AC problem, right after install
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 21
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AC problem, right after install
So, I waited a long time to get my AC fixed. It stopped working due to a compressor problem. I couldn’t find the OEM compressor any more for my 1993 Civic SI. So, they used an aftermarket one. The prior on failed and left little metal pieces to clean up. It’s going back to the dealer for the secnd time within a few days, but here are the problems. I am curious if there should be something like this added, https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...46933_770397_0.
The system was triple flushed. When I picked up the car, it worked ok, but seemed to swich on and off a lot, and rougher than I remembered . The next day was very hot and after being parked outside, it didn’t really chill all the way down to comfortable in a 20 minute drive home. The second morning was warm, and the AC was very chilly. I put it on the lowest fan speed and had to set the temp a little warmer. Then, when I put it back to cooler, I got very cold air. By that evening I couldn't get cold air. No noises, just blowing air that didn’t feel chilled.
Since then, no cooling. The dealer said to try it. I was concerned it might damage something, but they said no. I had one day of actual AC, and another morning of odd sort of AC. Now, nothing. No funny smells. Looked under the hood and couldn’t see evidence of a leak.
Back to the dealer tomorrow. Hoping to feel more informed, and decide whether to insist on an inline filter, Because of the metal, they said it would not be warranted, but since it didn’t work right so soon, they would make it right. Guesses as to what is wrong? Anything that might help see if the dealer recommends the right course of action? Thanks
The system was triple flushed. When I picked up the car, it worked ok, but seemed to swich on and off a lot, and rougher than I remembered . The next day was very hot and after being parked outside, it didn’t really chill all the way down to comfortable in a 20 minute drive home. The second morning was warm, and the AC was very chilly. I put it on the lowest fan speed and had to set the temp a little warmer. Then, when I put it back to cooler, I got very cold air. By that evening I couldn't get cold air. No noises, just blowing air that didn’t feel chilled.
Since then, no cooling. The dealer said to try it. I was concerned it might damage something, but they said no. I had one day of actual AC, and another morning of odd sort of AC. Now, nothing. No funny smells. Looked under the hood and couldn’t see evidence of a leak.
Back to the dealer tomorrow. Hoping to feel more informed, and decide whether to insist on an inline filter, Because of the metal, they said it would not be warranted, but since it didn’t work right so soon, they would make it right. Guesses as to what is wrong? Anything that might help see if the dealer recommends the right course of action? Thanks
Fish Twig
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 15,554
Likes: 309
From: Still hunting that foo up there
Re: AC problem, right after install
Dude....you're gonna have to replace other components. The condenser and evaporator have very small openings. No amt of flush is going to get it all
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 448
Likes: 3
From: The Familiar Realm
Re: AC problem, right after install
Yeah, metal in the system would typically require replacement of the condenser, evaporator, receiver drier, and thermal expansion valve. They aren't that competent if they thought flushing a condenser or evaporator with parallel passages would work..
Since it's under warranty for the work you just did, let them take care of it. It sounds like they slapped a charge on without fully leak checking the system, and it leaked out. You would not need the inline filter if the system was properly serviced by replacing those items and flushing the lines out.
Since it's under warranty for the work you just did, let them take care of it. It sounds like they slapped a charge on without fully leak checking the system, and it leaked out. You would not need the inline filter if the system was properly serviced by replacing those items and flushing the lines out.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
Re: AC problem, right after install
Yeah, metal in the system would typically require replacement of the condenser, evaporator, receiver drier, and thermal expansion valve. They aren't that competent if they thought flushing a condenser or evaporator with parallel passages would work..
Since it's under warranty for the work you just did, let them take care of it. It sounds like they slapped a charge on without fully leak checking the system, and it leaked out. You would not need the inline filter if the system was properly serviced by replacing those items and flushing the lines out.
Since it's under warranty for the work you just did, let them take care of it. It sounds like they slapped a charge on without fully leak checking the system, and it leaked out. You would not need the inline filter if the system was properly serviced by replacing those items and flushing the lines out.
The condenser and evaporator don’t look expensive. However, the evaporator looks hard to get to.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 448
Likes: 3
From: The Familiar Realm
Re: AC problem, right after install
It's really easy, actually. I believe the battery and tray need to come out to access the lines, then the glovebox and glovebox frame for the evaporator housing itself. Then it's a random assortment of bolts in awkward places that require several extensions. The 1992-2000 Civic A/C units are some of the easiest I've ever worked on.
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