ICeZero

Hi Community,

My 07 Acura TSX is having some issues with Heating/Cooling. Over the summer the cooling system was only working at higher speed, when the vehicle was in traffic the air would blow out warm. Took it into a shop, they charged it and added dye and didn't mention a leak. Now the Minnesota winter is here and the car doesn't blow hot air either. The only source of warmth is through the heated seats :/

What do you think is going on?

I'm looking to diagnose and DIY fix the issue. I'm wondering what troubleshooting can I do to make sure I fix the correct parts. Any suggestions or resources will be appreciated

Thank you in advance,
ICeZero

thoiboi

Have you checked your cooling system? Sounds like you may have air in it..

ICeZero

How do I confirm my cooling system is working appropriately? The system has been acting weird all year, I've wanted to change the radiator but all research points to no. They charged my AC but when I looked at the gauge earlier this summer I didn't think it needed a charge. The compressor turns on when it should, the fan blows and the coolant is full (maybe a little past MAX)

acmectec2001

You need to take your radiator cap off with the engine cold and start your car. The level should go down a little as the thermostat opens. This should also allow any air to bleed out. You could have air, a stuck thermostat, a clogged heater core, or even an electronic issue with one of the control motors. Check your fuses and relays too.

ICeZero

Ok, I will try that now. Leave the cap off until it warms up? If that doesn't work, ill double check the fuses again. Thanks!

acmectec2001

Yes. As when your coolant hits a certain temperature (usually 195 degrees) The thermostat opens to allow more coolant to flow. It is rare for a thermostat to fail. You may see bubbles and your coolant level go down. If this happens, fill the radiator see if you have heat.

ICeZero

I ran the car from cold start until the temp was about 1/4 warm with the radiator cap off. I did add a little more coolant. One thing I noticed with the fan system on the highest speed and temperature all the way up to 80, was the passenger side seemed warmer. Neither my driver nor passenger radiator fans were spinning... Should they be running when the heat is on high?

acmectec2001

I don't think the cooling fans have anything to do with your heat controls. It's hard to say but I'm guessing you have a control valve or a mixing door that's not working properly to allow the air to switch from cold to hot. If you have a manual. you may be able to find your heater valve and make sure it's functioning. I believe it has a cable on it. You'll probably have to take it in and have it checked out.

mrgold35

I've had both cooling issues in the summer and heating issues in the winter with my 06 TSX in the last year.

Cooling: A/C was warm and testing showed compression was way too high and blowing out O-rings. Replaced with eBay A/C unit for $130 with local shop installed for around $500.

Heating: More miss than hit with seat heater providing the only heat in winter. Defective hose to overflow tank near radiator was sucking in air. Had air pockets in the cabin heater core causing the issue. New hose, purge air, and back to full heat.

ICeZero

It seems like when I opened the radiator cap and added coolant directly to the radiator, the heat is working fine now. I've been driving all week and no lose of warmth.

I'll see how the cooling acts during the summer time.

Thanks guys!

Reorge

Make sure both fans by radiator are running when the AC is set on LO (both driver and passenger side).
You can test this in the fall or winder.

mrgold35

Not normal to have a drop in coolant level. I would double-check if you have discolored milky engine oil, any smell of antifreeze in the cabin or engine bay, antifreeze drips on the ground or engine bay, or crusty residue around coolant hoses, radiator, or water pump.

chrishf

I have a problem at the moment where the driver's side sometimes gets stuck on got or cold. Currently it won't go down to full cold. Passengers side works fine. My suspicion is the vanes in the HVAC unit are dodgy, nrbrok or jammed.

Maybe that's your issue too?