Recent problem. When the A/C is on and I am on moderate to heavy acceleration the belt squeals/slips, then grabs after a few seconds. All the belts are new, and at the correct tension. If I turn the A/C off there is no slippage. It would seem the problem is the compressor correct? Why would it only slip when the A/C is on? Also, if driving at light throttle with A/C on no squeal/slippage.

 

you get a good belt? oem/gates? ive seen brand new oem belts squeal at the dealership. Id get a good quality belt if you dont already have, then look at the compressor.

 

Yeah, it's OEM honda belts. They were put on by an Acura tech. I checked the tension and it's within spec. Since its only doing it with the A/C on, I'm assuming something is up with the compressor. A/C is nice and cold. WHen driving lightly or steadily on highway there are no issues. It's only when merging, driving moderatly. Is the compressor clutch freezing up at times?

 

Have you tried tightening the belt?

 

If I tighten it anymore it will be overtightened. It's as tight as the alt, and ps belt. The tech that I have work on my car is a "to spec" guy, he is OCD with everything. I'm actually going to see him Monday/Tuesday and ask. I'm not good with A/C stuff on cars. I'm thinking it's not the belt because it only does it under the above listed conditions.

I checked to see if any fluids leaked onto the belt but everything is dry and looks normal. I look at the belt/compressor while car is at idle and all is normal. It's only under moderate accel, and with A/C on.

What are the signs of a bad, or going bad compressor? Hopefully it's not the case but there are no other abnormal noises.

 

Hook up a manifold gauge set to measure the high and low side pressures.

 

thank you, will have him check that at the shop.

 

I am a auto mechanic and per experience there is no really way to get a belt in spec. Its either loose and squeaks or is tight. Yes you can over tighten a belt and that is bad because it puts pressure on the crank and can wear main bearings out. Try to get the belt a bit tighter you wont hurt anything. If you still have the squeak then the compressor clutch may be bad or the compressor may be starting to lock up.

 

my d series does the same thing, but only when I hit where vtec would engage if the car was warm enough. once the engine gets to normal operating temps, it does not squeal... im pretty sure my compressor is bad though

 

Before changing anything, it wont hurt if you check condenser fan operation. There are instances when a failing fan doesn't quit permanently. I have seen some fans that sometimes run and sometimes dont. Some will always run but at a lower speed than required. As mentioned above, taking manifold readings would be very helpful.

 

I have similar problem on my 03 Civic. I had replaced all three belts, water pump etc, even since I hear this brief squeal which lasts 5-7 secs and then goes away.

When the engine hasn't reached it's normal operating temperature and if I turn on the AC, the first 2-3 times you will hear squeal which goes away if I turn off the AC. After few tries, you can't produce this sound again, also when the engine is warmed up, you can not produce the sound by turning on the AC.

My mechanic has tightened the AC belt twice and says there is no more room to go.

What could be going on with the AC clutch that it only makes sound for first few times when the engine is cold and not afterwards? Unless it is cold belt which is not getting a good traction.

 

^Did you read the thread?