Unreliable '98 Honda Civic A/C

[Bob Wills]

The blower works fine, however the coolness of the air goes in and out. For example, the unit will blow cool air for about 15 minutes, unconditioned air for about 5, back to cool air for 10-15 minutes, with the cycle repeating. I have noticed that the unit is not cooling as often as it was a few months ago. Any recommendations on what to check?

Whatever the root cause, I'm blaming Bill Byrne via voicemail.

 

[l00p]

Yes, check in with Accuratehorn. He owns a shop that specializes in Hondas/Acuras and many here (including myself) can vouch for him.

He should be along soon but there are some other Honda threads in this forum with his input.

Now that I think about it, his shop did A/C work for my Accord two years ago or so and it still works very well.

 

[accuratehorn]

If it blows cold air that seems normal when it works, then it sounds like the compressor is cutting off-it could be the clutch part of the compressor. Honda calls the magnet part of the clutch the clutch coil. It is controlled by a couple of relays, but I don't know that they would cut on and off like that.
If it cools less than efficiently when it is working, it could be low on refrigerant and cutting off due to a pressure switch in the system that will cut off the compressor to save it from running when there is no refrigerant in the system.
Or the secret offer from the SEC invinting A&M could be lodged inside your vent system.

 

[l00p]

I forgot to add that he is also very witty.

 

[pasotex]

low on refrigerent was my guess

 

[Bob Wills]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the info. I'll try wiggling the flux capacitor and then give accuratehorn a call.

 

[accuratehorn]

Today we were changing the cabin A/C filters in a 2002 Civic for routine maintenance, and right above the filters in the vent system was a large field mouse nest. I can't believe the guy didn't complain about lack of air flow through the vents.
So you never know when someone asks a question about A/C or other problems. The most common solution may not be the correct answer when you actually start checking the car.

 

[PropositionJoe]

In reply to:

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[BigWill]

accurate, the dude should probably call his doctor if he's been breathing mouse **** vapors.

 

[accuratehorn]

He did have kind of a squeaky voice...