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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
88
Honda Civic, A/C Woes
Q:
I have an '88 Honda Civic 4dr, 1.5l, 5spd. I was having problems with
my AC in hot weather. I checked the sight glass while operating and there
were a few bubbles. I recovered the R-12 and recovered the amount Honda
told me belonged in the system, 1.75 lbs.. I then evacuated the system
and it held good vacuum. I then recharged with the 1.75 lbs.. The AC works
great if it is below 80-85 degrees. Once the temperature is higher the
car seems to want to stall and the AC barely works. If I drive for an
extended time on the highway, the AC seems to catch up and work fairly
well, even if I get into city driving. Most of my driving is city driving
and I need some advice. Is there a possible restriction? Overcharge?
A: My
first impression is there's poor air flow through the A/C condenser. The
A/C condenser, which is mounted in front of the radiator, is responsible
for removing the heat from the A/C system. Your Honda should be equipped
with two electric cooling fans, a radiator fan and an A/C condenser fan.
Whenever the AC is activated the condenser fan should be functioning.
If the condenser fan is not operating, the air flow over the condenser
will not be adequate enough to remove the heat. This results in an increase
in operating temperature and pressure of the A/C system. As the temperature
climbs the ability of the A/C system to cool decreases and the pressure
in the system increases. The increase in pressure puts additional load
on the A/C compressor which is driven by the engine. The additional load
will slow the idle speed of the engine, which could cause stalling. In
some regions of the country, bugs, yes bugs, can plug up the cooling fins
of the condenser. Bugs, paper or leaves can restrict the air flow through
the A/C condenser. A closer inspection of your A/C system should get the
bugs out.
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