I have an 06 TL, as its starting to get hot in NC Ive noticed that even at its lowest setting on full blast my AC does not ever get cold. It gets cool, but not cold. Is this going to require an expensvie visit to the local Acura dealer or is this something I can fix myself? Thanks!

 

You can add freon yourself, but if it's something more, I'd take it to an indy shop before I take it to the stealer.

 

No. Good Lord, don't even think of doing this. Our cars use R134a refrigerant; not freon.

 

Have you run some simple tests to determine whether or not your system is really in need of service? Try doing this before you take your car in as it might save you both time and money.

 

That's what I meant.

 

U could take it in to an independent shop to see if a simple recharge will cure your problem. Most likely if it needs recharged, the refrigerant is going SOMEWHERE (leak). I had the same problem (cool, but not cold) and my compressor was getting weak. The low side was not low enough and the high side was outta whack too. They could tell when they put the gauges on it.

A brand new compressor assembly, drier, expansion valve and $800 later (total parts and labor), I have ICE cold air, even at idle. BTW mine is an 04' with 91k.

Could be a blend door actuator too, it happed on my envoy with auto temp.

I wouldn't take it to acura for a problem like this, any reputable shop that does AC should be able to help you out.

I dont know if compressors usually get "weaker" after 7 years and 91k, but apparently mine did.

GL and keep us updated.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I will look into local ac dealer.

 

yea take it to an indy shop before you go to a dealer, a/c is pretty easy, shouldent be too pricy

 

ok so when these indy shops use non oe parts, cant diagnose a clogged condensor(then sell you a compressor, yeah tis weak) and you get it fixed only to go out again shorty. then come to find out you only had parts warranty for 60 days and its no longer covered. would you then wished you'd taken it to the dealership or a honda/acura only indy repair shop?

 

If you have a trusted mechanic, take it to him, preferably.

 

be carefully if adding refrigerant as adding to much refrigerant will cause your compressor fail, it will have to work harder to compress the refrigerant. If you are unsure of yourself than i agree with others that you should take it to a trusted mechanic.

 

If something was clogged, the high side would probably be close to, or maxed out. Also when they flush out the system, they would be able to tell if your condensor or evaporator was clogged.

Some of the older chevys had a syndrome called "black death" basically if the compressor blew up, it contaminated the ENTIRE system and clogged everything. Therefore everything needs replaced..including lines. Otherwise, a clogged condensor or evaporator is not that likely.

Also, most aftermarket parts carry a 1year warranty. But you could very well get OEM parts from an indy shop.

 

how is it they can tell if a clogged condensor/evap is present after evacuation?
i guess i missunderstood your post, since i would assume your low side temp is severly high, or out of whack, while your high side was just about to peg, or also out of whack. which could be a pretty good indication of built up pressure. and where did this extra pressure come from? i didnt see anywhere where you mentioned extra refrigerant was added. but like i said i might have missunderstood.
but yeah, trusted technician would be best...

 

Let me try to clarify....In my particular case, my problem was the comp. They could tell from the gauges, the low side was too high(not pulling enough down). The high side PSI was outta spec, I dont remember if it was too high or too low, but nonetheless, outta-whack. Nowhere NEAR maxed out tho, I do know that. The r134 was right where it shoulda been, as far as LBS. No R134 was ADDED but, they tried an evac and fill, just BC, with no changes in the pressure on the high or low side. So they ruled OUT refrigerant problem.

When you said, "ok so when these indy shops use non oe parts, cant diagnose a clogged condensor(then sell you a compressor, yeah tis weak) and you get it fixed only to go out again shorty." I was simply stating they CAN diagnose a clogged condensor and or evaporator, just by the gauges, If your high side was xtra high, that WOULD be an indication of restriction. In MY instance, this wasn't the case. I dont know what would clog an evap or condensor, unless your comp LITERALLY blew up and spewed shit into the system.

But when replacing a compressor, you MUST replace the drier and expansion valve and flush the system to have a warranty on the compressor. So when I got that shit replaced, and they flushed it, there was no restriction, therefore my condensor and evaporator were still good (not even any shavings). They either leak, clog, or work.

Im no AC EXPERT, but I would assume if his high side was pegged out, it would point the tech in the direction of something (evap or cond.) being clogged.

Sorry to whore your thread OP, but this may be your problem too..
Bottom line...+1 for trusted tech