1999 Honda Accord Air Conditioner starting too late

1999 HONDA ACCORD
84,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TUMMAS
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My car AC is taking 10-15 mins to start flowing cool air and some times not starting at all. Mechanic had done leak check and there were no leaks found in the system.
Some times the AC is starting within a short time, mostly it is taking too long time(15 mins or more) to start flowing cool air.
pls advice.
Jun 27, 2009 at 5:12 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi tummas,

Thank you for the donation.

I would like to understand the problem so I need you to fill me in on the followings.

1. Is the compressor engaging immediately upon turning AC ON? Is it working when the AC is not cool?

2. What are the low and high pressure readings?

3. Was anything done prior to it happening?

4. Are the cooing fans working when AC is turned ON?
Jun 27, 2009 at 7:26 PM
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TUMMAS
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1. Is the compressor engaging immediately upon turning AC ON? Is it working when the AC is not cool?
Ans: Compressor is NOT getting engaged upon turning AC ON.

2. What are the low and high pressure readings?
Ans: Pls detail what is the meaning of pressure readings?
If RPM reading, then it is at 0.5 rpm.
If Temprature reading, then it was at around 11marks.

3. Was anything done prior to it happening?
Ans: In Mar'09 had fuel system(pump) replaced by Firestone.

4. Are the cooing fans working when AC is turned ON?
Ans: Yes.
Jun 28, 2009 at 9:37 AM
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KHLOW2008
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At 500 rpm engine idling speed, the compressor would not come on as the speed is too low. Recheck the idling speed. It should be 700 rpm. Clean the throttle body and IAC valve and readjust the idling speed to rectify the idling speed problem.

When compressor does not come on, are the fans working then? If yes, it could be a failing compressor clutch. If no, then it is because the compressor is not working so nothing to worry about.
Jun 28, 2009 at 11:49 AM
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TUMMAS
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I have rechecked the idling speed at which the AC starts. Around 1000RPM the AC is starting.

Fans are working as soon as i switch on AC, but there is NO cold air coming from it. AC is taking its own time to start(some times 15-20 mins, and some times within a minute).

Sometimes it also getting off and on on its own.

Kindly advice me, I am a new user of car, bought this car 4 months back.
Jul 1, 2009 at 7:36 AM
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KHLOW2008
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At 1000 rpm for the compressor to cut in is too high. It should be able to run at 700 rpm.

If the compressor is cycling On and OFF causing the erratic cooling, there is a possibility excessive freon had been filled. Hooking up test equipment to test the pressure would confirm this.
Jul 1, 2009 at 9:32 AM
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TUMMAS
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[quote:f8ad9c15ac="KHLow2008"]At 1000 rpm for the compressor to cut in is too high. It should be able to run at 700 rpm.

If the compressor is cycling On and OFF causing the erratic cooling, there is a possibility excessive freon had been filled. Hooking up test equipment to test the pressure would confirm this.[/quote:f8ad9c15ac]

I took the car to local mechanic, he recharged the a/c system with new freon, but still then the a/c is starting erratically and mechanic suggested some wiring problem. I wonder what could be this wiring problem?
Jul 24, 2009 at 5:43 PM
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KHLOW2008
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From your description of the compressor cutting in and out with the fans working, the most likely cause would be the compressor clutch or its wiring circuit.

Check compressor clutch clearance. Clearance should be .014-.026" (.36- .66 mm) and clutch coil resistance should be 3.4-3.8 ohms at 68°F (20°C). If clearance is okay, or if coil resistance is not to specification, replace compressor clutch coil.
Jul 25, 2009 at 10:47 AM
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TUMMAS
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[quote:d6324594b8="KHLow2008"]From your description of the compressor cutting in and out with the fans working, the most likely cause would be the compressor clutch or its wiring circuit.

Check compressor clutch clearance. Clearance should be .014-.026" (.36- .66 mm) and clutch coil resistance should be 3.4-3.8 ohms at 68°F (20°C). If clearance is okay, or if coil resistance is not to specification, replace compressor clutch coil.[/quote:d6324594b8]

Thanks for the info. Before that i want to share with you one observation that I made, the red wire connecting to ac compressor is not getting the power. Do you feel this could be the first reason for compressor not starting?
Jul 25, 2009 at 5:00 PM
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KHLOW2008
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That is the power supply for the compressor and is the cause if no voltage is available.

When compressor is not working, are the cooling fans running ? If not, you would have to check the clutch relay.
Jul 25, 2009 at 8:56 PM