Intermittent A/C ?

zeruin · 08-31-2009, 03:14 AM

Hey guys.. I have an 06 Civic Coupe EX and I've noticed the A/C doesn't seem to be working like it should. I've read over the A/C condenser sticky, and not sure if that's my problem.

Here's the issue. Whenever I'm at stop lights or driving slowly through a parking lot or drive through, my AC blows out hot air. When I'm driving at stable speeds around 35 or so, the AC runs fine.. and it's an icebox at highway speeds.

Now I live in Texas.. so I'm sure that doesnt help much.. but this is obviously HOT air coming out of my AC when idling and what not.. it's cooler to roll down the windows.

Any ideas? It's about $125 just to take it in and have them run diagnostic on it, so I'd like to have some ideas of what to expect?

toptech · 08-31-2009, 07:15 AM

Are your radiator fans running when the A/C clutch engages ? Is the condensor clean or is anything blocking the air flow through the condensor ?

Koss · 08-31-2009, 07:53 AM

I have a similar problem.. except it turns on and off intermittently at a stop and even while driving. Every 2-3 secs it turns on and off (blowing ambient air).

Any ideas? (sorry don't mean to thread jack).

hondagirl · 08-31-2009, 12:11 PM

The AC is designed to run with 35 mph wind or faster across the coil. you are fine

Koss · 08-31-2009, 12:24 PM

My car does this cruising at highway speeds :S

hondagirl · 08-31-2009, 12:28 PM

^your clutch would be a good thing to check or the coolant pressures

hondagirl · 08-31-2009, 12:28 PM

the AC clutch

hondagirl · 08-31-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toptech

Are your radiator fans running when the A/C clutch engages ? Is the condensor clean or is anything blocking the air flow through the condensor ?

this is also another good thing to check

rhobere · 08-31-2009, 12:35 PM

OP, it sounds like your fans aren't running like they should be. At hgihway speeds you've got plenty of air running across your condenser, but at a stop, those fans should kick on to blow air across your condenser. I would start there.

The Power of Dreams · 08-31-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondagirl

^your clutch would be a good thing to check or the coolant pressures

Refrigerant, not coolant.

hondagirl · 08-31-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Power of Dreams

Refrigerant, not coolant.

lol you knew what I meant but thanks for the correction

zeruin · 08-31-2009, 05:50 PM

AC clutch huh? I'll have to go read up on that.. I have no idea what or where that is.. lol

If it turns out this is the problem, how much would something like this generally cost to fix?

hondagirl · 08-31-2009, 06:49 PM

I would start at the fan. If the clutch is gone, I dont know if you would have to buy a new compressor or if it is replaceable

The Power of Dreams · 08-31-2009, 07:44 PM

A/C compressor clutch is replaceable.

Ensure both cooling fans (radiator and condenser) fans operate when you turn the A/C on.

Since your A/C is an "icebox at highway speeds," then your A/C compressor clutch would be fine unless you have an intermittently faulty A/C compressor clutch relay causing the A/C compressor clutch to engage and then disengage intermittently (when the A/C is on).

But, based on your vehicle's symptoms, I'd start with the cooling fans.

Hondabond · 09-01-2009, 12:10 AM

If your cooling fans operate normal , take it to the dealer so they can monitor a/c pressures at an idle . I have had Bad a/c compressors that work fine off idle but will not maintain normal operating pressures at an idle . The dealer should also check refrigerant levels during this performance test .

zeruin · 09-01-2009, 06:09 PM

I went to go drive it around a little bit, and noticed that the two fans up front intemittently turn off/on at idle. It's a noticeable fluctuation between the system having air pushed through with them on and it simply sucking up ambient air with them off.

Another thing, the car shakes quite a bit when the fans shut on and off.. it feels like there's a lot of pressure.. lol?? Is the shaking the compressor turning off/on?

Isn't there any way to just keep the fans turned on while I sit idled? It doesn't make sense for them to want to turn off when it's 100+ outside.. (air is still coming through the vents when the fans shut off, it's not nearly as cold.. and it's usually hot)

I can't seem to pinpoint the issue when idling and parked.. sometimes the fans stay kicked on, other times they fluctuate off and on.. other times they just stay off.. but pretty much anything 35mph+ is cold..

hondagirl · 09-01-2009, 06:21 PM

the fans will only come on when the system calls for it. it sounds like the fans are fine. I dont think you have a major issue. if it is the clutch you will here clicking when it engages and disengages. the fans will kick on when it meets the system requirements I dont know what the requirements are though. It would run off of refrigerant pressure or temp I would think. but the clutch should stay engaged when the ac is turned on all the time

The Power of Dreams · 09-01-2009, 10:02 PM

Let's make this simple as possible: do both of your cooling fans operate when your AC is on?

Yes or no?

zeruin · 09-01-2009, 11:23 PM

hmm.. I don't know if it's that simple.. it's actually both.

Yes, they both spin when they are spinning.

But, No they don't always spin when the A/C is on. Mind you, the A/C is always on.. and when it is, the fans turn off and on intermittently, or "cycle" as others on the forum call it.

Should those 2 fans always be spinning when the A/C is on? Because, they dont..

zeruin · 09-02-2009, 01:36 AM

Hmm.. well I've done a bit more digging.. but it seems as when the compressor cycles on and off, both fans also cycle on and off along with it. Is this normal?

I'm gonna take a wild guess that if I could get my fans to keep spinning at idle (instead of cycling off and on with the compressor), this might be able to increase the cooling at idle?

Would it be possible or reasonable to install an additional electric fan with a control switch to help compensate for the current setup? Or maybe I could wire something to keep the existing fans on constantly, instead of shutting off with the compressor?

I've seen and heard of people with different vehicles use electric fans and swear by them.. what do you guys think? Flex-a-lite Electric Engine Cooling Fans

08-31-2009, 03:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
zeruin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Intermittent A/C ? Hey guys.. I have an 06 Civic Coupe EX and I've noticed the A/C doesn't seem to be working like it should. I've read over the A/C condenser sticky, and not sure if that's my problem. Here's the issue. Whenever I'm at stop lights or driving slowly through a parking lot or drive through, my AC blows out hot air. When I'm driving at stable speeds around 35 or so, the AC runs fine.. and it's an icebox at highway speeds. Now I live in Texas.. so I'm sure that doesnt help much.. but this is obviously HOT air coming out of my AC when idling and what not.. it's cooler to roll down the windows. Any ideas? It's about $125 just to take it in and have them run diagnostic on it, so I'd like to have some ideas of what to expect?

09-01-2009, 10:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
The Power of Dreams Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Age: 28 Posts: 1,732 My Cool iTrader: 2 / 100%	Let's make this simple as possible: do both of your cooling fans operate when your AC is on? Yes or no? Last edited by The Power of Dreams; 09-01-2009 at 10:05 PM.

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08-31-2009, 07:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
toptech Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 18 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Are your radiator fans running when the A/C clutch engages ? Is the condensor clean or is anything blocking the air flow through the condensor ?

08-31-2009, 07:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
Koss Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Brossard, QC Posts: 1,346 Jason iTrader: 1 / 100%	I have a similar problem.. except it turns on and off intermittently at a stop and even while driving. Every 2-3 secs it turns on and off (blowing ambient air). Any ideas? (sorry don't mean to thread jack).

08-31-2009, 12:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
hondagirl Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,405 iTrader: 0 / 0%	The AC is designed to run with 35 mph wind or faster across the coil. you are fine

08-31-2009, 12:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Koss Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Brossard, QC Posts: 1,346 Jason iTrader: 1 / 100%	My car does this cruising at highway speeds :S

08-31-2009, 12:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
hondagirl Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,405 iTrader: 0 / 0%	^your clutch would be a good thing to check or the coolant pressures

08-31-2009, 12:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
hondagirl Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,405 iTrader: 0 / 0%	the AC clutch

08-31-2009, 12:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
rhobere Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 23 Posts: 1,002 Robert iTrader: 0 / 0%	OP, it sounds like your fans aren't running like they should be. At hgihway speeds you've got plenty of air running across your condenser, but at a stop, those fans should kick on to blow air across your condenser. I would start there.

08-31-2009, 05:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
zeruin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10 iTrader: 0 / 0%	AC clutch huh? I'll have to go read up on that.. I have no idea what or where that is.. lol If it turns out this is the problem, how much would something like this generally cost to fix?

08-31-2009, 06:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
hondagirl Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,405 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I would start at the fan. If the clutch is gone, I dont know if you would have to buy a new compressor or if it is replaceable

08-31-2009, 07:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
The Power of Dreams Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Age: 28 Posts: 1,732 My Cool iTrader: 2 / 100%	A/C compressor clutch is replaceable. Ensure both cooling fans (radiator and condenser) fans operate when you turn the A/C on. Since your A/C is an "icebox at highway speeds," then your A/C compressor clutch would be fine unless you have an intermittently faulty A/C compressor clutch relay causing the A/C compressor clutch to engage and then disengage intermittently (when the A/C is on). But, based on your vehicle's symptoms, I'd start with the cooling fans.

09-01-2009, 12:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
Hondabond Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 77 iTrader: 4 / 100%	If your cooling fans operate normal , take it to the dealer so they can monitor a/c pressures at an idle . I have had Bad a/c compressors that work fine off idle but will not maintain normal operating pressures at an idle . The dealer should also check refrigerant levels during this performance test .

09-01-2009, 06:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
zeruin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I went to go drive it around a little bit, and noticed that the two fans up front intemittently turn off/on at idle. It's a noticeable fluctuation between the system having air pushed through with them on and it simply sucking up ambient air with them off. Another thing, the car shakes quite a bit when the fans shut on and off.. it feels like there's a lot of pressure.. lol?? Is the shaking the compressor turning off/on? Isn't there any way to just keep the fans turned on while I sit idled? It doesn't make sense for them to want to turn off when it's 100+ outside.. (air is still coming through the vents when the fans shut off, it's not nearly as cold.. and it's usually hot) I can't seem to pinpoint the issue when idling and parked.. sometimes the fans stay kicked on, other times they fluctuate off and on.. other times they just stay off.. but pretty much anything 35mph+ is cold..

09-01-2009, 06:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
hondagirl Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,405 iTrader: 0 / 0%	the fans will only come on when the system calls for it. it sounds like the fans are fine. I dont think you have a major issue. if it is the clutch you will here clicking when it engages and disengages. the fans will kick on when it meets the system requirements I dont know what the requirements are though. It would run off of refrigerant pressure or temp I would think. but the clutch should stay engaged when the ac is turned on all the time

09-01-2009, 11:23 PM	#19 (permalink)
zeruin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10 iTrader: 0 / 0%	hmm.. I don't know if it's that simple.. it's actually both. Yes, they both spin when they are spinning. But, No they don't always spin when the A/C is on. Mind you, the A/C is always on.. and when it is, the fans turn off and on intermittently, or "cycle" as others on the forum call it. Should those 2 fans always be spinning when the A/C is on? Because, they dont..

09-02-2009, 01:36 AM	#20 (permalink)
zeruin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 10 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Hmm.. well I've done a bit more digging.. but it seems as when the compressor cycles on and off, both fans also cycle on and off along with it. Is this normal? I'm gonna take a wild guess that if I could get my fans to keep spinning at idle (instead of cycling off and on with the compressor), this might be able to increase the cooling at idle? Would it be possible or reasonable to install an additional electric fan with a control switch to help compensate for the current setup? Or maybe I could wire something to keep the existing fans on constantly, instead of shutting off with the compressor? I've seen and heard of people with different vehicles use electric fans and swear by them.. what do you guys think? Flex-a-lite Electric Engine Cooling Fans