my A/C hasn't worked since i bought my car used (97 accord ex) so i took it to a shop and they said the compressor wouldnt take a charge. i plan on doing the work myself but i could use some help as far as what to do....get a new/refurbished compressor and just put it in? any connections to check? is it to hard to DIY?

 

The diagnose of "compressor won't take a charge" is not anything I've ever heard before.
Are they saying the compressor shaft seal is leaking? The compressor is locked up?
Have you tried jumpering the pressure switch to see if the compressor runs and the fan turns on, when the A/C switch is on and engine running?
To properly recharge the system you'll need to be able to pull the system under 15 inches of vacum.
On top of adding freon, you should also add oil and I always recommend flourescent dye.
Post back or feel free to contact me if you need more help.

 

how does one jump the preasure switch?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lax1089 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how does one jump the pressure switch?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Unplug it from the switch on the small line from the dryer, put a jumper between the two wire connectors. This is to fool the controls into thinking there is freon in the system. The radiator cooling fans should run and the electric clutch on the compressor should turn on and run the compressor.
When the compressor is running you can reach down to the back of it and make sure the pressure relief valve isn't blowing air out.

 

alright i guess ill give it a try...

 

1. Check presence of refrigerant charge. Press the low or high side schrader valve pins and see if some refrigerant leaks. Do not press too long. Wear some eye protection.
2. If there is no refrigerant, do not jump the pressure switches. System needs to be leak tested. You should have a vacuum pump, gauge manifold and electronic detector. These tools are expensive. Just take it to a A/C shop.
3. If there is refrigerant, turn on the engine and turn ON the A/C and see if the compressor clutch engages.
4. If clutch do not engage, system is low on charge. Then you can jump the pressure switches and test if it engages and if it will accept a charge. You will still need a gauge manifold to diagnose the compressor condition thru the low and high pressure readings.
Same low and high side pressure readings, compressor is dead and will not accept any charge.

 

ok i did what hondadude said and jumped the ac preassure switch and both fans came on and the compressor belt started going when i turned on the car but still warm air. i tried to reach behind the compressor but i dont think i felt any air.....what other tests can i do to find the source of the problem?

 

get rid of that a/c crap and youll be much happier.

 

hahahaha not in south florida. and not in the summer in south florida. i will be extremely miserable....even with the windows down.

 

I have a question maybe yall can help. 04 tsx. The low pressure side is showing very high pressure. So i vacuumed everthing out (the compressor was still engaging for about 30 seconds then Would shut off like normal with nothing in the system what so ever. Then i tryed to put freon back in and it wouldnt even take half of the normal charge?

 

You need to get a set of gauges to diagnose the system properly. If the clutch engages it won't blow cold air if the system is empty. You need to see the pressure inside the system.

 

You need to have the system recovered. It's possible you might even need to have it flushed. This might be the better option to be sure you have the correct amount of oil and refrigerant in the system.