Platnm0705

Ok, so my air conditioning isn't working right now, and I'm looking for some advice. I have searched on here and read everything I can find, but nothing seems to be the fix. Here's the rundown:

A/C worked when I bought the car a few months ago. Then, about a month ago when it was hot out, I turned it on and it worked fine. Drove to a store and when I got back in the car, it wasn't blowing cold. Stopped to get gas (during the same trip) and when I started the car again it worked fine. Then a few days later it wasn't blowing cold at all, and hasn't since. When I'm in the car and have the fan/vent on but the A/C off, and I turn the A/C on, I hear the compressor kick on and the idle change slightly, so I assume the compressor is working.

Took it to the dealership for the power steering recall and mentioned the A/C issue, they wanted $250 to do their test (full evac/re-charge, dye, etc). I told them not do the full test and just look it over. I don't know what they did but said they didn't find anything. The guy was really cool and recommended I take it somewhere cheaper just to get it diagnosed.

A few days later a took it to Firestone for an A/C check (they have a special on A/C service this month). They said it is slightly under filled and the A/C diode is possibly bad. I bought a new diode, and when I received it I tested them both on a multi-meter and the readings were the same, so it isn't the diode.

I have a hose/gauge from one of the self-refill cans of refrigerant and when I put it on (the low line of course) it reads way into the red. But like I said, Firestone said it was a tad low. Strange.

I checked the manual and ran the quick diagnosis (hold down Off, turn ignition to On, press re-circ 5 times) and it didn't throw any codes.

It is basically just like having the vents on. I don't ever have any smell coming from the vents or any other issues.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm a few days from biting the bullet and taking it to the dealership but would like to avoid that if I can. But with the heat wave here in NJ lately, driving to work and back every day is getting a little ridiculous.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Make certain the heater control valve is functioning properly and is in the closed position when the A/C is at max.

tjmoneybags

Ive been having this same problem as the original poster. I think the advice in the second is right....but how do I do that?

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/f-167-heater-water-coolant-control-valve-diy-747304/#post11381436

tjmoneybags

that seems to be the opposite problem....no heat....I have no COLD. I don't think my compressor is clicking on.

Platnm0705

So I was about to bite the bullet and take it to my Acura Dealership to have it looked at (they charge $259). I just happened to look on the Hamilton Honda website and they are having a special on their AC service: regularly $149.99, on sale now for FREE. So I scheduled the service for Saturday and I'm picking it up on Sunday.

I'll post what they find when I get it back.

Trunk Monkey

iTrader: (1)

Good to hear. I've got an issue with the A/C also that I'm about to post up in a thread. Let us know what you find out

Platnm0705

Well it turns out to be a bad compressor and clutch. Dealer quoted $1150 to fix it, I declined. I'm going to shop around for the parts and for someone to install it, and will probably just get it done next year.

I'm disappointed that the car is only 4 years old and has 68,000 miles and this happened already.

LADY-T

Took car for diagnostic at Pep Boys, ran complete diagnotic $50.00 says Evaporator Expansion Valve part would cost $41.99 with 12 mth limited warranty, they also have a limited extended labor warranty $47.85 total cost $658.96, must make decision within 90days.