Air conditioner ice cold then just cool?

NEIL2002CIVIC

MEMBER
2010 HONDA ACCORD
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
51,000 MILES

Hi, the car listed above is an LXP. The car is a 1 owner car. I bought it new, and it always has ice-cold air conditioning. It still is ice cold at times it just turns cool. The compressor engages I was only able to take low side readings it is approximately 30 lb or less. Gauge needle is steady I checked the condenser for blockage, and it is clean in front. My question is, can it be my expansion valve? Freon low? Are these cars known for a problem intermittently? I also noticed the compressor does not cycle on and off even when the air conditioning does not get as cold as it should. It has happened a few times and I must say it is when it is more humid out. From the low side readings, I am getting I suspect I am just a little bit low on freon. But will not add until I can get an answer about a possible expansion valve problem. If it was an expansion valve problem would I be running higher or low pressures? Blend door seem to be operating properly. Thanks any help is appreciated. Have a great day and hope you enjoyed the 4th. Neil

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,913 POSTS

Hi Neil,

If the low-pressure side is 30 psi or less, the ambient temperature should be 65 degrees F or colder. What was the temperature outside when you checked?

If it was above 65 degrees, I agree with you that it likely needs to be charged. Here is a link that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Let me know the ambient temperature when it was checked.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, July 7th, 2024 AT 10:08 PM

NEIL2002CIVIC

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119 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the quick response. Thanks for confirming my thoughts. The ambient temperature was 90 and high humidity. It would just stay on and not cycle when checked original. The low side A/C line was cool not cold. This morning 75 degrees and not as humid. Worked correctly and cycled as it should. The A/C lines were cold. I hope it's just freon related. Is this also a symptom of an expansion valve problem? (Not trying to over think it) If I didn't say it before the blend door seems to operate properly, I also checked the condenser, it's clean
Thanks again,
Neil

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Monday, July 8th, 2024 AT 7:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,913 POSTS

Hi Neil,

At 90 degrees F, the low-pressure side should have been between 50 and 55 psi. I can't guarantee it, but I feel it is simply low on charge.

As far as the expansion valve, it is responsible for a few things, but I don't think by itself it would cause the pressure to be low and the system working as described.

Try adding refrigerant. See if that takes care of it.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, July 8th, 2024 AT 6:58 PM

NEIL2002CIVIC

MEMBER
119 POSTS

Hi Joe, I just bought the freon recharge kit. I'm very apprehensive. It has a sealer in it. I was taught not to put sealer in it could clog something. Your thoughts before I do anything. I was thinking of buying a small can of pure freon134a get the adaptor to pierce it. I can regulate/see the flow through sight glass on my gauge set. Been out of the loop for a bit. Your help is greatly appreciated! Neil

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 AT 9:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,913 POSTS

Hi,

First, you are very welcome. I just hope to be helpful. LOL As far as the sealer is concerned, it shouldn't hurt anything. If it is low on charge, you may have a very slight leak at some point. This would help resolve that for you.

Let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe