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AC Dilemma

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Old 07-07-2014
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AC Dilemma

Hi All,

Lately I have observed that my car AC behaving weirdly, it goes like this. I drive every day to work that's 80 km away when the temperature is around 40+ degree C so naturally the car will take time to cool the cabin since its parked in direct sunlight.

Now as far as I can remember earlier when I used to drive for about 15 mins the AC would start to blow sufficient cool air and the cycle would keep going on cooling the car properly such that my fingers in front of the AC would freeze.

Currently the thing is that when driving for about 15-20 mins the AC blows normal air then blows cold air, this cycle keeps on going, so its blows cold air for about 1 mins or less then there is normal air [NOT hot air, the skin can feel the air is not cold and not hot either] for 30-45 sec and then cold air again and it keeps on going on like this, and the funny thing is that once I'm about to reach my destination just then the AC blows Extremely cool air with the latter cycle.

I have checked the AC refrigerant which is fine as per the garage but I have a doubt that the compressor is weak but since the engine temp remains steady, I don't know.

Any guesses.

Thank You
Old 07-07-2014
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Re: AC Dilemma

Originally Posted by TryllZ
I have checked the AC refrigerant which is fine as per the garage but I have a doubt that the compressor is weak but since the engine temp remains steady, I don't know.

Any guesses.

Thank You
The description makes me think of an undercharge or condenser fan issue, or clogged fins in the condenser so it can't get good airflow....but I don't have enough information to make a real judgement. It could be anything.


You had a garage check it? A decent garage should be able to diagnose problems too.
Old 07-07-2014
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Re: AC Dilemma

Originally Posted by ezone
The description makes me think of an undercharge or condenser fan issue, or clogged fins in the condenser so it can't get good airflow....but I don't have enough information to make a real judgement. It could be anything.


You had a garage check it? A decent garage should be able to diagnose problems too.
Finding a decent garage is the problem, everybody is in for the money, thats it and as I see they fix 1 problem and screw another just to make another visit confirmed. I bet we didn't need these forums if there were any decent garages left.

Anyway Appreciate your support, I'll get it checked and update here what was found to be the cause.
Old 07-08-2014
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Re: AC Dilemma

Originally Posted by ezone
The description makes me think of an undercharge or condenser fan issue, or clogged fins in the condenser so it can't get good airflow....but I don't have enough information to make a real judgement. It could be anything.


You had a garage check it? A decent garage should be able to diagnose problems too.
those are some great guesses ezone. I would 1st check the condenser for
any leaves or debris. if that's ok 2nd option get Freon charge checked after that.
A/C on the 8th gen civics is not the most reliable of all. from what I have
heard mainly due to its design. Honda uses a light weight small compressor to save weight and fuel economy I have heard of clutch coils on the compressor going bad and relays as well
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