A/C system not blowing cold air

Tiny
HERI.OVIEDO
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HONDA CIVIC
  • 245,000 MILES
I have had this car for about 7 years,
I will detail every fixture I have had to do on the A/C system.

• The compressor went out about 6 years ago. I replaced it, no problem, charged the system, A/C worked fine for around two years.
• Expansion valve broke about 4 years ago, I replaced it, no problem, the A/C worked fine another couple of years.

Around two years ago the A/C started malfunctioning again, still worked but it had weird smell and I remember seeing white flakes coming out of the vents but only for a brief period of time, very little, honestly I assumed it was the expansion valve going bad again since the one I put on wasn't very high quality. So I just left it alone, since it was still working although not a 100%.
Once it finally stopped working and blowing warm all the time, I took it to a mechanic shop and they told me a hose was broken and It was leaking. I replaced it myself again, this time I only told them to vacuum my system and recharge it.

The leak is gone, the compressor kicks in, the Freon pressure looks good, blower motor works perfectly, but that's it!
It just won't blow cold, today finally I replaced the expansion valve assuming that was the original problem before the leak.
Still nothing, everything seems to work normal, like I said the compressor kicks in and the fan for the condenser as well.
I am thinking the system is clogged somewhere, because the thick hose (where the pressure gauge attaches to) is not getting cold at all.

What would cause a system to act like this?
I can't locate an accumulator/drier on my car, but that also crossed my mind.

I have been without A/C for a while now, I don't want to take it to a shop again because I don't want to get ripped off. I rather just throw parts at it and see which one fixes the problem.
In my opinion even if I end up replacing every component in the A/C system, I will still pay less than what a shop would charge.

Thanks!
Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:31 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

Can you tell me what both the high and low side pressures are now? If something is plugged, they will be off.

Let me know what they are and the outside ambient temp when checked. Also, have you considered checking the blend air door actuator? It may not be working and preventing the cold air from getting into the vehicle.

Here is a link you may find of interest:

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

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
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Will check those pressures tomorrow and let you know. I read somewhere about the actuator, although I disregarded it because the "low side hose" is not getting cold to the touch but I will look into that as well. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

Note: Wow I just checked the actuator, I can't believe something so simple can cause so much trouble, the actuator is not working. It makes a weird noise and doesn't move at all when activated in either position.
I will replace it and update.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
I just got a new actuator/motor and now I am even more confused than before. The new actuator rotates a full turn when I activate the ignition, but won't move to any side. When I test it by moving the cold/heat knob, I can hear something else coming from the inner center side of the dashboard, sounds like an "old gate/door" that moves slowly.

I vacuumed the system and added Freon, I stopped adding coolant about 5 seconds after my compressor kicked in. I then connected gauges to see what readings I got and this is what I got:

For what the article says I don't think this is a good sign.
Outside temperature 77 F.
Low side blue 94 psi.
High Side red 100 psi.

Sorry can't attach pictures right now.
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Saturday, July 18th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM

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