1996 Honda Accord What causes clicking?

DETROIT_BLONDE

MEMBER
1996 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

After my 1996 Accord warms up and the engine rpms drop, the air conditioner compressor begins to cycle on and off very quickly. I hear clicks coming from the compressor area that I think may be the clutch engaging and releasing; the compressor moves a little each time The engine shimmies alot at the lower idle speed. This began recently following a tune-up. The low side a/c pressure is around 90 psi before start-up, drops to 30 psi when the compressor is on and then moves to 45 psi when the engine is shut off. On hot days the a/c takes forever to cool the interior. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi detroit_blonde,

If the idling speed is set too low, the AC would cut off and come back on when the rpm increases then cut again as the compressor load will lower the rpm.

With AC off, the idling rpm should be between 720 to 820 rpm. If you know how to adjust the idling screw, unloosen it until the rpm reaches 770.

If you do not know how to do it, get back to the guy who did the tune up and ask him to do it. Make sure engine is completely warmed up, the initial tuneup could have been done when the engine was not completely warmed up.

If the idling speed drops when the AC is turned on, you need to have the throttle and EACV cleaned, provided the valves clearances had not been adjusted too tight. (During the tune up, were the valve clearances adjusted?)

AC pressure reading seems ok.