My 2002 CRV air conditioning stopped working randomly while driving on the freeway on the first day of summer. Does anybody know where to start sourcing the problem or how to trouble shoot CRV a/c? This K-series crap is new to me, typically on my play cars, we would just yank it out. LOL. When i mentioned this idea to the old lady, I almost got slapped. LOL

Any and all help would be the dope shiz!

 

bump this...

 

Can you hear the AC trying to engage?
If yes, it's probably low refrigerant/leak.
If no it could be your blower or ac condensor.

Have you checked to see that there isn't a leak? It could also be the AC clutch not wanting to engage after sitting for the winter.
If you drive with the heater on, then turn on the AC will it get cold for a few minutes then not cool down at all? If so check to see that the evaporator/coil isn't frozen over. If that happens, you'll notice alot of condensation working its way to the ground after a few hours of parking (of it melting).
You may also want to check out your heater core as that sometimes would create a problem with the AC failing.

 

I'm going to check all those options, thanks for the help...I'm pretty sure I can hear it engage from inside the car, but i'm going to go check it out now....if i run the head then turn the A/C on it NEVER gets cold...i can't even trick the thing into getting cold...how an i check for a leak?

 

What i use is a dye injection kit and my little black light (pen size for ease of access.)

I go through and check for what spots already react to black light prior to using the dye injection. I have a purple crayon that's reactive to black lights, so i mark those prior, just so i don't get any mis-readings.

Follow the directions, but generally you can see where it's leaking from. Trace it back and replace that hose, fitting, or seal. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT use one of those AC leak blockers (similar to the copper for the radiators) it will just be a bandaid fix for a few months possibly years. But in the end everything will back up, and you'll end up replacing the whole system.

Here's a similar kit: http://www.closeout.com/we-uv-471500.html

an inexpensive way is just to fill it up w with minimal pressure (operable) and test the AC. If it works for a little bit you'll know there's a leak. If it doesn't work at all, it could be a problem with the mechanical properties of the AC. Also don't rule out the switch. Corroded contacts, burnt wires, etc.

 

yo Splaturn, thanks for all the help this far man! I went out in the NASTY *** heat and checked to see if the A/C was actually engaging and it is. I also did some research and it seems that the 2002 CR-V's have a consistent A/C problem. I have feeling the compressor went out after hearing some others problems...due to the A/C suddenly blowing hot air while on the freeway...I'm still going to do a check for leaks, especially when the compressor costs about $500 bucks...

 

those like going boom. replaced about a dozen of them this year. comps self destruct

 

what your referring to is black death. while the car is running and a/c is on you need to check if the coil is getting power. simply un plug the compressor and check the harness side for power. if you do have power then there is a very good chance you have black death. we usually replace everything excep the solid aluminum lines and the evaporator. on those cars the dryer is part of the condensor so it has to be replaced along with the expansion valve and the compressor and all rubber lines. if the clutch and coil look ok you could reuse them but i would just replace it if it was my car. very costly repair. it runs usually 8-10 hours of cp labor. plus parts. my rec to you would be to take it back to where you bought it new if you did buy it new, and ask honda to help you out if they can

 

When this occurs, I do not replace less than everything in the system that contains refrigerant. Contamination from internal failure spreads to every square inch of the inside of the system and MAY RUIN the new compressor that is installed putting you back at square one. I did not say this... BUT, if you call your dealer you MIGHT be able to get some assitance from American Honda, if you ask nicely. If they offer ANYTHING, take it.