Rep Power: 304

i want to get my A/C on my beater civic recharged (its a '90 dx). but the thing is, i dont know if still works. when i turn on the air and push the A/C button, i dont hear the compressor turn or anything. does this mean that the A/C is broken? or will the compressor start to run after i get the refill on refrigent?

 
Rep Power: 0

There is a low pressure cutoff which will prevent the compressor from turning on if there is insufficient refrigerant. This prevents damage to the compressor since the lubricant is carried in the refrigerant. However, if you need to recharge in the first place, you have a leak somewhere. A recharge isn't going to fix this and won't work for very long, if it works at all.

 
Rep Power: 304

thanks for responding
is it possible that the A/C system isnt leaking??? i'm saying this because the car is pretty old ('90) and its a second hand car, and i know that the person that owned it before didnt do any maintaince to the car either. i mean we're not gonna know if theres a leak in the system for sure unless we run a test (UV light, etc...) but why would you say that theres a leak?

 
Rep Power: 0

If any a/c system needs a recharge, then it is leaking. A/c is a closed system such that no refrigerant escapes. It's just cycled through a compressor, evaporator, and condensor. The only time you recharge the a/c system is if it is a brand new installation or when a component is replaced after a leak. A proper recharge is more than just adding refrigerant. You must replace the drier, vacuum the system, then add refrigerant and oil. It is possible that there is an electrical problem such as a cutoff switch malfunction.

 
Rep Power: 301

A 90's system shouldn't leak. My 85 nissan is still full. Get the system vaccum pumped and leak tested. If it hasn't been run in years, probably the compressor shaft seal has dried and leaked.

 
Rep Power: 0

The age of the system is irrelevant. All it takes is a rock hitting the condensor and you got a leak.

 
Rep Power: 0

you want to hear some stupid ****


i went to honda and ask them to check my A/C for leaks... they said just to test it it would cost $140.. not to mention if any parts were bad... just to refill the freon and see where it was leaking from... sounds like some BS... then the Tech (i guess no one is called a mechanic anymore? ) told me the A/C wasn't covered under my certified bumper to bumper warrenty .... i told him if its between the two bumpers then it should be....

long story short i need to drive 30 miles to the next honda dealer to look at my car since the one closest to me won't fix it

 
Rep Power: 0

The only thing that wouldn't be covered under a bumper to bumper warranty is rock damage to the condensor. If a rock caused leak, they won't pay for it. It is the equivalent of you getting a flat by running over a nail. Everything else on the a/c system should be covered under the warranty. Check your condensor under the hood for oil streaks. Then look to see if there is rock damage nearby. Rock damage will either make a puncture or a crack on the condensor lines and dent the fins. I'd call Honda Customer service before driving all over the place. Something sounds very fishy with your local dealer.