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Car Forum / Honda Cars / September 20041995 Prelude A/C Compressor
I just added refrigerant to my 1995 Prelude SE (125,000 miles), and noticed both while I was recharging and after that the compressor doesn't cycle off. Is it normal for Honda compressors to run full-time (while the "A/C" button is on)? I can't specifically remember if it cycled during the years I've owned it. If it SHOULD be cycling, what would prevent it from doing so? Using the manual "A/C" button on the console does cause the compressor to turn off, as normal. One item to note, is that I used one of those inexpensive "system recharge" packages from the auto parts store to add refrigerant, which seemed to work well, but it only measures low-side pressure. Thanks for your help. It is normal for the A/C to cycle on and off unless the temperature is quite high. In warm weather it typically have a higher duty cycle in "Fresh" than "Recirk". (Opposite if using the A/C in cool weather e.g. to defog). The cycling is controlled by the thermostat mounted in the evaporator housing. Specifically, the ECM controls the A/C compressor clutch relay based on a call for cooling. The call for cooling gets to the ECM through (in order from ECM to ground) 1.) the A/C pressure switch in one of the refrigerant lines, 2.) The A/C thermostat in the evaporator housing, 3.) the A/C main on/off switch on the dash and 4.) the ventilation fan switch on the dash (separate pin grounded with fan switch in any position except off). The A/C pressure switch is a safety-lockout. This switch is normally on at all times. >From my home central A/C I know that too much refrigerant will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C system. Perhaps you overcharged the system, have reduced cooling capacity and thus the evaporator never gets cold enough to turn off the compressor? Measuring only the low-pressure side is somewhat dubious. For proper charge, filling to a specific pressure is not sufficient, the correct pressures (high and low side) depend heavily on outside temperature *and* humidity. Since R134a is cheap I would try removing some refrigerant (observing all relevant environmental regulations, precautions and safeguards) and see if that helps. > I just added refrigerant to my 1995 Prelude SE (125,000 miles), and noticed > both while I was recharging and after that the compressor doesn't cycle off. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > refrigerant, which seemed to work well, but it only measures low-side > pressure. Thanks for your help. > depend heavily on outside temperature *and* humidity. Since R134a is > cheap I would try removing some refrigerant (observing all relevant > environmental regulations, precautions and safeguards) and see if that > helps. hehehe... you really think hes going to run out and buy a rig to get that 134 out? or just take a small screwdriver and release it through the schrader valve? > > depend heavily on outside temperature *and* humidity. Since R134a is > > cheap I would try removing some refrigerant (observing all relevant [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > that 134 out? or just take a small screwdriver and release it through > the schrader valve? Let's just say I know which way I would do it... >>>depend heavily on outside temperature *and* humidity. Since R134a is >>>cheap I would try removing some refrigerant (observing all relevant [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Let's just say I know which way I would do it... LOL... well, at least its not "real" freon. id definately recommend gloves, too :) and a long, thin screwdriver... Thanks for the responses. I paid attention on the way home from work today, and it is now indeed cycling (and cooling rather well). Obviously I'll know soon enough if there is a leak and if so, if it persists. I've had my share of contact with a/c refrigerant and I'm not afraid ;-] One thing I neglected to mention in the original post: During the "decline" of a/c performance, I noticed a sound coming from what seems like under the dash (in the evaporator area) that can best be compared to the sound the cappuccino machine makes when frothing the creme; a hissing/spitting sound. Since the onset of the cooling problem, I've noticed this sound probably 85% of the time, after I turn off the engine (it could be making this sound as I drive, but the engine noise drowns it out). At any rate, I'm happy enough at this point with the system to not be THAT worried about it. > >>>depend heavily on outside temperature *and* humidity. Since R134a is > >>>cheap I would try removing some refrigerant (observing all relevant [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > LOL... well, at least its not "real" freon. id definately recommend > gloves, too :) and a long, thin screwdriver... |
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