2009 Honda Civic Air Conditioning
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2009 Honda Civic Air Conditioning
2009 Honda Civic Air Conditioning
Complaint:
Air Conditioning System Blows Hot Air
Condition:
Vehicle is operated in the Mid-South, Mid-Central, North-West, and South-East with temperatures ranging from 28 - 110 degrees.
Facts
Air conditioning system functions normally when vehicle is first started.
After vehicle warms and depending on outside air temperature/ humidity levels, system emits hot air from vents. When this occurs, the cabin blower motor will not operate on High setting.
Just before system emits warm air, a 'gurgling' sound can be heard inside the vehicle.
Placing the venting system in Recirculate mode prolongs cooling period.
Steps taken, when driving, to temporally correct condition:
1. Turn cabin blower motor fan from high to next lower setting
2. Turn off air conditioning (you will note, air from vents will be become colder for a brief period).
3. Leave air conditioning system off for 5 minutes.
4. Turn on air conditioning system. (Cold air will emit from vents for a short period, before becoming warm again.
Probable Causes
Compressor and/ or Compressor's Clutch. Honda uses an air conditioning compressor assembly manufactured by Sandan. This brand and model air compressor is used by many vehicle manufactures, yet not all other manufactures have vehicles with low mileage air conditioning failures. In the cases where premature air conditioning clutch failures are proven, by measuring clutch clearance, the wear rate can be tied to the number of compressor clutch on/off cycles. As the air conditioning system operates, the compressor's clutch engages and disengages as part of normal operation. Clutch control is tied to freon pressure switches, an evaporator temperature sensor, electrical control systems, and freon gas pressure levels. Most of the tests for these systems require special tools and training.
Air conditioning systems require air flow across the Condenser (under the hood near the radiator) and the Evaporator (under the dash).
Correction:
I decided to try the basics first. I inspected the condenser. The lower half was covered in bugs and dirt. I washed the condenser with water from a garden hose. What I discovered after the bugs and dirt were flushed away surprised me. About 30% of the Condenser’s fins had been smashed/ flattened, thus restricting air flow. Because the condenser dissipates heat from the cabin, via the freon, insufficient cooling surface would cause the evaporator inside the cabin to Freeze. By switching the air conditioning system to the off position when hot air is being emitted from the vents, the reduced air flow condenser is able to 'catch-up' with the heat being removed from the evaporator. I replaced the Condenser and installed screening behind the front fascia to keep rocks and road debris from impacting the Condenser.
Complaint:
Air Conditioning System Blows Hot Air
Condition:
Vehicle is operated in the Mid-South, Mid-Central, North-West, and South-East with temperatures ranging from 28 - 110 degrees.
Facts
Air conditioning system functions normally when vehicle is first started.
After vehicle warms and depending on outside air temperature/ humidity levels, system emits hot air from vents. When this occurs, the cabin blower motor will not operate on High setting.
Just before system emits warm air, a 'gurgling' sound can be heard inside the vehicle.
Placing the venting system in Recirculate mode prolongs cooling period.
Steps taken, when driving, to temporally correct condition:
1. Turn cabin blower motor fan from high to next lower setting
2. Turn off air conditioning (you will note, air from vents will be become colder for a brief period).
3. Leave air conditioning system off for 5 minutes.
4. Turn on air conditioning system. (Cold air will emit from vents for a short period, before becoming warm again.
Probable Causes
Compressor and/ or Compressor's Clutch. Honda uses an air conditioning compressor assembly manufactured by Sandan. This brand and model air compressor is used by many vehicle manufactures, yet not all other manufactures have vehicles with low mileage air conditioning failures. In the cases where premature air conditioning clutch failures are proven, by measuring clutch clearance, the wear rate can be tied to the number of compressor clutch on/off cycles. As the air conditioning system operates, the compressor's clutch engages and disengages as part of normal operation. Clutch control is tied to freon pressure switches, an evaporator temperature sensor, electrical control systems, and freon gas pressure levels. Most of the tests for these systems require special tools and training.
Air conditioning systems require air flow across the Condenser (under the hood near the radiator) and the Evaporator (under the dash).
Correction:
I decided to try the basics first. I inspected the condenser. The lower half was covered in bugs and dirt. I washed the condenser with water from a garden hose. What I discovered after the bugs and dirt were flushed away surprised me. About 30% of the Condenser’s fins had been smashed/ flattened, thus restricting air flow. Because the condenser dissipates heat from the cabin, via the freon, insufficient cooling surface would cause the evaporator inside the cabin to Freeze. By switching the air conditioning system to the off position when hot air is being emitted from the vents, the reduced air flow condenser is able to 'catch-up' with the heat being removed from the evaporator. I replaced the Condenser and installed screening behind the front fascia to keep rocks and road debris from impacting the Condenser.
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