So I've replaced the a/c compressor and condensor with the first visit to the shop. The air was about 60-65 degrees on a 90 degree day. The second visit to the shop he replaced the expansion valve. I got it back and the compressor kept kicking on and off putting a heavy load on the engine at 70mph and almost stalling while idling. And the vent temp was 60- 70 degrees on a 80 degree day. I just got it back from the shop again and he supposedly replaced the compressor again and double checked all his work. Its 70 degrees out side and the vent temp is holding about 60. WTF is the normal? Next step lawsuit for about 600 buck and a visit to the Honda dealership where I should've went first. Is 60 degrees normal for a 98 civic lx 4 doors?

 

No 60 degrees out of the vent on a 70 degree day is not acceptable. You should be 30-40 degrees colder than ambient temperature. With it being 70 degrees your center vent should be kicking out 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As many times as your system was opened up and if he is a shade tree mechanic, you likely have moisture in your system freezing up the expansion valve.

Do you want to test and check the vehicle yourself or would you be more comfortable taking it to a dealership at this point?

 

im having the same problem. i replaced all ac components as well, spent over $600 in parts. except mines is always blowing 56-58 degrees good luck

 

Immediately request a full refund, return of all the original parts he replaced, and removal of the parts he installed. If he refuses, take the case to small claims court.

 

I have never seen a non moving car go lower than 60 degrees. HINT.

 

You should consider fixing them.

 

Tony brings up a valid point. The condenser needs a large shop fan pushing air through it. Otherwise, if a fan is not available you can mist the condenser with water to aid in the shedding of heat. If not, you will experience higher vent temperatures than what you would if traveling down the road.

 

It obviously depends on the ambient temperature and relative humidity. I live in Houston. In 2011, I performance tested both of my 6th gen Civics exactly as per service manual instructions. The output vent temps ranged from 49-52F with ambient temps of 78-86F and humidity at 50-60%.

 

I could be wrong but my ac was blowing freezing cold so I assumed it was around 60 degrees. This was after I had done a complete replace and rebuild. fresh oil in the lines and comopressor, replace condensor and evaporator, all new o-rings as well.

 

How did you do the test? Under what conditions?

Or are you saying your didn't use a thermometer to measure output temp and you instead just guessed?

 

could be overfilled. get a @home A/C refill kit with a gauge or any A/C gauge and test the pressure with the A/C on full blast plus recirc. if the dial reads in the RED release pressure slowly. chances are it will read RED then slowly drop and then raise again as the compressor kicks on and off. releasing some the pressure can cure this. i also think the fuel pump directly affects this u may hear the pump "click" under rear seat as the compressor turns on and off since the car is asking for more fuel to run the extra gadgets. u may have a weak/dying fuel pump also

good luck

 

idle is stable now A/C psi @ 35. still cycles some but not as much and not much strain on engine. doesnt drop to almost stalling anymore. still can hear fuel pump which will be replaced soon.

added thermostat to side vent for testing purposes. first inside temp was 75-80 range outside temp 80. almost no air from top good flow from side. then switched from Top Fans Only to Top And Bottom Fans air started blowing 3-4 times as much and temp lowered to 62 at one point and held stable @ 65 while idling and checking A/C psi outside temp still 80ish. i dunno this is my first honda