Hi all,

This is my first thread on the forums. Other older threads already helped me fix my hood latch and temp **** problems, so THANK YOU!

I am a novice at car repair but have had good success learning DIY type stuff in the past so going to give it a try. I kindly ask that you keep this in mind as the thread goes on. I'm pretty nervous about posting in such a knowledgeable community, and am going to do my best to learn what's needed. Thank you!

Down to the nitty gritty - my hubby's 1996 Accord has not had working A/C since 2010. We had the refrigerant charged, and then by the next season or maybe the same season (details are now fuzzy, it's been a while) it wasn't cool air anymore. A short period of time, at any rate. So we took it back in and they said around $800 to fix, but we can't remember what they said the issue was! And then we just drove it without A/C.

I used the DIY #3 on this thread to help me do a little investigation but didn't get super far. I did check all the fuses and they look to be good. My dad is going to help me check the other relays and switches this weekend.

Basically what I have figured out so far is that the condenser fan does not turn on when the A/C is on. I thought this was only an electrical problem, but my dad says it can be a pressure problem - if there isn't the right pressure in the A/C system, then the fan isn't prompted to turn on. Correct?

I see no visible leaks/cracks in hoses, though I know that doesn't mean there aren't any.

The other puzzle, at least to me: the cooling fan doesn't turn on either. Even after I went for a short drive. But we never have overheating problems, so is that anything to worry about? In my car the cooling fan turned on immediately upon starting the engine (I don't have a Honda but needed some point of comparison).

Thanks, all. I combed a lot of A/C threads but was getting so confused. I really appreciate any help you can offer!! Thanks for being here!

 

Get the fan fixed first. When you get both fans working proper, then address the AC. Find out where the leak is, and replace that(Doesnt sound like a big leak, as when you guys recharged it last time, it lasted a while). The most common area to leak, are the schraeder valves and the condensor. But, you can find it with the leak detector kits or, some people use an air compressor. Or even have a shop find it, then you replace the leaking piece. Really no easy fix for AC, you have to troubleshoot, and find out what the exact problem is.

 

Will the cooling fan be on any time the car is running, or does it only kick in sometimes?

Will the condenser fan be on any time the A/C is on, or does it only kick in sometimes?

Thanks! Focusing is helpful

 

fan turns on sometimes. helps to maintain "homeostasis" for the car's engine cooling system. in a car with functioning AC turning on AC will force the cooling fans to turn on.

My guess is that you have a leak in the AC system. you can recharge with UV refrigerant and then use a blacklight with funky goggles to figure out where the leak is.

 

doctorbee, what's leading you to think it's a leak v. something electrical. I ask from a place of pure learning - I'd like to know the thinking behind your idea.

 

Its the most common failure of AC systems I have found. There is a low pressure switch, which helps regulate the system. but it also wont allow the compressor to run if there not enough refrigerant in the system.
But the fans are important in removing heat, which has to be done to allow it to cool off the cabin. Plus when the fans are not running, the pressure in the system is higher than normal, which could lead to premature leaks etc.

1. Fix fan(s)
2. Make sure system has refrigerant, if is does then, if it doesnt, repair leaks, vacuum down, recharge.
3. Troubleshoot electrical(If necessary)

 

i skimmed your OP. since your fan is not kicking on we need to fix that first.

there is a diagnostic procedure in something called the Factory Service Manual that you can download and follow. The FSMs are a great tool you can use to find out more about how your car works and fix what is broken. It's written by Honda. There's a manual available for your generation accord:

look for a file called "Honda Accord CD7/CD9 (1994) Service Manual (45Mb PDF)" on google

 

Found the manual. It will be super helpful especially with the flowcharts. Thanks for the tip!

 

put direct power to the fans to see if they work. dont just replace. might be a bad fan switch and also you need a set of manifold gauges to know whats going on with the a/c http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-man...set-92649.html