AC stops blowing cold after a while?

2011 HONDA ODYSSEY
218,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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ETERNALARIANNE
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So, the past few days I've had an issue where the AC will blow cold when starting out, but after about 20 mins of driving it will just stop and blow "normal" air and I have to turn it off and roll the windows down. Also, if I drive without AC for a bit then turn it on, it won't be cold. Its like driving for a while in general makes it stop working (or not work at all when turned on). What could be the cause? I would think low freon, but I'm not sure the second issue makes sense that way...
Jun 18, 2026 at 7:24 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, you are correct, the system is low on refrigerant. This guide will explain it better.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/why-your-cars-ac-evaporator-ices-up-and-how-to-fix-it/

Here is the video that can help you fix it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZrQCGwXfek

Let me know how it goes
Jun 19, 2026 at 3:47 PM
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ETERNALARIANNE
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Ok now it doesn't seem like the compressor is coming on at all. I checked the clutch fuse and it's good, gonna try replacing the relay and see if that fixes it.
Jun 19, 2026 at 3:50 PM
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ETERNALARIANNE
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Ok new relay didn't make a difference. When I connect a recharge can to the low side, the gauge shoots all the way around past the red so I'm not sure if it's empty or if the gauge is jacked up...
Jun 20, 2026 at 12:23 PM
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STRAILER
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Was the system running when you looked at the gauge? Did you go over the video?
Jun 20, 2026 at 4:31 PM
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ETERNALARIANNE
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Yeah I had it on but the compressor is no longer engaging. So it's either low freon, faulty pressure switch, or bad compressor clutch. I'm going to check the freon level with proper gauges later today my neighbor has some
Jun 20, 2026 at 4:32 PM
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STRAILER
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Perfect, I would turn the system on and check for power at the clutch coil, you may have a bad clutch coil. I have seen that before.
Jun 20, 2026 at 4:39 PM
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ETERNALARIANNE
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Ok I recharged the system but the compressor still isn't coming on. We even tried bypassing the relay and still will not come on. The clutch appears to turn freely so it's not seized.
Jun 20, 2026 at 6:50 PM
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STRAILER
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Are you getting 12 volts to the Ac clutch coil when the system is on?
Jun 21, 2026 at 12:57 AM
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