puffdaddy411

Hello all. From the topic you can see this is about a 2001 Accord VP Condensor Fan. There are 2 fans on the back of the condensor/radiator. According to the fuses in the "under-the-hood" fuse box, one fan is called something like the "AC Condensor Fan" and the other is called something like the "AUX AC condensor fan."

Is one of the fans supposed to turn on with the AC, regardless of temp, and the other (AUX) turn on as the temp rises?

Here is my situation. I am having some AC issues and an auto repair shop is having trouble determining the problem. From what I have noticed, both fans turn on at the same time and off at the same time. When they are on, the AC blows good cold air. When they turn off the air becomes humid and warm as if I pushed the AC button on the console. This alternates every 15-20 seconds. Therefore, the cabin never cools off well.

The initial problem was the compressor. So, the shop replaced the Compressor, dryer, and exp. valve. They also flushed the system several times and tested for leaks. Nothing to report.

The AC button scenario is a good way to describe its symptom. Drive around pushing the AC botton every 20 seconds except at idle. The fans/AC actually work better when at idle because they are on constantly. They turn off when I begin to drive as air passes over the condensor (as normal i believe).

HELP!!!!




Modified by puffdaddy411 at 4:18 PM 8/8/2007

phootbag

It would be nice to see your pressure readings and your delivery temp as well as the environmental conditions.

puffdaddy411

Not sure of the pressure readings but I have taken the car back to them twice and they state it is within specifications. It has recently been touching the triple digits in temp here. So this is even more noticable. However, it still happens at night when it is considerably cooler. The air does not warm up that much though.

The mechanic said the temp would get down to 42 degrees I believe. However, this was when the car was idle. At idle, the fans are on constantly during the day and the air is cold. It begins its cycle when it is driven and air passes over the condensor and radiator. At night because of the cooler temp, the fans cycle at idle and the symptom is the same.

Just try this and you will see exactly what I am talking about. When you 1st get in your car, kick the AC on max high. Drive for 20 seconds and press the ac button which leaves you with a cool vent. The air temp warms especially in the daytime and becomes more humid. After 20 seconds, press the AC button again and let it cool for 15-20 seconds. Repeat. This is a good way to see what its doing and if you do this in a hot car, you will see that it will hardly cool off entirely. I tried this in a working car and it was very similar.

puffdaddy411

One more thing. Its night here now and cooler. This is the only time the car will show the symptoms at idle because the condensor fans will turn on and off. During the day, they are on at all times when at idle because of the heat. I checked the clutch on the compressor. When the fans turned off, the clutch disenganged. When the fans turned on, the clutch enganged.

Is this normal?

butterfield10110

hello puffdaddy411, my wife and I own a 2001 honda accord vp with about 86,000 miles on it and we had a similar problem. We took it to the Honda dealership and they did the exact same tests that your talking about but unfortunately for us the entire air conditioning system had to be replaced for an incredible $2,200.00! This was unbelievable to me because of the supposed great repair record for all honda's. My last car was a 1992 honda accord ex and I wish I had never sold it. We are now experiencing a roaring noise in the wheels that sounds like the front end is gonna fall off. I don't know whether to sell it as is or dare going to the dealership to see whats wrong now. Anyway, good luck with the A/C, I hope this doesn't happen to you.

puffdaddy411

Thanks for the comments. This car was bought rebuilt. It DID work properly until the items were replaced.

The bottom line with it.......it cools awesome when the compressor is on, but basically stops cooling when the compressor turns off rather than staying consistant. It very annoying!!!

phootbag

Hondas are still one of the best value cars available.