I have a 2003 Accord EX 4 Cyl. I've been dealing with an intermittenly inop Air Conditioner for about a year. I've had it checked for leaks and replaced the climate control module. Whether in Auto or Manual the system will periodically just shut down, I can usually smell the humid air before the air temp starts to rise. Normally pushing (cycling) the Auto or A/C button will get it back on. The condition has deterioated in that it stays off now more than on, guess it's good it's getting cold now. Looking for ideas or experience with this issue. Wondering if there is a relay going bad?

 

I had a similar problem, and it was apparently caused by a weak battery. Changed the battery a year ago, and it hasn't happened again since. These cars need a strong battery, IMO. I think my next battery will be an Optima. I've recently heard that the alternators are not charging the battery like they should.

 

The battery sounds like a coincidence.
I would guess the compressor clutch is going bad.

 

It was no coincidence. I actually got the codes from the odometer display, and used the Helm service manual to come to that conclusion. The flowchart said to check the battery, and sure enough, it was bad.

When I would start the car (in summer time heat) the gauge display for PND3D21 would not light up. Whenever this happened, the A/C control lights would also be out, and the A/C would not blow cold air. When I would start the engine, it would drain so much of the battery's power, it was causing comunication problems with the multiplex control unit. This problem started happening more and more frequently (3-4 times a week) before I finally had the time to go through the self diagnostic. Put the new battery in on 6-17-07 (two hot Louisiana summers ago) and it never happened again since. I suspect maybe the alternator is not charging the battery like it should, because this battery doesn't seem to have the power it did when new either.

PS: by the way, is Delphi the only brand alternator I can get for my car (03 V6). Or is there a Denso?


Modified by BLKFLSH at 4:15 AM 10/25/2008

 

After a little shade tree troubleshooting, I located the A/C relay, just happens the fan relay is the same so I did a swap. A/C's been working as advertised ever since. Now if I can find a relay. Local Honda dealer can't cross the P/N on the relay and the after market stores all say it's not available or not released by the manufacturer.