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A/C stops blowing cold after 20 minutes

Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
Hi my 2002 Honda Civic LX 2DR A/C stops blowing cold air after 20 minutes, If I turn it off for a few minutes it will works fine again. Sometimes it will go out again after 20 minutes and sometimes it will work fine for an hour + ride. I had the A/C system evacuated and charged with Freon, It wasn't low we recovered 1lb 2oz and put back in the same amount. Where do I go from here? What do you think it could be? Thanks for your time and have a great day. Neil
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 3:41 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
It sounds like the compressor is supplying too much pressure and the metering orifice into the heat exchanger is freezing. Exactly when it stops working, pull over safely, pop the hood and find the aluminum bottle near the back of the engine compartment. It should be covered with condensation, but I'm guessing it'll be iced over.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
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  • 119 POSTS
Thanks for the quick response I did do that and nothing was frozen or iced over.I don't know if this will help the High side pressure was 200 when we charged it and low side was 28. I didn't mention that when the compressor stops engaging both coolant fans work just the compressor stops working.I then let it sit or turn off the a/c switch for 5-10 minutes and it works great. It seems to do it more on very hot days. It's very confusing Thanks again Neil
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Yep. Hi side should max out around 185 according to Honda.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Does that mean it's a bad compressor? Is it a blockage or another part that is bad in your opinion?Thanks for your help
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
It could just be overcharged. Or it could be a switch or sensor. My guess without getting my fingers and eyes all up in its business would be overcharged-too much Freon, or, with a 2002, possibly R134a.

You mentioned that the fans come on. That's a good thing. Those are supposed to come on when you push "the blue button" because the compressor puts an extreme load on the engine which creates more heat that must be dissipated.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Do you have a thermometer that goes to about 30 degrees that you can stick into one of the vents?
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Hi sorry I didn't get right back to you the system is not overcharged it has 1lb 2oz in it the temp in the center duct is 50-60 degrees with the compressor cycling on and off it worked fine the last couple of days it is intermittent and its been hot here checked for icing over but there was none just usual condensation I read an article saying possibly the clutch coil has gotten weak or the gap at the clutch is to wide causing problems in hot weather Is this possible?
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
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Yes. Especially if you live in an area where you need to use it quite a bit.
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 AT 9:30 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Hi yes I use it often it can turn off in traffic or driving on the highway can you give me the ohms range for the electromagnet and the gap for the clutch thanks for your help it is greatly appreciated Neil
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Try this.
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 6:04 AM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Damn. Wrong button.
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 6:04 AM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Hii did continuity test it was good but a/c was working at the time does it have to be not working when I check it? Do I go to the next step clutch gap/clearance? If so what is the clearance gap?
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Monday, August 24th, 2015 AT 5:34 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
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Yes. When it conks out. Also check to see if the relays are passing power.

.02 +/-.006 in according to my reference.
.5 +/-.15 mm
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Monday, August 24th, 2015 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Stooped working twice, by the time I hooked up the meter less then 10 minutes it checked good my gut feeling is the magnetic coil ii s going bad what is the ohms reading in it? Its hard to figure out when it is so intermittent
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2015 AT 7:56 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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It's not listed in the diagnostic steps I sent?
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2015 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just to jump in on this as I want to offer what I suspect the issue is or at least the way to find the solution.

I see you checked the pressure when you filled it, but we need to monitor the pressure when this is operating and then when it cuts off.

If the pressure is going high or low, or if the compressor just shuts off, we will know what the issue is.

If the pressure goes high, then we know the compressor is building too much pressure.

If it doesn't and just shuts off points directly to a compressor or clutch as you suspect.

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

I am attaching a chart below that will help with this but let us know what happens with the pressures when this is happening and that will tell us what is going on. Thanks
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Although an old post. I will let all know it was just the removal of a shim under the clutch. Works great ever since. 10-minute fix and $0 cost. So many techs today won't take the time to troubleshoot. Just replace it until they get it right. Thanks always for your help. You are all great!
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Holy cow! We were just going through some old posts and making sure there was accurate info so that when others view these they have the needed info to get on the right path.

I never expected you to respond let alone respond with what fixed the vehicle

This is great info and so, glad you provided that for all others to benefit from.

Thanks again.
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 7:45 PM

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