A/C runs cold, then stops, then runs cold again?

Tiny
CALLICLES
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 ACURA RDX
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 159,000 MILES
Thank you for your excellent videos and your offer to answer questions!

Our vehicle listed above is having A/C problems. Last year, when it stopped working entirely, I did research and discovered that I could replace the compressor clutch relay (common problem apparently in Acura's) - that fixed it.

This year, it runs well when the car starts, and usually works for 30-45 minutes, but then stops blowing cold air (it still blows, just more humid, less-cold air until it turns warm sometimes). But then it sometimes/often starts blowing ice cold again, and I'm not sure why.

I've tried replacing the A/C Compressor Clutch relay again, and then tried replacing the Fan Control, Radiator Fan, and A/C Condenser Fan relays.

What I've noticed is that when I start the car, the A/C works right away, but when I watch and listen in the engine compartment, both fans spin hard at first, but then I hear a click and they slow and stop spinning, but then start up again, so it's a constant cycle (usually about 30-45 seconds on, 10-15 seconds off).

I bought a digital gauge (the kind that fits on top of a top-off can) and tested the Low Side pressure. When the fans are on, it reads ~47. When I hear the click, and the fans go off, the reading drops to ~15, and then continues to go up and down along with the on/off cycle of the fans.

I also just noticed that the radiator coolant reservoir is low (nearly empty, though the radiator itself is full), so I'm ordering Acura Type-2 coolant to add, but I didn't think that alone would cause the A/C problem.

Any suggestions or directions you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

I can provide video with sound, if that would be helpful.
Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 AT 11:04 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I need some general information. First, what is the ambient temperature when you are checking the low press? When the compressor is engaged what are both the high and low side pressures?

I'm asking because if there are pressure issues which can prevent the compressor from engaging.

Take a look through this guide you may find it helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak

Let me know about the pressures.

Joe
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Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
CALLICLES
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Hi, I bought an inexpensive set of gauges to check high as well as low pressures (Orion Motor Tech gauges).

Tried them today (after the A/C quit after about 20-30 minutes this morning (it is low-to-mid 80’s today).

The OMT gauges have an outer PSI ring and an R-134a ring inside it, so I’ll provide both readings. I’ll try to attach a picture if my description is unclear.

Before turning on the Acura, the Low read 98 psi (86 on the 134a ring) and High read 100 (88).

When I started the car, the readings went to 29 Low (33 for R-134a ring, but still much lower than the 47 reading I got with the digital gauge for the original posting) and 125 (102) for the High.

I ran the car for over 45 minutes and the ratings barely moved (though the High pressure went up to 150 - or 112 - after the car had run for several minutes and then stayed there).

Unlike what we’ve been experiencing in the real world, the A/C never quit.

Unlike all my previous testing in the garage, the fans never cut out or cycled on and off (and I never heard the Click that preceded the fans cycling off).

I did add a little coolant to the overflow tank, as I wrote I was going to, but haven’t changed anything since.

Can you shed any light on what we’re experiencing? Thanks in advance!
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Sunday, June 30th, 2024 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

At 85 degrees, the low pressure should be between 45 and 55 psi. The high pressure should be 175 to 210 PSI. I think it's low on freon.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Sunday, June 30th, 2024 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
CALLICLES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Joe - just wanted to let you know that I finally got to a trusted local mechanic and you were right. Over 15 years, our 2010 RDX had slowly leaked out about half of its R134a. He evacuated it and refilled it to its proper amount and - so far - it’s running great. Thanks for your help!
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Thursday, July 18th, 2024 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm glad you were able to get it taken care of. I had a feeling that was the issue, but it is so hard to tell for certain when the vehicle isn't in front of me. LOL

Regardless, take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, July 18th, 2024 AT 7:28 PM

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