91 Civic A/C Problem/Question
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: ATL, GA
91 Civic A/C Problem/Question
Hey guys, I've recently acquired a 91 Civic sedan. I'm not new to Hondas, but it's been about 15 years since I've owned one (90 CRX). I'm having an issue with my A/C I hope someone here can point me in the right direction.
The A/C works, blows cold, but seems to blow colder at higher RPMs. So when I'm sitting at a light it seems to not be blowing as cold, but when I get up into 4th and 5th gear on the Interstate, it's blowing ice cold. I don't recall that from my old Honda, but then again, I don't recall much from 15 years ago at all
Also, there is a clicking noise coming from the compressor when the A/C is on; I don't know if that's related to the issue or it could be a separate issue all together. And, when the A/C is on and I'm stopped or at a light, the RPMs drop down to around 500, sometimes i think the car is going to shut off so I'm usually turning the A/C off at lights and when I'm stopped. Again, don't know if this is related to either of the above two issues or not.
Anyway, hoping you guys have some suggestions. Thanks in advance.
The A/C works, blows cold, but seems to blow colder at higher RPMs. So when I'm sitting at a light it seems to not be blowing as cold, but when I get up into 4th and 5th gear on the Interstate, it's blowing ice cold. I don't recall that from my old Honda, but then again, I don't recall much from 15 years ago at all
Also, there is a clicking noise coming from the compressor when the A/C is on; I don't know if that's related to the issue or it could be a separate issue all together. And, when the A/C is on and I'm stopped or at a light, the RPMs drop down to around 500, sometimes i think the car is going to shut off so I'm usually turning the A/C off at lights and when I'm stopped. Again, don't know if this is related to either of the above two issues or not.
Anyway, hoping you guys have some suggestions. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Granada Hills, Ca, USA
Re: 91 Civic A/C Problem/Question
A/C put a load on the engine when it's on so it's going to dip down in RPM when you are at idle. However, there is a wire that runs to the ECU that tells the ECU to bump up the RPM a little bit to compensate for this. You 'should' have a steady idle at all times no matter if the A/C is on or not. Obviously checking for a functioning A/C wire to the ECU is recommended, but it could also just be a tune up that you need or something isn't functioning properly in the A/C system.
Since you are having a clicking sound an improperly functioning A/c system seems more likely.
The compressor shouldn't be making a clicking sound. I can't hear the click so I'm not sure exactly what it is that you hear. When you turn the A/C on there should be one audible click at the compressor as the electronic clutch activates. Are you hearing that click, but over and over? If so it could mean a lot of things. It could be that the clutch is going bad, but more likely you are low on refrigerant, have a faulty pressure sensor, or have a loose connection in your wiring.
Since you are having a clicking sound an improperly functioning A/c system seems more likely.
The compressor shouldn't be making a clicking sound. I can't hear the click so I'm not sure exactly what it is that you hear. When you turn the A/C on there should be one audible click at the compressor as the electronic clutch activates. Are you hearing that click, but over and over? If so it could mean a lot of things. It could be that the clutch is going bad, but more likely you are low on refrigerant, have a faulty pressure sensor, or have a loose connection in your wiring.
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