I have a 2006 Civic EX Coupe and I am having airconditioning problems. I pulled a vacuum on the system and then put freon in with a dye. I have heard something spraying out when I accelerate but didnt know where it was until I put the dye. I see it coming out of a "relief valve" of sorts on the compressor itself. Is this relief valve supposed to be there and is it a relief valve. I took the car to a mechanic and he told me that the compressor is shot, but when I have freon in the system before it spews out of the valve it blows really cold air. Does anyone have any information on this subject? I have tried everything and I dont want to spend $450 on a new compressor.

 

make sure that both of your radiator fans are working when your compressor is running, the valve you are talking about is a high pressure relief valve and only releases freon when your head pressure is to high like probably around 400 psi, lots of things can cause your head pressure to rise, restictions in the system, overchaged, no air to cool condensor...the list goes on and on, dont condem the compressor yet

 

I purchased a new Saftey Valve today for 35.00. I talked to a technician and he said that if I have ever blown the valve then it has to be relaced. I am going to replace it tomorrow somethime, pull a vacuum, and recharge to the right amount and see if I can get it to work properly.

 

The valves do fail sometimes. It's very rare but it does happen.