Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a Check Engine Light that won't go away, ask about it here!

2005 air conditioning fading

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #1  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
2005 air conditioning fading

My a.c. only works for a few minutes when I first start up. It sounds like the compressor kicks in as does the fan on the radiator. After a couple of minutes the cold air fades. It has always worked but it looks like it needs some attention for this season. Fuses are good. 204,000 k. Any tips?
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #2  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Does the compressor continue to run after it gets warm?
Do the fans continue to run after it gets warm?
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #3  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

OK I drove it from 8-8:20 pm and A.C. was freezin'.. evening temperature outside had dropped to 21C. Then I stopped and left it running. The A.C. went from freezing to normal (21C). I had someone turn the inside button on the dash on/off several times and the fan came on/off but I don't think the compressor kicked in. There was no noticeable change in engine sound/strain, just the fan turning on/off. WEIRD...
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #4  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Assuming the radiator fans are still running but the compressor clutch quit engaging......Next step would be to verify whether or not the compressor clutch is still receiving power (B+) when the compressor quits.


After it quits: Tap on clutch relay. Does the compressor engage immediately?
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #5  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Where is that? I'm guessing it is the uppermost unit with the hoses attached to it...
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #6  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Originally Posted by Hutchoo
Where is that? I'm guessing it is the uppermost unit with the hoses attached to it...
Where is what?
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #7  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

clutch relay? back at it in the daylight tomorrow...
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #8  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Originally Posted by Hutchoo
clutch relay? back at it in the daylight tomorrow...
In the engine compartment fuse box.

Relay for compressor clutch is #D
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2014
  #9  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

oh ya, thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014
  #10  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

I think the compressor is shot, they say the part is not covered by warranty unless I put a drier in too. Any thoughts?
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014
  #11  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Originally Posted by Hutchoo
I think the compressor is shot, they say the part is not covered by warranty unless I put a drier in too. Any thoughts?
What makes you say this?

Earlier you stated:
I drove it from 8-8:20 pm and A.C. was freezin'.
Your problem is not the compressor. It works.

If it needs a clutch or a coil, you can buy the individual pieces through Honda.
I'd much rather keep a working original compressor than install any aftermarket reman (that will probably only last one year).
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014
  #12  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Maybe needs a clutch? I can turn it by hand.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014
  #13  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Originally Posted by Hutchoo
Maybe needs a clutch? I can turn it by hand.
Remember, I stated this:

Originally Posted by ezone
Next step would be to verify whether or not the compressor clutch is still receiving power (B+) when the compressor quits.
I assume you haven't done this.





This stuff is easy to figure out if you have a little time, a few tools, and a little knowledge of how it works.
Diagnosing can help you avoid pissing money away on wildass guesses.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014
  #14  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Yes,I agree. It was fine today and blew cold, so cold tonight I had to switch it off. I will resume diagnosis tomorrow. The friendly neighbourhood mechanic says the only solution is to put a whole new compressor, drier etc to the tune of $700+.... Hard for me to justify that after it worked fine today!
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014
  #15  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

The friendly neighbourhood mechanic says the only solution is to put a whole new compressor, drier etc to the tune of $700+....
I'd be friendly too if I could get that sort of cash for wildass guessing.

I don't get my money from guessing.
Guessing doesn't net consistent good results.

Hard for me to justify that after it worked fine today!
It works great when it works, so....
It's not the compressor (not the mechanical, pumping part of it anyway).
It's not low on freon.

You need to figure out why the compressor quits operating, and it's simple electrical diagnosis at this point. Just gotta do the testing WHILE it's quit.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2014
  #16  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

OK back at it. It is working most of the time. When it quits after running a while, the clutch does not engage. It resumes if I tap it. The cabin filters were clogged so I replaced them if that matters. Power is there.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2014
  #17  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

It resumes if I tap it.
Tap what?
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2014
  #18  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

39794-SDA-A05 is the part number for the updated/improved relay.
MITSUBA is the brand name on the improved part.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2014
  #19  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

Clutch
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2014
  #20  
ezone's Avatar
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 519
ezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond reputeezone has a reputation beyond repute
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

You tapped on the clutch itself and it started working again?

Check clearance between the clutch plate and the pulley.
Spec is 0.50mm +/- 0.15mm


Check resistance of the coil too. Spec says
3.05-3.35 ohms
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2014
  #21  
Hutchoo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered!!
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 0
Hutchoo is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: 2005 air conditioning fading

yup. I'll check clearance tomorrow in daylight.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dorval Andre
General 7th Gen
34
Jun 3, 2024 08:11 PM
amrhamed
Electrical, Wiring, and In Car Entertainment
7
Aug 31, 2015 07:47 PM
MajTom
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
4
Jun 2, 2015 11:48 AM
davidarenberg
I.C.E. (Audio) & Electrical Upgrades
4
May 16, 2015 08:45 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:45 AM.