I've searched through the forum and found a few posts that sounded similar to mine, but didn't find much that could help me with my particular problem.

I have a 1999 Accord EX with a stock AC system. When I turn on the AC it blows cold for around 5 to 20 minutes before quickly warming to the point that the air is barely cool. I've had the system evacuated and refilled to 23 ounces, but so far that's all that I've tried. The clutch appears to engage normally and stays engaged even when the air is barely cool. I recently changed out the cabin air filter, but I don't see how that could cause a problem.

I realize that I probably won't be able to fix it myself, but I'd like to be more knowledgeable about the possible problems before I place myself at the mercy of a shop in a new area (we just moved to DC).

Any ideas would be appreciated, if I haven't shared enough details please ask for them.

 

Please verify the clutch and both fans on the radiator remain on when the air warms up.

If the clutch is still engaged, the only way to diagnose the problem is to connect a pressure gauge and read the high and low side pressures to figure out why the system isn't cooling.

 

Suggest also checking that heat control is working. When AC is operating, does air get hotter as heat is added?

It is possible that heat control air mix motor is not working correctly and blending hot air w/ cold iair to produce reduced cooling. Check air mix motor (front center of heater unit) is working smoothly to move blend door as temp control is varied.

good luck

 

Thank you for the replies, I wanted to post a follow up with the resolution.

I took the car to a local shop and $151 later the tech resolved the issue with a diagnosis. The climate control temperature control **** component isn't working properly. If I press down on the temperature control **** and rotate the **** with a bit of force several times the temperature stays constant and the unit blows nice and cold. I'm guessing that the component is a variable resistor or a potentiometer and the contacts have become slightly fouled, (not surprising given the age of the unit).

I had to "repair" the climate control unit with a jumper a few years ago due to corrosion, but it looks like now I may have to just replace the unit with a new one.

I'm glad the cause has been identified, but the solution turned out to be so simple that I feel like a ninny for not having figured it out myself, saving $151.

 

Thanks for followup.

You should be able to find a used part on ebay or car-part.com.

good luck