Hello,

My '94 Accord LX air conditioning blows just fine but isn't the least bit cold. It appears that the compressor isn't engaging, nor is the fan. Even with the AC switched on and the car running, neither of the two fans on the radiator turn on. I've checked that the fuses are fine and the car never overheats.

Any idea what might be wrong? I remember reading somewhere that the compressor may not engage if the pressure is too low? So I'm hoping that a simple AC recharge will fix this issue.


Cheers!!

 

You can check the hi/lo pressure switch w/ a VOM for continuity. If contacts show open, the pressure is low or switch is bad. You will need AC gauges to verify low pressure.

If contacts show continuity (short), then pressure should be adequate to cause compressor to run. It may not be running because of faulty AC compressor relay, wiring, or excessive AC clutch gap.

Check hi/lo pressure switch first and see what you find.

If system has low pressure, a leak is possible and should be fixed before attempting to recharge.

A simple leak test is to look for oil/dirt accumulations at AC hose crimps, connections, compressor clutch rotation plane (dirty/oily ring around clutch indicates shaft seal leak). Evap leaks are not accessible and are possible w/ a system this old. I've rebuilt my 94EX once w/i last 10 yrs.

good luck

 

Thanks for the info!! I'll check the pressure switch as soon as the multimeter I ordered arrives.

In the meantime, should I be concerned about the fan not turning on at all?

 

Fans won't run unless w/o AC compressor circuit enabled. You can short thermoswitch A connector (near thermostat housing) and fans should come on when keyswitch is turned to ON. If they don't the fan relay, wiring, or fan motors are faulty.

good luck

 

Did everything you said, and it turns out that freon levels were too low. Added some, and the compressor fired right up as did the fans. Added some more and the A/C is now cold as ice!!


Thanks for all the help!!

 

FYI, if the levels were low, then you have a leak that will need fixed. Now the R-134a you added may last a week, month, or years. Only time will tell.

Also, never add R-134a blindly like you just did, because you don't know how much was remaining in your system. You could easily overcharge the system and get hurt due to a component exploding or release of R-134a. You really need to add the proper weight of R-134a and then test the high and low pressures using a manifold.