94 Accord AC problem

[slowdive]

My 94 Accords AC doesn't work correctly, I live in Arizona where it's 110 degrees right now. Some reason the AC works ok when it's sundown but when it's middle of the day 110 degrees outside the AC doesn't want to get cold. I took it to some mechanic shop and they did some "tests" on it saying it basically needs a new AC that'd be like $1500....
Is it some simple thing like needing freeon recharged? free-on or whatever it's called.
Thanks for any help!
I love my Honda

[BullShifter]

When you say new AC what exactly do you mean. There are many parts in the A/C system than can cause it not to work properly. Basic freon recharge, condensor, evaporator, dryer, compressor, lines, etc. Most of the time an A/C repair will run a minimum of $600.

If you A/C system has any leaks it can NOT be recharged, all leaks fixed then recharge. This is also a good time to convert to R134a since the R12 is either hard to get or very expensive. Around here wholesale $30.00 per lb --retail $50.00 per lb for R12 where R134a is only $3.00 per lb, if that much.

[5550]

try re-charging the freon (or refilling the gas in mypart of the world) first. That should be the cheapest fix. An honest shop should be able to hook up the necessary gauges to see if you are indeed short on freon gas b4 filling her up.

Also take a look at the cooling fan after leaving the car idle for a while. The fan should kick in after a while (like the radiator fan). Could just be a failed fan as well.

[slowdive]

that was the first problem with the A/C the cooling fan wasnt working so the engine would get hot when i'd turn the A/C on. so took it to a mechanic turned out it didnt have a relay for the cooling fan. got a relay for the fan.. engine didnt get hot again. but the A/C still would be cool sometimes other times it didnt want to get cold. by the time i got the cooling fan done i had spent over $130 just to figure out it was just the relay.
so thats why im asking you guys what you think... i dont wanna hear another dishonest mechanic telling me the whole A/C needs to be replaced, thatd be awesome for them to get me to buy some new A/C for $1,500....
i hope its just the freon needs to be recharged, thatd be like $60.
thanks for all your help.

[darkaccord]

I have the 95 and that same problem, however I can live without it. I dont think newer cars use freon, though. There are kits you can get to rechage an AC system.

[BullShifter]

When its 110 degrees the A/C wont cool as much as it would when it 70 degrees.

Newer cars do us freon, a different kind than pre '96 with no CFC's. R134a for 96& newer, R12 for '95-'96 & older.

At 110 degrees your A/C will only put out an air temp. of about 80 degrees.

[yardy8301]

um i dont know about only 96 and older using r134a. i have a 95 and it uses r134a.

my a/c is also broke. my mechanic already gave me a quote of about $600. my compressor is leaking freon.

[BullShifter]

Newer cars do us freon, a different kind than pre '96 with no CFC's. R134a for 96& newer, R12 for '95-'96 & older.

1995-1996 was the time when auto makers switched from R12 to R134a, I didnt word that exactly right before. almost any car with a/c can be converted to run 134a but, R12 is cooler. By law any car built after '96 will have r134a or any other type of environmentally friendly refrigerant.

[wagsaccordsir]

Hey man, sorry to hear about your problems with the AC.. I have the complete 94-97 r134a Accord AC steup for sale.. I gutted mine out cause I did an H22 swap and wanted maximum power. The AC works great, it actually was too cold for at times. But anyways, if you need it let me know, make me an offer.. It aint going anwhere, it just is looking pretty in the garage.. My email is [email protected]

Oh and I won't seel it for 1500 bucks either... LOL

If you want it, you make the offer and if it works for me, its yours man..

Peace!

[slowdive]

wish i could buy it wags but thing is im in the air force, meaning i dont have much money. $1500 was the whole deal compressor ect ect plus labor to put the bitch in. my offer is just send the thing to me for free
i prob dont even have enough money to get the thing installed if i had it for free

[wagsaccordsir]

I'm in the Army so I feel ya!! Can't do a freebee, but I would only charge a couple hundred, and as far as the install? If you can put gas in your car, you surely could install one.... 4 bolts and a few wires, which are just quick disconnects anyway.. The most you would have to pay someone to do anything for you is the re-charge on the freon... Good luck...

[BullShifter]

If you can put gas in your car, you surely could install one.... 4 bolts and a few wires, which are just quick disconnects anyway..

Let me get some of whatever you're smokin'

Evap
condenser
compressor
receiver/dryer
lines

[wagsaccordsir]

Yes its easy as shit!!!

[BullShifter]

Originally posted by wagsaccordsir
Yes its easy as shit!!!

Maybe the compressor only, but a full A/C kit?

[wagsaccordsir]

Seriously!! It sounds hard, I used to think everything was going to be hard when working with Honda's. I've found that it is actually very easy! If it makes you feel better I can draw you a how-to with pictures.. kinda like Picture Page... It is really easy.. I'm an elctronic engineer, so to say the least I'm not exactly mechanically inclined, and I can do it!.