A/C off but relays and compressor work

SELLPARKCITY

MEMBER
2004 HONDA ODYSSEY
AUTOMATIC
132,562 MILES

Heater works fine. A/C does not work. Only blows air, with no coldness added. Added Freon (without a gauge) less than a month ago to get the A/C to pump out cold air but it doesn't. The compressor works in so much that it engages the clutch, not sure if there is a leak.

Since I bought the van off Craigslist and had to pay for a catalytic converter and ignition switch to be replaced, I'm not paying to replace a compressor. I could do it myself if I could get a compressor from a junkyard. Hoping it's not the alternator, doesn't seem to be.

So what do I likely have, a leak or a transistor or compressor problem? I'd like to caulk a rubber hose around the line, a hose that can withstand 50 PSI. Instead of paying hundreds for a leak test and line fix. What would you all do other than set the vehicle on fire and charge people to watch it burn (my preference)?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

LOL Don't burn it. If you are able to get the compressor to engage, then there is enough pressure in the system to actuate it. Listen, the best thing to do is to get your hands on an A/C manifold gauge set. We need to know what the high and low side pressures are relative to outside temperature. Could the compressor be bad? Yes it could, but there is no way to tell without seeing what it's producing as far as pressures. Keep in mind, if the compressor is engaging, there is even a chance the problem is inside the vehicle. There is a blend air door actuator that may not be working and preventing cool air from entering the vehicle.

Here is a link that shows the gauges I'm referring to. Often times, a parts store will lend or rent them to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Also, I need to know if the compressor is still engaging now when you turn the system on.

Let me know if this is something you can do. Most times if I know what the pressures are, I can point you in the right direction for repairs. Also, I'm not sure what you mean by using the 50 psi hose, but A/C pressures go much higher than that. It wouldn't work. If you have gauges and the compressor isn't engaging, tell me what the "static pressure" is. That is when the system is off.

Joe

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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 7:24 AM

SELLPARKCITY

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thanks Joe! I appreciate the time you took to respond. In order to remove the anti-theft wheel-lock lug nuts, my wife took the van to our mechanic. For $100.00 he removed and replaced them. She asked him to look at the A/C. He ended up "adding Freon, coolant, after leak test with dye" then in caps wrote "no warranty on leaks" and charged $140.00. A/C works great now, not sure what he did though, so I've been wrapping the A/C line (rubber and metal) that I can access from the top of the engine with Nashua Stretch and Seal, self-fusing silicone tape. If you know of any tape I can use as a seal that is air-tight (Nashua claims to be), please let me know and thanks again for your help!

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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 3:14 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like it was simply low on Freon. However, and I'm being honest, the high pressure hose can reach over 300 psi in high temps. There isn't a tape that will prevent leaks. I just don't want you to waste your money.

If he put a leak dye in the system, he needs to inspect it for leaks. That way you will know if and where a leak exists. Did he tell you to bring the vehicle back? It could be something as simple as a loose schrader valve.

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 9:12 PM