A/C help with '94 Civic

[diehlr]

The A/C in my car has a mind of its own. Sometimes it blows COLD, other times it seems to blow cool (it could just be not working at this point but seem cool because the system is still a little cool), and sometimes it doesn't cool at all. I have looked under the hood while the A/C is running and the compressor clutch seems to engage just fine.

I took it to the shop and they evacuated and recharged the system and it didn't fix anything. They told me the system has no leaks. They also jumped +12 to the compressor which they said made the fan come on but the compressor wouldn't engage. From this, it seems the problem isn't with the relay or the temperature sensor. They couldn't tell me for sure what the problem was.

I would say the compressor itself is messed up, but then why would it work fine sometimes and other not? I would think if it were faulty, it would never come on at all.

I am really stumped. Does anyone have any advice? It's getting really hot outside!

[Greenblurr93]

lol, sometimes cars have a mind of there own. replace the compressor and if that doesnt fix it, return it and say it didnt work.

[iceman_t1]

I had the same symptoms on my 92 Civic DX. Replacing the relay fixed it on mine.

[rgloston]

I don't know about others, but I've gone through A/C anxiety with my wife's '94 Civic. My wife drove her car for 2 years w/o A/C, and I drove it for a year w/o A/C. I had enough!

I started by replacing the cheapest components first: receiver/dryer ($45), expansion valve ($50), and had system flushed & checked for leaks ($99 @ Honda dealer). Found that high-side pressure was above 200 & still no cool air. So... back to square one. I purchased a salvage yard compressor ($150) DO NOT BE LIKE ME... I realized that was a waste of money (after the fact)! Finally, I bit the bullet, bought a brand new compressor from a local Honda dealer ($518). Started getting cool air... BUT... high-side pressure was still above 200. Not good! The last part on my journey to 'Cold A/C Land' was the condenser ($142). FYI... if you can install these parts yourself, PLEASE DO SO! I inquired about the labor costs to install these parts, and found that labor is MORE than the cost of some parts. After I installed all these parts, Honda wanted to charge an additional $99 for their "certified" A/C check & charge. NOT BUYING IT! Bought a can of R134a ($9) from a local auto parts store, and charged it myself. A little patience & 20 minutes later.... AHHHHH... Nice, cold A/C in the '94 Civic EX (VTEC).

Sorry so long, but I think this should give anyone an idea as to what parts to consider or rule out. Turns out the compressor & condenser was the fowl components. **NOTE** A new compressor (from Honda dealers) comes with oil pre-installed. Do not add additional oil charge unless you've had system vacuumed. Good luck!