My 1996 Honda Accord has recently been recharged with refrigerant. It blew somewhat cool at first, but warmed up over time; now it's barely colder than ambient temperature.

My compressor turns on (with supplied with a proper relay, heh) and the pressure when the system is running is about 250/50psi (high/low). However, using UV dye, I have noticed a leak near the compressor fittings.

My questions:

1) How the F do I have that kind of pressure with a leak present?

2) How can I know if I still have refrigerant?

3) Why isn't my system blowing cold? Is it lack of refrigerant, a component failure elsewhere, or both?

Thanks in advance for your help guys

 

If it is still running on its own, not sure about the comment on the relay? Then there is enough pressure in the system for it to come on.

Also be sure to check the blend door adjustment.

 

Check the heater core control valve on the firewall behind the distributor for correct movement when you turn temp dial from hot to cold. The valve should close fully. If valve remains open, you are heating the cooled air before it reaches the cabin.

A very small leak will show dye and system will continue to run OK until the reserve refrigerant is lost and pressures begin to drop. A pressure of 250 on high side should produce some cooling. However 50 on low side will produce only a little cooling. Pressure should dip below 30 psi at some point, and shortly after going below 30 psi, the thermostat will open and compressor will go off. This protects system from freezing. Is the compressor cycling on/off at all or stays engaged at all times?

good luck