I've been researching a problem with my Honda and have found very little that has helped diagnose the root of the problem and figured it was time to post the issue.

Car: 1996 Honda Accord 4 cylinder vtec

Issue: About a year ago the AC quit working. Just recently I figured it was time to work it out.

Details: When I hit the button on the dash with the car running, the AC light comes on but I do not hear the compressor or the electric fans in the engine bay come on. I checked fuses and relays, all appear to be good.

Next I disconnected the wire from the compressor to check for voltage while the AC button on the dash was "active" with the car running. There was no voltage.

Again with the car running and AC switch "on" I made a jumper from the battery (+12) to the compressor. I heard the compressor engage and the electric fans in the engine bay turned on. I let it idle this way for a few minutes but the air from the vents did not get cold.

I disconnected the jumper and reconnected the compressor to the harness thus putting it back to the way it was. I unscrewed the caps from the refrigerant lines and for a brief moment depressed the valves. There was pressure though I cannot say what the pressure was.

I only have access to a Chiltons manual that doesn't give much info. I do know my way around the mechanics of a car but this is the first time I've worked on an AC system.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

Download a 94 shop manual. Open the Common DIY Thread on top of the gen tech help forum, and a link will be in there.

My next step would be to unplug the electrical connector to the pressure switch. That switch is in the general area under the battery on one of the a/c lines.

The red/wht wire should have 12V to ground when the engine is running and the a/c is turned on. The blu/yel wire should have continuity to ground under the same conditions.

 

If you jump the connector on the pressure switch and the compressor engages, the system pressure is too low to close the switch. This means a leak somewhere has lost the charge.

You'll need to find/repair leak, replace lost lubricant (1-2 oz), vacuum dry, and recharge.

Usual places for a leak are condensor face (rock damage), compressor shaft seal, hose crimp, connection points, or perhaps a worn spot in aluminum line due to vibration/wear. Evaporator/expansion valve are also leak sites, if nothing under the hood is found. Diry/oil accumulations are indications of system leak.

good luck