A/C does not seem as cold as it should be

NANCY'S HONDA

MEMBER
2003 HONDA CIVIC
2WD
MANUAL
186,000 MILES

I just acquired this car and I am not sure if this is a problem or not since this is my first experience with Honda. When I turn on the A/C, it seems like it takes a bit longer than what I have experienced in other cars, for it to blow cold air. It eventually does cool the car. However, in past vehicles I have owned, when I have left the A/C fan on high, eventually I actually get too cold and have to turn it down. I turn this down when I get comfortable, but I have never gotten cold. I have only owned the car a few weeks. There are no strange noises, no white air from the vents, nothing to make me think it is malfunctioning other than the slow cool down and the fact that it never freezes me out. I have not replaced the cabin filters yet, so that could be a contributor. I do not know. Is this a Honda thing, or is there a problem brewing? Do I need to check my refrigerant level?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Nancy,
Yes, you should have the refrigerant level checked first. If it is below standard level, it would result in the symptoms indicated. Check the high and low pressure to see if they are within specifications. Vehicles that have been left idle over a period of time are prone to refrigerant losses (depending on condition of the system) and topping up usually resolves the problem.
Let us know how it goes.
K H Low