Hi everyone,

The A/C system on my accord works perfectly fine.. The problem is that once the compressor is engaged, the vehicle has very little power at anything under 2300rpm..
Once you hit the A/C switch, power is restored..

This lack of power with A/C is a big issue seeing as I live on a hill.. Sometimes it is even impossible to pull off with A/C on but the car goes just fine with it off.
In addition to this, pulling off from a stop with the A/C on sometimes causes it to bog for about 3 seconds before picking up the power.. Not a very safe occurrence, especially on things such as roundabouts..

I took the car to the electrician and he said that all the relays and fuses etc are fine but he mentioned something about the A/C clutch needing adjustment.. I have never really hard of adjusting the clutch.. I know what happens when they are going bad, ie. moody A/C but as i said mine blows cold and strong all the time..

Please let me know any ideas and suggestions you have for this problem..
Thanks

 

You might want to clean your IACV. It controld your idle when you turn on accsesories.

 

With the engine off, try spinning the a/c compressor pulley by hand. Does it spin freely? Turn on the a/c and watch the compressor clutch coil as it engages. When it engages, see if it is seizing.

 

IACV is fine, already cleaned and no idle issues..

The car has a distinct lack of power with the A/C on and also hard starts.. as in, I need to crank for twice as long as if it was off.. This was not the case before.
Yes the battery and alternator are good..

So, is there any way to adjust the amount of power the A/C is using? I think that sounds abstract but that is basically my problem

 

anyone with some ideas?

 

bump one more time for help?

 

This is a good post and is what I would check too. Your compressor might be half seized. The air conditioner compressor clutch is not adjustable. It either engages, doesn't or can slip which you would hear as a ringing type sound and is not your problem. It sounds like your compressor is getting tight. Have you charged it recently? If so did you add oil to the compressor?

 

Thanks for the reply Steve, I havent recharged that recently.. Last time would have been about 9 months ago... I didn't recharge myself though (my dad took the car to do that) so I have no idea if they oiled the compressor or not... I won't assume anything..

I am no expert on A/C compressors and clutches so I am not 100% sure how to judge if it is seizing or not.. I guess it may be one of those things that will make sense once I look it it..

Question though, assuming it was seizing, wouldnt that affect its ability to cool somewhat?

Thanks again for the help

 

Well, if it's anything like a transmission clutch it would be like riding the clutch, it would just wear out faster but it would still work in the meantime.