jonathankahan

I have a 99 Civic EX. A couple years ago, I got into a front end collision and destroyed my condenser. My condenser was replaced and so was my compressor. However, my receiver/drier was never replaced.

My ac works pretty cool when temperatures outside are 75 and below. But in heat like today's 90 to upper 90's... I can feel a cool-ish air coming out and it's NOT enough to cool the car down at all, especially in the back with my 3 year old. My compressor engages and my refrigerant is filled with no apparent leak. I've checked it about once every couple months and it's always filled.


What could this be?
Could the receiver/drier cause such issues like this?

Thanks in advance!

Yes, it's R134a if that matters.

redm3turbo

search this topic on here....
I just read what this is....just cant remember what it was.

flush_EJ1

Yes the receiver/drier can give those symptoms, but is the system fully charged? Just a 1/2 ounce of refrigerant can make a difference. If the system is fully charged I would replace the receiver/drier. It is usually at fault with a car that doesn't get very cold, and easier to get at than the expansion valve.

jonathankahan

I was told the receiver/drier is a likely cause, then I read about expansion valves. If I'm going to have someone evacuate the system, I'd hate to pay them again if it's the wrong part. But... I understand it's hard to know especially without gauge readings.

Does the expansion valve have similar symptoms? Or am I better off changing the drier?

I know the drier needs to be changed since I've had a bad compressor and a leak for several months... And never replaced the drier once repAiring the line and compressor.

jonathankahan

? Please

hyperblu

Expansion valve CAN do this, but is not likely... Most likely your drier...

hondatuner34602

it be not really be a reciever dryer that is fault if its like 90-100 degrees outside the a/c system is working twice is hard to take the outside air and cool it as fast as possible. it does make sense that the a/c temps are alot cooler when the outside air temp 75 degrees.

Former User

In the shade, what are the high and low side pressures at 1500 engine rpms? Also mention the outside temperature.

jonathankahan

I'm not sure, but I'm taking it on Monday to find out, they will hook it up.

I don't have a guage set and this makes it hard. Just hope the shop doesn't rape me. I'm not wealthy and I can't be driving like this with my little girl.

I may post it quite early on Monday.. But I'll most likely end up listening to the Meineke tech.

jonathankahan

Does it really not sound like a receiver dryer issue?

Former User

Call some local auto parts stores and ask if they offer free rentals on manifold gauge sets.

How do you know that the receiver/dryer was not replaced with the compressor and condenser? That would very very unusual for work done by a reputable shop.

jonathankahan

Ok, they said low was about 30 and high was 230-250 fluctuating a lot. They said my compressor was going out and needed replaced. It's 80 degrees outside and the ac is blowing cold in this weather. Suggestions? Compressor is 2 years old.

jonathankahan

I'm sorry high side was erratic from 225 -350

jonathankahan

Okay, replaced expansion valve and drier. Was vacuumed and recharged. It blows fairly cool on highway but hardly in park or driving under 40. Condenser fan blows from grill to engine. Compressor clicks on and off like it should, not too frequently. When it blows at night on the highway, works great. Even parked at night it's not so bad. Could this be the condenser or compressor or both? Sprayed water on the condenser and it blew noticeably cooler, but not cold as it should be. ?

motegicivic

Was the compressor new or used?

Sounds like a bad compressor or bad clutch packs, buy an aftermarket compressor from advance auto they have the clutch packs installed.

But when hooked to gauges they should be able to trouble shoot.

I think you said you just replaced the dryer, if not do it as well.