brian0918

I'm having an ongoing issue with the A/C on my 2006 Accord EXL.

With outside temperature around 85-90, the passenger vent is only getting down to 65, and the driver vent is closer to ambient temperature, 75-85. It's acting like it's low on refrigerant. My gauges showed about 100-120 High side, 35-45 Low side. And when I turn off the A/C, the pressures hold, and equalize slowly.

Also, the HVAC diagnostic mode shows the Evaporator Outlet Temperature is higher than normal - about 60-65. From what I've read, it should be more like 45-55.

I took it to a shop that checked for leaks (UV dye was already in the system) and found none. They believed it was overcharged (by me) and evacuated and recharged. It made no difference, and the gauges showed the same readings as before. High side is about 100, Low side is about 40.

Thinking the vent temp difference was due to the driver's blend door actuator, I took it out and shut the blend door all the way, but the driver's side still blows warm. I also checked the heater control valve, and it is properly opening/closing when the actuator pulls the cable.

So it seems like the refrigerant is evaporating completely before it reaches the driver's side of the evaporator - due to the lack of sufficient pressure differential between High and Low sides.

The compressor seems to be running constantly. The A/C line after the compressor gets very hot, about 165F. The condensor seems to be working alright, as it drops the temperature of the line to about 115F.

I am starting to believe there is a problem under the dash. The best I can find is that the expansion valve might be stuck open. The other possibility is a valve in the compressor is not working properly.

Any suggestions for diagnosing this problem further?

fcm

There is only one evaporator "side" and two air mix motors, [pass/ drivers].
It defiantly sounds like an expansion valve problem, I would also look for air flow restrictions due to debris in the heater box, sub assembly duct and/or the blower housing.
When was the last time the A/C air filter was replaced? 94

holmesnmanny

You're seeing differing pressures when the compressor is on so it's likely the expansion valve is atleast working, however the high side should be higher. I would guesstimate the compressor just isn't up to par anymore.