHER WHEN THE AC IS ON.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Hi EGILBERT21,

When you have any unfinished business, you should use the post reply thread so that whoever was answering your question can follow up when notification is received.

When freon is insufficient, it definitely won't be blowing cold enough. Check if compressor is engaged full time, if not the temp adjust might be at minimum so would not be that cold.

Get the freon pressure up first before going further. We take one step at a time.

When the engine has poor idling, you need to check the idling circuit.

Give the throttle body, EACV, idle adjust screw and fast ilde a good cleanup with carb cleaner and it should solve the problem. Remember to adjust the idling speed without the AC at engine operating temp.

Hope there is no check engine light showing.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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FLIPFURY
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My A/C has never worked since i got my car about 5 months ago. The A/C button lights up when pushed.
I do hear the "click". The belt is on and tight, the fuses are all good. I tried to put Freon in it and it went to the red zone so i took it off. I don't know what is wrong can you all help me?
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Hi flipfury,

If the compressor is working and the air is not cold, you need to do a high and low pressure test and provide us with the readings before we are able to assist.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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EGILBERT21
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OK I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TROUBLSHOOT MY AC AND CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT DOESNT WORK. OK THIS IS WHAT ALL IS GOING WRONG. AC LIGHT TURNS ON AND EVERYTHING BUT JUST HOT AIR. I LIFT THE HOOD AND THE AC CLUTCH NEVER ENGAGES. I JUST PUT A BRAND NEW COMPRESSOR ON. AND STILL NOTHING. I VACUUMED THE SYSTEM OUT AND ADDED FREON. WHEN THE FREON I GUESS GETS TO A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT THE CAR STARTS IDLE HIGH AND LOW. BUT WHEN YOU TURN THE AC OFF THE CAR IDLES FINE. WELL MY GIRLS DAD TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND THE TWO AC RELAYS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE CONDENSER FAN HE TOOK APART AND THEY WERE FRIED KINDA AND ONE LOOKED LIKE IT HAD OIL ON THE INSIDE. SO IM REPLACING THOSE TOMMOROW. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO. O THE CONDENSOR FAN NEVER TURNS ON AND ANOTHER GOOD PEICE OF INFORMATION THE CAR SAT FOR LIKE TWO YEARS. O AND THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS HOW HOT OR COLD TH AC BLOWS IN THE CAR IS BROKEN. IT ONLY STAYS ON THE COLD SIDE. HELP
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Hi EGILBERT21,

You already found out your problem, and a costly one with the compressor, you should replace the relays and see what else is wrong.

If the switch is broken, you need to repair/replace it to be able to use it.

Remember to check the freon, you might have already overfilled it.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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JLR292
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high pressure on the low pressure side of system. Replaced expansion valve and drier with no change in cooling... Compressor and fan are both working.What next?
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Hi jlr292,

Here are the diagnosis for suction pressure abnormally high.

Condition 1.
Low pressure hose and check joints are cooler than around evaporator.

Probable causes :
Expansion valve open too long.
Loose expansion valve.

Remedy :
Repair or replace as necessary.


Condition 2.
Suction pressure is lowered when condenser is cooled by water.

Probable causes :
Excessive referigerant in system.

Remedy:
Discharge refrigerant as necessary.


Condition 3.
High and low pressure are equalised as soon as the compressor is stopped and both gauges fluctuates while running.

Probable causes :
Faulty gasket
Faulty high pressure valve
Foreign particle stuck in high pressure valve.

Remedy :
Replace compressor.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM (Merged)
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GWAPODAWME
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Air Conditioning problem
1994 Honda Civic Four Wheel Drive Manual

I have my aircon recharge with freon and expansion valve and dryer been replaced also. The high side pressure is from 200-230 psi while the low side is 30-35 psi. condenser fan, compressor are working, but the problem is i cannot attain the coolness. pls help me. the technician advised me to changed the compressor, but the compressor is still working. is there a possibility that my sensor for the thermostat is not working well?
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

I would be checking that the heater tap is not leaking and bleeding hot water through the system when it is turned off, you can do a quick test by looping out the heater and seeing if the temp drops.

Mark (mhpautos)
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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KEITHGAULE
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my 1994 honda civic is barely blowing warm air when heat is on, the temp control lever is difficult to move from side to side , are the two related and how do i fix the problem?
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Both problems should be related and caused by the control cables.

ADJUSTMENTS
AIR MIX CABLE
NOTE:
The purpose for adjusting the air mix cable is to ensure that the air
mix door is fully closed when the maximum cool position is selected.

1. At air mix door linkage (bottom of heater case), disengage air mix cable housing from clamp. Disconnect cable wire from air mix door control arm. At heater control panel, select maximum cool position and hold it in this position.

2. At air mix door linkage, hold door control arm in maximum cool position (hold it against stop). Reconnect cable wire to door control arm. Gently slide cable housing back to eliminate slack, then snap cable housing into clamp. Adjust heater valve cable. See HEATER (COOLANT) VALVE CABLE.


HEATER (COOLANT) VALVE CABLE
Note :
The purpose for adjusting the heater valve cable is to ensure that the heater valve is fully closed when the maximum cool position is selected.

1. At heater valve near engine compartment firewall, disengage cable housing from clamp and disconnect cable wire from heater valve. At control panel, set temperature control to maximum cool position and hold it in this position.

2. At air mix door linkage (bottom of heater case), hold door control arm in maximum cool position (hold it against stop). At engine compartment firewall, reconnect cable wire to heater valve. Gently slide cable housing back to eliminate slack, then snap cable housing into clamp.


© 2008 Mitchell Repair Information Co., LLC.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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KANARI
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Air Conditioning problem
1994 Honda Civic 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 200.00 miles

hi i have honda civic lx 1994 hase problamme with ac sometime work sometime not working
i know should be in relay 12 volt to sending to compressor is not 12 volt some time work sometime not not problamme from relay
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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F4I_GUY
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Why do you suspect it's the relay?

Is your refrigerant topped up? Get an a/c diagnostic done first.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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KANARI
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no sometime work sometime not working when notworking no 12 volt when working everything fine
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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BRIAN68
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'94 Honda Civic EX, 225,000 miles. Car recently started blowing warm air, even on cool mornings, with the vent from outside air, and the temp control all the way to the cool side. I'm thinking the "hot air" is not being shut off completely. What could be causing this, and how can I check it / fix it? I'm reasonably comfortable mechanically, and want to fix it myself if possible.
With summer almost on us, I don't want any hot/warm air coming into the car. We live in SC and already have had temps into the 90's.
Thanks for your help,
Brian.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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BRUCE HUNT
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Find or trace the cable from the temp control and inside the engine well is the valve to control the flow on the coolant line that feeds the heater for the car. The valve is not closing all the way. A system flush could rectify the problem but you may want to take off that valve and clean or replace it.
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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BRIAN68
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Bruce,
I replaced the heater control valve last Friday, and it is now blowing nice and cold, with the temp on cold, and warm when temp control is moved to hot.
Thanks for your help!!
Jun 20, 2020 at 11:08 AM (Merged)
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