AC problem... not sure if this is symptom of condenser issue...

[LadyEmily]

hey guys,

i noticed the last few weeks (specially while it was super hot here in los angeles) that when i come to a complete stop at a red light/stop, then begin to accelerate, my AC gets really warm, then cools off again once i reach some momentum.

i know in older cars, the problem generally is opposite, where the AC gets colder as the car moves. but this one seemed wierd to me. i mean in general, the AC does stay cool (which makes me think maybe it isn't that horrid condenser problem everyone faces), but i just notice the AC getting hot when i accelerate out of a stopped position...

anyone know what that might be?

i went to honda world, and their best answer was "oh, that's just normal" and didn't even look at the car.

[07mugencivic]

i dont have that problem

[ocspray]

That may be normal, but they could've at least run the Self-diagnostic test to make sure. It's probably due to the AC clutch disengaging due to high engine load to allow better acceleration (which is normal). If you're still not happy, take it back to the shop and tell them to perform the test found in the Factory Service Manual, pg. 21-39.

[Zeuceone]

sounds normal to me.

[sjlarue]

Originally Posted by LadyEmily

i noticed the last few weeks (specially while it was super hot here in los angeles) that when i come to a complete stop at a red light/stop, then begin to accelerate, my AC gets really warm, then cools off again once i reach some momentum.

Do you just have it on ac or max ac? When its just on ac, it does it on mine but when I have it on max ac it doesn't.

[jasongg06]

sounds normal

It's pretty annoying when you're just driving fast for fun.. and the condenser keeps cutting out and your car warms up. It's still safer to give you that slight boost of power when you really need it.

[targettuning]

This has been an issue on gen. 8 Civics and has been discussed in another Civic site as well. According to others who have returned to their dealer complaining about this Honda says it is normal. The service departments test this and that measure air temperature at the vents and as far as I know almost all complainers have been told there is nothing wrong. What may be wrong is the design. I, like others, have owned and driven many other makes and models vehicles and I can't recall the A.C. acting this way.
For everyones general information: The AC compressor may momentarily cut off when full throttle acceleration is required. This is pretty much the way all vehicles work. The complaint is that at idle such as at a traffic light or in gridlock the AC blows warm to hot air (it should remain cold). After the vehicle speeds up or moves the AC returns to blowing cool/cold air. The complaint has nothing to do with the AC compressor cut-out during full throttle acceleration.
I believe it IS normal...for Honda. That doesn't make it right however.

[AllShowNoGo]

go get it check it out by a TRUSTSWORTHY mechanic.

Originally Posted by jasongg06

sounds normal

It's pretty annoying when you're just driving fast for fun.. and the condenser keeps cutting out and your car warms up. It's still safer to give you that slight boost of power when you really need it.

so drive "fast for fun" w/ the AC off. the AC puts so much lag on the car anyway when it's on.

[dude]

That is an issue Honda just issued a service bulletin on - so go to your dealer, they are supposed to reflash the ECU with a new software version and then your A/C will work during the accelaration to the first 20mph (as opposed to not working until you hit 20mph with the old version).
So don't worry your A/C is fine, it is just a software glitch and if it doesn't bother you that much you can save a trip to the dealer.

[targettuning]

Please post the service bulletin number or better yet a link that shows the bulletin and its symptoms and fixes as well as the SN's of the cars affected.
thanks

[catfish80]

Please post the service bulletin number or better yet a link that shows the bulletin and its symptoms and fixes as well as the SN's of the cars affected.
thanks

[dude]

Service Bulletin
© 2007 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 37908 (0709) 1 of 1
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Honda automobile dealer.
September 19, 2007
07-062
Applies To: See VEHICLES AFFECTED
Poor A/C Performance During Acceleration
SYMPTOM
The A/C cools poorly during hard acceleration under
20 mph. This symptom is usually noticed in stop-andgo
traffic.
PROBABLE CAUSE
When accelerating at speeds below 20 mph with the
accelerator pedal more than halfway down, the ECM/
PCM turns off the A/C compressor.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
2006 Civic with A/T: ALL
2007 Civic with A/T:
2-Door -
From VIN 2HGFG1...7H500001 thru
2HGFG1...7H557789
4-Door -
From VIN 1HGFA1...7L000001 thru
1HGFA1...7L101727
From VIN 2HGFA1...7H500001 thru
2HGFA1...7H507475
From VIN 2HGFA1...7H300001 thru
2HGFA1...7H302896
From VIN JHMFA1...7S000001 thru
JHMFA1...7S009679
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the PGM-FI software with the HDS.
NOTE: The software update minimizes the symptom,
but it does not completely eliminate it. The customer
can improve A/C performance by accelerating from
speeds below 20 mph with the accelerator pedal less
than halfway down.
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
HDS Software Version: 2.011.010 (or later)
NOTE: If you use the incorrect HDS software version,
the HDS may incorrectly indicate that the vehicle does
not need an update.
The updated PGM-FI software program ID and P/N are
shown below. If this, or a later program ID, is the
Current Program ID displayed during the update, the
software for this service bulletin is already installed.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 125517
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 37820-RNA-A64
HC 8587529
Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 01201
Template ID: 07-062A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Update the PGM-FI software with the HDS. Refer to
Service Bulletin 01-023, Updating Control Units/
Modules.
Model Program ID Program P/N
2006 Civic NA3050 37820-RNA-305
2007 Civic NAA640 37820-RNA-A65

[catfish80]

so if i'm reading this correctly, this only applies to auto trans cars, anychance they will reflash my car which has the same symptoms as stated above only it is a manual tranny?? awwww shiiiit, if i take it to the dealer they will prolly say everything is normal (which it is not) and probably havent even heard of this TSB. anyways thnks for the update on the bulletin dude.

[dude]

Originally Posted by catfish80

so if i'm reading this correctly, this only applies to auto trans cars, anychance they will reflash my car which has the same symptoms as stated above only it is a manual tranny?? awwww shiiiit, if i take it to the dealer they will prolly say everything is normal (which it is not) and probably havent even heard of this TSB. anyways thnks for the update on the bulletin dude.

you are welcome. I think the software is different for autos and manuals and if Honda sends only the auto version to the dealers even if they want to help you they can't. On the other hand if you go and complain and they agree to the problem the dealer can contact Honda and eventually if a lot of manuals have this problem the service bulletin can be updated....